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?

Brainwave is £35O HITC. Thanks for your comments HITC - you certainly dont offend me. Its good to get lots of views. I know what you mean about the sound of the website, but the lady that I spoke to was very lovely, definitely not hardsell and Brainwave is also a charity. The two people that I spoke to at Hydro couldnt sing their praises high enough, but then maybe they hadn't heard of BIBIC. I shall ask them what made them choose Brainwave at hydro this week and report back..

I would also be very grateful for your mum's views . I think I might also ask Brainwave themselves where they think they differ from BIBIC. I'll keep you posted

Glad I haven't offended Merlot . I am sure they are very good... but its difficult to know what will be best isn't it?

I have never wished for wealth but I do wish I had unlimited resources to be able to get dd all the help she could have rather than always having to try and weigh up her needs against what we can afford .

Because we have such a drastic shortage of NHS help here for ASD children I was told today that the NHS are now actually referring people to BIBIC for assessments....unfortunatley it is not covered by the NHS and families have to self fund!!!!

BIBIC's policy is that they never turn a family away due to financial difficulties....we got a full bursary due to hubby having 2 years off work following an accident. We have fund raised for BIBIC and my guys raised over £1,000 by holding a sponsored skateboarding marathon.....means there is more in the pot for others who would benefit from the support BIBIC have given us.

Just viewed the Brainwave video - very positive and gives out less `cure for everyone' vibes than perhaps the website does. Definitely worth a look. There does seem to be much more emphasis on Physio and movement than communication skills, so will definitely wait to see what BIBIC's video is like.

Ds2 did a few steps holding onto one hand today (amazing ) and stood for a few seconds unaided (he was sooo pleased with himself )

Awww, that's lovely news about ds2!
I'm planning to take a look at both BIBIC & Brainwave's videos. Did you manage to get more details from the mums who'd been to Brainwave?

Hi Chonky

Not spoken to other mums yet - Hydro is on Wednesday and I will report back then

I'd be interested to know your thoughts when you've had a chance to view the videos too

How's your dd?

She's good thanks I think her vision is slowly getting better
We're starting hydrotherapy too in Easter - I'm really looking forward to it (although not looking forward to having to get into a swimming cossie again)!!

LOL Chonky - yes that's the downside of hydrotherapy!

Are you joining a baby hydro group or is dd having one 2 one? A positive side of hydro, for me, has been actually meeting other mums whose kids have SN. I am actually beginning to feel less isolated

Lovely to hear that your dd's sight is improving - great news

It's a group session, so should be really fun. It's funny, but I'd be really sad if it was 1-to-1 as as you say it'd be all lonely. I just need to start the intense exercise regime NOW.

I'm really glad that you're meeting other mums with kids with SN . It made the world of difference to how I felt.

Chonky, I think you'll love hydro. We sing songs and generally have a great time

Hydro was cancelled today until further notice - apparently there is a problem with the pool. I was, therefore, unable to interrogate the other mums on why they chose Brainwave over BIBIC.

Oh no - shame about your hydro

Look forward to hearing about the results of your interrogation

Hi, we have been to brainwave with my baby son. He has a v v rare epilepsy syndrome, (only 13th in thw orld to ahve it), he is registered blind, fed via gastrostomy tube into his tummy via a pump, is quadriplegic and has up to 150 fits per day. Ask me anything you want about our experience at brainwave.

Hi dizzy34,

Just a couple of questions from me:

Did you look at BIBIC too, and if so why did you choose Brainwave?

How long does the daily therapy take at home? At present we do daily physio with dd, along with some time spent practising tracking & focusing for her vision.

Thanks

Hi dizzy34, thanks for posting on this thread. Are you new to Mumsnet - if so a big welcome

Really my questions are the same as Chonky's.

My little one's probs, are looking like they are going to be mainly on the cognetive and communication side and just wondered whether Brainwaves would suit or whether they are more geared up to physical disability?

Hiya, we didnt look at any other centres as brainwave was recommended to us. They work with any development issues, not only physical. You go for a 2 day assesment session. They have bungalows for familys to stay in. It costs £300.00, which m,may sound alot but we came away with a big physio table, a wedge, resistance ball to roll harry on and a roll. you also get two days of their expert knowledge. Our programme takes about 50 mins, some familys do it twice a day. Harrys progress has been slow but he is globally delayed and is assesed as his develoment being about an 8 week old baby. Every review is £150.00. During the two days, they assess the child on the first day, work out a routine on the second day, they show you how to do the routine and video it for you to take home.
Ring and have a chat or email them.

Thanks dizzy34

Hi I am new to this forum and relatively new to the whole SEN thing.

Have a 20mth old with pretty severe VI but no other difficulties.

I wonder if anyone can give me any advice on handling social interaction with sighted children who find my daughter's need to be up close and in in their space difficult. Obviously I hate seeing the rejection but she is as yet unbothered.

She is my 4th child - the others are all sighted - but this is beginning to feel rather new and different.

We went to Brainwave at the end of last year. Ds2 has cp affecting his whole body and gdd. They were absolutely lovely and it was lovely to spend time with people who wanted to listen and help in practical terms (our childrens' centre has been useless - really negative and hampered by long waiting lists too). The programme also made a huge difference and he's come on loads. It provides the structure for slotting in various other exercises / activities which have been recommended to us by other private therapists. NHS still to offer practical help. So far only got equipment (and a lot of grief) out of them. Depends what your particular concerns are I suppose and if your getting any help from anyone else.