Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Flip

Original poster

Highchair for autistic child

12 replies

whenwilligetsomesleep · 04/04/2013 10:24

Hello. I have an autistic child aged 3 who has recently learned how to undo his highchair strap and try and rock it over while I make his meal. He is 15kg so on the upper end for most high chairs. As I am on my own with him at mealtimes I need a secure seat for him to stay in while I make his meal. He cannot just be left to play while I go and get food as he has no sense of danger and is very hyper. Equally he won't stay in the room with me while I make food . I'm looking for a stable chair with a harness that isn't going to bankrupt me. Anyone got any ideas?

OP posts:

silverfrog · 04/04/2013 10:29

what I did when dd1 was that age was:

playpen/safe area screened off in the kitchen (or right next to it), so I knew she couldn't get into too much trouble.

have her in the kitchen with me free range (depended a lot on her mood!) with a gate/barrier at the door to keep her in with me.

make meals ahead/batch cook (including pasta/rice) and have them frozen in portions so that I could just go to kitchen, bung in microwave/oven, set timer, and go back to her.

I sympathise, it is hard when you get to an enforced routine change (enforced by the fact that your ds is getting too big for a high chair), and it can be impossible to see your way through.

I hope you find a solution that works for you

PolterGooseLaidAChocolateEgg · 04/04/2013 10:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sneezecakesmum · 04/04/2013 10:39

The breezi is like the Tripp trapp but for SN so is very sturdy. Can you get a harness that does up at the back? It's easy enough to make custom harnesses that have fastenings in an out of reach area. I've done this.

Original poster

whenwilligetsomesleep · 04/04/2013 10:42

Unfortunately play pens and gates are not an option as my son vaults over them. Will have a look at the other chairs. Back fastening harness sounds like a good idea. Thanks :)

OP posts:

zzzzz · 04/04/2013 12:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MareeyaDolores · 04/04/2013 13:38

Tripp trapp with a crelling harness

adelinehillman · 04/04/2013 13:39

My OT recommended we get a Tripp Trapp chair for my DS who has ASD. he's 5 now and still uses it without the attachment. they are not cheap, but you can buy them from ebay. Also with Tripp Trapp they have the place to put your feet which is supposed to help calm the child and enable them to stay in one place and wriggle less. It has helped.

rundontwalk · 04/04/2013 17:22

Does your ds see an ot? Ours supplied a breezi chair for home & school (one is a teezi breezi) & they are good.

Ineedmorepatience · 04/04/2013 17:44

In the meantime, do you have a buggy. Dd3 used to sit in her buggy with an impossible to undo 5 point harness in front of the TV for short bursts of time, like putting food in and out of the oven.

I had buggy clips with books and toys on too to keep her busy.

Good luck

RafflesWay · 04/04/2013 17:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

whenwilligetsomesleep · 04/04/2013 19:17

Thanks everyone. Will have a look into all those options. He doesn't have an OT yet. Trying to get him an appointment.

OP posts:

imrosesdad · 20/06/2013 00:36

hello,
contact the council and get assessed for a chair we got a breezi chair. also defiantly prepare up front. even if its just chopping and peeling the night before.

Flip