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SN children

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Original poster

Chill out space for Aspie boy at school

16 replies

Wrigglystar · 17/06/2011 19:59

Hi All, I'm a long term lurker as I'm always wary of posting anything, after a bad experience on another forum but I'd love any advice on this:
My DS is 6, has Aspergers and is about to go into the second year of school. The school, which is tiny, is moving into a new building. They are really keen to get the environment right for my DS which is great. We have chatted a lot about a quiet space where he can go and they are willing to hear our ideas. I'd love to hear any thing that's worked for your kids. It will be a space or corner in a large room. We've talked about a pop-up tent which is a cheap option but I think not sturdy enough (I can just imagine him rolling around the room inside it!). I feel like this is my chance to get it right - he has really struggled this year.
Any ideas?

OP posts:

unfitmother · 17/06/2011 20:02

DS was told to use the sofa outside the office as a refuge, at least the staff could see him.

Goblinchild · 17/06/2011 20:08

Corner, blocked off with a heavy drape from the wall, over a pole and dropped down, and a beanbag to slump on inside it.
That's one safe space I rigged for a child a few years ago. It was next to a window, but we put translucent paper over it.
What does he do at home when he's stressed?
My Aspie used to crawl under his bed.

EllenJaneisnotmyname · 17/06/2011 20:29

Pop up tent definitely at risk from rolling child! That's all mine ever did inside them! Goblin's idea sounds good, a comfy corner or alcove safely screened off, with some theraputty or whatever rocks his boat as a stress reliever.

Original poster

Wrigglystar · 18/06/2011 09:03

Thanks I like that idea Goblinchild.
At home it's enough to shut the door to his room and read the dictionary/ instruction manuals or whatever his current thing is. I guess we could put some of them inside the space.
Glad to know my intuition about pop up tent is right!

OP posts:

lisad123 · 18/06/2011 10:08

We have one of these for DD1 here

We have a weighted blanket in there a few pillows and tangle toys. HTH

chuckeyegg · 18/06/2011 12:08

Lisad123 that looks great, did you buy it for the school? Is it used by her exclusively?

Ineedalife · 18/06/2011 12:33

Our local Toy library has one of those safe space things that lisad mentioned.

Maybe you could try to borrow one to see if it is sturdy enough/big enough for your Ds.

Just a thought..

chuckeyegg · 18/06/2011 12:56

Yes he is quite big, I know they don't have one at our toy library. Thanks Indeedalife.

smileANDwave2000 · 18/06/2011 14:56

our dcs last school had a small room for my dc with soft lighting and cushions (no toys or it becomes a place used to get out of lessons they dont like) but they did this and have decided to use it not just for dc but any child whos upset and needs some time out and im sure over the years dc wont be the only child needing it.

Original poster

Wrigglystar · 18/06/2011 16:24

That looks great LisaD, might be a bit small for my DS. DH has suggested making one similar but bigger, I wont stand in his way!

Thanks for all suggestions

OP posts:

AttilaTheMeerkat · 18/06/2011 16:46

Wriggly

Slightly different tack here.

Does your DS have a Statement in place re school?.

If not I would apply to the LEA for such a document asap.

Original poster

Wrigglystar · 18/06/2011 17:42

Thanks Attila, we're in Scotland so it's a different system, he does have an IEP though.

OP posts:

lisad123 · 18/06/2011 20:51

its quite large, my dd1 is 8 years old and she and her 3 year old sister both fit in :)

lewisk · 18/08/2011 08:31

Hiya. We have found tangle toys to be very calming - we get our's from:
www.greatlittlerewards.co.uk/tangles_s/87.htm and they've worked really well at distracting and calming our son. Don't know if this is useful?

Swiddle · 18/08/2011 11:40

Hi - for my AS ds, blocking out sound can help at stressful times. A soundproof room would probably be inappropriate, but maybe some headphones or ear shields could be added to the quiet corner, for extra peace.

coff33pot · 18/08/2011 12:54

Our DS infant school bought him a pop up tent and it was a disaster. He has tents at home for playing in so it didnt work. Plus it was put in the main hall throughfare which is still not quiet. Also other kids want to play in it and he became angry as they keep on sticking their heads in. They tried the corner of the class room but that was a no go because he could still here the chaos in the class. DS wanted the cupboard (large walk in space) with a door on it and light inside. So if they have a cupboard large enough in their new place perhaps painting blackout paint and UV lighting in that would be good enough with some UV flourescent fixtures or wall shapes might help, and some soft cushions on the floor.

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