Gentle teaching as an empowering approach to challenging behaviour

This article illustrates how gentle teaching (GT) has helped to liberate a young woman with severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviour and how this process has empowered her parents. The story of Amanda (told by her mother) is sadly not unique and many families are struggling at home with their son or daughter, with very little practical guidance and support. The author (JA) met Amanda's mother (IS) at a GT course run for parents in 1990, where she was acting as one of the facilitators. The author maintained involvement with the family after the course ended and regular visits were made to the home to work with Amanda and her parents. The visits were recorded in a diary and reflection with the parents took place on every visit.