ABSTRACT
One of the important pointers was the implication, for the family unit, of a member who might become the centre of interest. By studying Christopher in the family setting the authors gradually set up a system of planned learning through self-advocacy, which meant that Christopher could be assisted to reach his full potential, while the rest of the family could also reach theirs. He had learned to use his knowledge of his family's preferences in order to negotiate times and places for his own interests. Christopher former experience in the family is of use when he represents his friends in the CARE organisation where he now lives. As a young child, Gavin often appeared to be uncomfortable in his environment. With hindsight, the authors believe that this was the result of distorted sensory input, visual, auditory and touch. Having decided that Gavin had a hearing problem but definitely was not deaf, we set about trying to identify the problem.
