Can you please tell me of any problems you have overcome with your SN child

[anniebear]

I go to a SN Toy Library with Grace and Ellie and the other week I mentioned that wouldn't it be great if we had a leaflet that had lots of different problems in that parents have over come with their SN child and how you have done it.

So they said "go on then"!!!

An example.....

I had a terrible time with Ellie, whenever we came home she would scream and scream as soon as we got to the house. I didn't have a clue why she did it. It was mentioned that she may get a bit confused and not really know what she was to do when she came in. Grace would know that she was going to play with her dolls, I would be off to do tea, but Ellie wouldn't be able to think out in her head what she was to do.

It was suggested to us to give her a choice of 3 things, so when we came in and were all bustling round taking shoes,coats off etc she could pick a jigsaw/book etc and keep hold of it whilst she was having her coat taken off, so she had something visual to hold so she knew what she was going to do....it worked, no more screaming/tantrums

I just thought if you could tell me any problems you have had that you have over come, how have you done it.

It would just be a leaflet (no names needed) that would sit in the SN Toy Library that Parents could have a look through if they were having particular problems.

Anything from sleep, behaviour, feeding, an activity they couldn't do etc

Maybe we will get some idea's also!

Thanks

Ds2 (2.8yrs) always found it hard to tolerate wearing clothes. When his tolerance levels were low he even stripped off outside in the middle of winter. I massaged his skin with baby lotion each day using firm pressure. Later I would wrap him in a fleecey blanket too to get him used to different textures. He will now generally keep his clothes on outside and is now starting to keep his clothes on while indoors a couple of times a week.

my ds has major problems changing tasks so we use a timer for things he struggles with and give him a 5 min visual warning (hold 5 fingers up) just before his timer goes off. I also race with him with things he doesn't like doing ie washing his teeth, getting dressed or walking somewhere he usually beats me. We have a 1st and 2nd winner so no-one loses.

DS1 was awful about having feet measured at the shoe shop. I got a foot measuring gauge from the Vertbaudet catalogue and we practised and practised and practised at home, playing "shoe shops". At first he wouldn't even let me put the gauge near his foot but gradually he overcame his dislike of it and eventually he was able to get his feet measured in a shoe shop.

Ds2 is SO big for his age, the normal baby walkers were just useless. So I bought the ELC push along wooden truck (with bricks) and dh changed the handle to one of a greater height. Works a treat

What a great idea, and a really positive one. I guess tips on walking are that if they have the strength and balance but not the confidence to walk independently, like my DS1, get them holding onto toys or a wooden skipping rope handle in our case, and then try letting go and seeing if they keep going. Also, DS1 seemed to lose his confidence again after a bout of independent walking but is now going great guns again with reins on, loosely held at the back just so he knows he won't fall.

This will probably sound silly. Sorry. DS2 has hearing problems and related speech issues. He's clear though if he sings, so we are getting him to sing his day to us after school.

That doesn't sound silly at all Peachy, I think that's lovely .

yes thats really nice Peachy

just bumping in case somebody missed it

Thanks everyone

Peachy that is a brilliant idea. Music and singing engages different parts of the brain (than the ones used for speech)so it malkes sense.
I know that in some establishments,instructions are sung-I think this and the accompanying tune would really help 'jog' the memory and language centres of the brain.

Great thread ab.I'm feeling a bit thick at present but will really think over the next few days....

Pictorial timetables and schedules are a must I reckon.
Would also suggest personalised sequence cards (done with digital camera) that can be posted up where relevant (wiping bottom,flushing,washing hands and so on)

What else...???
One of the brilliant teachers I work with who is also into diy,built a plywood cupboard with perspex door in which to house the television that her pupils kept fiddling with. Very simple and effective.One of the Sunday papers also suggested tying a long ribbon to your remote control so that when it is 'liberated' it is easier to find.

Also, for PECS users grappling with 4 step correction procedure,video someone competent doing it,then watch it over and over,doing it in parallel.
I did it for the families I worked with.

Finally,with special equipment of any sort (eg OT) don't assume that it has to be 'prescribed' by the relevant professional. If you've half a brain,ask for what catalogue they use and procure a copy.Often easier and quicker to buy stuff like plate guards (fit like a tiny wall on one side of the plate to stop food spilling over when scooped up)and adapted cups and utensils yourself.

Same with SALT.Don't go buying complicated and expensive assessments and remedial language kits but our catalogues have loads of useful and reader friendly books,manuals,games and so on.

I particularly like Winslow Press, LDA and Psychological Corporation

Will think AnnieBear, some FAB ideas here

when buying from places like inclusive technology always ask whether the product can be bought VAT free.

They sing a lot of instructions at ds1's school.

Baka,Inclusive also do a 10% discount for parents (or maybe it's the vat you mention???)

Bit confused now.
Whatever,ask for discounts!