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Help! Autistic 2 year old can climb out of playpen/cot

6 replies

whenwilligetsomesleep · 19/04/2012 19:19

I really need some help from anyone who has been in the same position. I have an autistic 2 year old who is physically very able but has no comprehension of language (or sense of danger). He does not talk at all and doesn't understand tone of voice eg. if I say no. I am on my own with him for most of the day and (as any other human being) I sometimes need to put him in a safe place while I go to the toilet or run his bath. For this purpose I used a playpen literally for 5-10 minutes a few times a day. Last week he managed to launch himself out of it and land on his head. It was very scary and upsetting especially as I had thought that he was safe as he is within the age/weight range of the product. I got rid of that one and bought a sturdier one with higher sides. I have seen him try to climb it and essentially if he wants to get out he will and soon. Equally his cot has the same length of sides. Although he sleeps in a gro bag which mostly stops him climbing. But if he wanted to he could throw himself over the sides. I have put an inflatable mattress on the floor in case. This is all causing me so much stress as I HAVE to leave him for a few minutes to go to the bathroom and I know he isn't safe. At the moment I am doing so and running round like a headless chicken incase it happens again. I should be clear that he cannot be left in a room on his own as he jumps on things and throws himself off risking injuries. So does anyone know of a product for his age group that would provide a small safe play space and wont bankrupt me? Any advice would be appreciated (and before you ask, no he wont just wait while i use the bathroom, he runs off or destroys the bathroom.

OP posts:
MadameSin · 19/04/2012 19:29

Try posting this on 'Special Needs:Children' board ... lots of knowledge over there. Good luck!!

LesAnimaux · 19/04/2012 19:30

Can you make his bedroom 100% safe (or as near as possible!) and put a full gate on the door (rather than, or as well as a door, IYSWIM)

EBDTeacher · 19/04/2012 20:09

Would getting a safespace be an investment for the future? Might be something the LA disabilities team would fund for you?

whenwilligetsomesleep · 19/04/2012 20:10

Thanks MadameSin have reposted. LesAnimaux we have made his room as safe as possible and he still can hurt himself (runs into walls etc) thanks anyway though.

OP posts:
whenwilligetsomesleep · 19/04/2012 20:32

EBDTeacher I looked at these and they look great although obviously very expensive. I need to take advice re funding. Plus he's so young i guess i'm just hoping he will develop to a point where he can play safely for a few minutes/sleep in bed without this. Maybe i'm just kidding myself. I dont know. I just thought maybe there might be a stop gap solution.

OP posts:
whenwilligetsomesleep · 19/04/2012 20:32

EBDTeacher I looked at these and they look great although obviously very expensive. I need to take advice re funding. Plus he's so young i guess i'm just hoping he will develop to a point where he can play safely for a few minutes/sleep in bed without this. Maybe i'm just kidding myself. I dont know. I just thought maybe there might be a stop gap solution.

OP posts:
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