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Serious hard-core childproofing help needed! I could cry...

12 replies

BitOfFun · 31/12/2008 12:07

My autistic daughter, aged 8, is getting pretty darned good at getting into any room, even though I have latches high up on every door. Her main source of amusement seems to be utterly trashing stuff, rockstar-style...in the last 24 hours she has emptied all the lovely expensive smellies we got each other for Xmas down the bath, flushed down with a tankful of hot water before we thought "eh up, it's gone quiet up there"; smeared all my lipsticks over the livingroom walls, gone through any choccy boxes any of us had left and ripped open some of the games, scattering the pieces to the four winds. Obviously we try to keep a close eye on her, but literally as soon as your back is turned she can be off. My house is a pit, and with her being like this, it's hard to imagine how it could be otherwise.

I know I need a serious clear-out, but I need some lock ideas too I think. I was thinking maybe those keypad security ones schools have, so we don't need to carry keys like jailers (she may not be far off sussing them anyway)- anyone got any ideas where you get them? Would social services fit them or pay for them? Any other ideas? I guess SN experts here might be able to help, but of be grateful for any suggestions...I am feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. My eldest is watching her now while I try to get a shower etc for work, but it's almost impossible to do the simplest of things like that, and I'm tearing my hair out - help!

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Clarissimo · 31/12/2008 12:12

I feel your pain BoF- ds1 can be much like this.

What has triggered it? At that age I think childproofing is difficult- other than adlocks I've not yet found anything ds1 can't bypass.

We have contact relay alrams (aka shed alarms) on his door so we now when he gets out, they're cheap- £15? from maplins (if you see anything like that you fancy I will see if Dh can get it on a works order to cut off a bit off price for you- just cat or TTR (are you on there? I lose track) me. or put a shout out.

OT are looking into locks / aarms for me, do you have a good OT?

Heated · 31/12/2008 12:22

At work we have these but no idea of cost.

BitOfFun · 31/12/2008 14:20

Thankyou so much for replying- I'm going to call that lock company heated, and thanks for the support clarissimo, I'll have a think of where to go from here and maybe get in touch? You are very kind . Sorry it took me a while to come back, I've just got a chance to get back here ok my phone from work. I got told it wasn't essential to come in at all today, but I think a break from her while my poor old mum takes over may just stop me throttling her, lol!

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Heated · 31/12/2008 14:27

I sympathise, I go to work for the break too!

BitOfFun · 31/12/2008 21:41

Ive tried calling the lock company, but I need to ring back after the fifth. It is hugely expensive, but I'm going to contact OT (I know they are there, but haven't used them yet) and look again at the rowntree foundation website for funding. In the meantime I have had an epiphany, probably prompted by clarissimo's mention of padlocks...at first I discounted them because I didn't want to have to use keys, but I have realized I've seen them with combinations too! Which is basically a lower priced version of the superduper code locks, if a little less convenient. So- thanks both of you, I feel loads better: I can get the padlocks in a few days, and work on the better ones with some breathing space. And my new years resolution is to clean and chuck out, then sort some proper storage.

Cheers again for the help to clear my head- I was getting well stressed...honestly, my stomach was really upset, and my psoraisis has flared up horribly, but I feel I've got the situation under control now, so hopefully I'll feel much better too

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stillenacht · 31/12/2008 21:43

thanks for this guys - can see my DS2 needing some of this stuff sooner or later xxxxx

BitOfFun · 31/12/2008 21:46

It's so stressful, isn't it? You gotta love the little buggas tho

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stillenacht · 31/12/2008 21:47

Indeed - my DS gave me his first ever unprompted hug the other day

Was magical

BitOfFun · 31/12/2008 21:48

When they're asleep anyway! (I can hear her now, grrr!)

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stillenacht · 31/12/2008 21:49

thats it - "when they're bed and asleep" as my dad says

BitOfFun · 31/12/2008 21:59

Funnyyou say that- after todays incident, about an hour later, she came and gave me a proper cuddle, and it really felt like she was saying sorry. I mean, I know she can't help herself, and she'll do it again, but still... It cheered me up no end! Happy New Year stillenacht, clarissimo and heated, onwards and upwards, eh? X x x

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stillenacht · 31/12/2008 22:09

and to you to bitoffun xxxx

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