Brainwaves centre in Bridgwater Somerset - anyone been?

[Merlot]

We're thinking of going along to get a `programme' for ds2. Anyone been? How did you find it?

Do you mean Bibic Merlot? As I am off to Bibic in Bridgwater, Somerset with dd next month for an assessment and programme.

I may well be wrong, but this isn't the same place as BIBIC is it, Merlot? I just wondered because that's near Bridgwater too. If it is then Jimjams has been, and I'm sure some other people on here. That wasn't much help really, was it!

Great minds, BH

This is brainwave ... I don't know anything about it thought!

Certainly do tamum!

No it's definitely not the same place!

Sorry, but next obvious question is what's BIBIC?

Sorry, meant to say thank you

Merlot details here

Thanks BH. I think they are fairly similar places aren't they? I've just ordered the video, so that when I get the video from Brainwaves I can compare.

I only know about Brainwaves because a couple of people recommended it at hydro the other day.

I am not sure Merlot. I don't think Brainwaves would be right for my dd by the sound of it.
I have heard a lot about Bibic and am very excited and nervous about our visit next month.
Scared at what they will say. Silly or what?

Yes, I know what you mean. I like the idea of doing something really positive though - even though there are no guarantees of course.

Out of interest, why dont you think Brainwaves would be right for your dd? Just curious really -I am so anxious to choose the right place for ds2

BH - following on from my previous post. I guess its because it doesn't look so geared towards the Autistic spectrum?

Hi Merlot - Well we are not sure if dd is on the spectrum TBH (hasn't been confirmed as the pros aren't sure but I think she is mildly)
Feel that Bibic is more for us as dd's problems are all in the area of language and communication. She isn't delayed in anything apart from that really. Bibic have a lot of therapists trained in that kind of area. The SALT input is also of great interest.

Have to say I hadn't heard of Brainwave before thought Merlot. You don't have a dx for ds yet do you?

We went to BIBIC and have got our second assessment in May. We looked at three assessment centres....DDAT and Brainwave being the others.

Personally I found BIBIC to be the best for us as a family and since going their understand J so much more. It was a fantastic experience to have the oppurtunity to see a body of professionals all uner one roof and to get their input and advice.

Good Luck in which ever you choose.

Thanks BH You're right, ds2 has no dx yet. He is globally delayed but his biggest problem area atm seems to be his understanding and expressive language.

Brainwaves did mention on the phone that they dont have SALTs working with them, so I think now that I know there are other places around, I ought to look very carefully.

Hi Jaysmum - can't wait for the BIBIC video now.

Merlot....the SALT intervention we got from BIBIC was excellent.....she "listened"to our concerns.....the first time any SALT hah really taken on board what we were saying......she confirmed our suspicions that J was presenting with SPD....she said without any doubt.....all the other SALT's we had seen were using the "lets suck it and see" approach....well if they confirm something then they have to act upon it, so by not dxing it saves time and money!!!!!!

Once we had her report we were able to access SALT here very quickly and now J gets a really good input from our local therapist.....without her report we would have been at the bottom of the list and still waiting!!!!

If you want any more info about BIBIC just CAT me....

BIBIC does sound excellent. Does anyone know if BIBIC also do a more motor based programme if needed? My dd has gdd, but her motor development & visual impairment seem more significant at this stage than her speech delay.
Brainwaves is definitely worth a look too for us - I've just mailed them.

T%hey treat the all sorts of difficulties and have a resident team of professionals.....OT, Physio, SALT etc

Excuse the mistakes....I had my nails done and they are very long....I keep hitting too many keys!!!!! Must file them down!!!!

OOOh dont tell me you've become a footballer's wife! Jays Mum Only jealous, 'cos my nails are stumps!!

Just got the information from Brainwaves Chonky - it does sound really good and probably worth your while checking out

Just need to see the BIBIC stuff now

Beetroot .

My mum used to be a social worker working in the field of disability in Somerset and her contacts all definitely recommended BIBIC for our dd (learning disability, global delay). I think they are generally very well respected. She has never mentioned Brainwave but I could ask her if she has heard anything.

I would personally be a bit concerned about Brainwave - purely from their website intro page. I'm just always a bit suspicious of anything that is using a kind of 'we can cure your child' approach. I know it isn't as overt as that but there is definitely an element of that in there and I just feel it tugs at parents heart strings and maybe gives them false hope. I also really don't like the reference to 'tradgedy' in the opening paragraph. That isn't how I see kids with SN, certainly not where their condition is just who they are rather than something that happens to them.

Sorry if I upset/offend anyone with that. It is just my personal opinion. I know nothing about them but I didn't get good vibes from the website, that's all.

I guess the other thing to consider is how much they cost. Think BIBIC is about £700 but a lot of people get help with funding.