Keeping busy with non- verbal toddler

[MagicPeach]

I have spoken on here before about my failure to secure a nursery place for my son as I didn't realise how long the waiting lists were and I don't want to just leave him anywhere. I'm trying to keep busy with him as he gets older and we seem to be stuck in a rut with him just being glued to the screen (my fault for letting it get this bad, I know)
I've tried sensory classes and soft play but he has a meltdown at most of the places I take him to, obviously I'm not sure what it is that sets him off. We do gymnastics weekly and he seems to like that. Not sure if it's because it's a big space with not so many chn. I've tried some places like children's centres but as soon as he sees water/sand, he sets out to make a mess by tipping most of it out. Some of these are indoor and the organisers haven't been too happy about that due to health and safety etc.
I love him to pieces but I feel so bad that I dread our days because his lack of communication makes it so difficult to know what to do with him.
Anyone in a similar boat?

How old is DS? Have you tried SN groups? Sometimes special schools have SN playgroups or SN preschool sessions so it is worth looking if any nearby do.

It sounds like DS likes sensory play but can’t cope with groups. You could try some of the activities in this booklet at home. Do you have any sensory toys/equipment at home?

If DS enjoys gymnastics have you tried other exercise classes e.g. dance or football. Or tried taking him swimming?

Have you tried keeping a diary to try to spot DS’s triggers? Would he wear ear defenders?

Thanks so much. My DS is 3- I didn't think about looking into special school groups so will definitely check that out.
Thanks for the booklet too, I have lots of bits and bobs to do more sensory play at home.
I haven't tried any other exercise classes but I did see football at my nearby secondary. They have a free trial class too so might give that a go.

A diary sounds like a good plan too- I think this might help when going forward with the paediatrician too.

If DS is 3 have you spoken to the LA? Sometimes they give priority for those with SEN in maintained nurseries. Some areas also have specialist nursery places for those who are undergoing an EHCNA or need to go through the EHCNA process. On that note, have you requested an EHCNA?

Thank you. I haven't spoken to the LA about the possibility of him attending a maintained nursery but I will do. I haven't requested an EHCNA. I was contacted by an organisation to have him assessed in a group of chn to see what support he might need but I'm really sceptical about how many of these observations they ask for and literally 0 support is given in terms of speech therapy, hearing tests etc.

You should request an EHCNA ASAP. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use. Will DS be starting school this year or next?

Worth trying a few different playgroups. I found a good one that was in a big church hall, it was more of an old style one where there was no messy play or fancy planned activities just loads of different toys, ride on cars etc. my daughter was quite happy just pottering around by herself exploring the different toys. It helped her get used to being around other kids even if she wasn't interacting with them.

We used to go to the play park at least once a week. Soft play. Swimming (just for fun, she wouldn't have engaged with lessons at that age). A toddler gymnastics session, again this was unstructured just equipment and staff who helped them use it if wanted. A forest walk/beach to throw stones in the water.

I found having one activity planned for each day preferably in the morning best. That let her use her brain and some energy and then in the afternoon we played at home and had screen time to chill out.

Thank you. He is due to start reception in 2025

Thank you. I def needed some inspo. We like mornings too. He has an unstructured gym class which is nice. I really dislike the parks near me, I wish I lived in a slightly safer area. But we are lucky to have plenty of church play groups and such so I will
Make more effort to check those out