Generalised vs specific support: The Goldilocks effect

I was recently on a train where there were two parents discussing autism. One of the women’s children had just been diagnosed autistic. The other woman proudly announced that she was very experienced in autism and would “easily be able to meet the autistic child’s needs.”

She continued for some time talking about her expertise in supporting autistic children. Meanwhile, the other woman looked even more exhausted than she did when she got on the train. My brain then started wondering about how the individual needs of an autistic person could be explained so that people would understand.

Somehow, I ended up thinking about Goldilocks. If we answer these questions using only yes or no answers, what do we get?

1. Does Goldilocks like sitting on chairs?

2. Does Goldilocks like sleeping in beds?

3. Does Goldilocks like eating porridge?

The answer to all three questions is of course yes and based on this, you could easily assume that if you had a chair, bed and a bowl of porridge it would be easy to meet Goldilocks’ needs.

Of course of those familiar with the story know that Goldilocks was not that easily pleased, and their needs were not easily met. It had to be the right chair, the right bed, and the right bowl of porridge.

As we start to get ready for the start of another school year, if you are concerned about your child’s needs being met, think Goldilocks!

Is your child getting specific support that is right for them rather than a broader, more generalised level of support?