Please sign in if your child with SN might benefit from access to a toy hand-dryer

[lingle]

Following the success of DS2's "Henry" toy vacuum cleaner, and the introduction of the extra-noisy Dyson hand-dryers in toilets, I have telephoned Dyson this morning to ask if they could arrange access to a toy version of their hand-dryer.

The gentleman in the "airblade" department was open to the idea of helping, and has asked me to email him with further details. I guess the ideal would be a toy version with a volume-control, so it could start off very quiet, but build up to volumes more like those in toilets. We could share it around as our kids reached the stage where it might be of benefit (or maybe they would make more than one!).

Obviously Dyson would be able to view this thread online as mumsnet is public, so if you do sign in, you may wish to consider a temporary name-change.

Thanks.

I'd like one for DS2 for same reason as Clarissimo - he loves them and would like one as a toy. It would also stop him from asking to go to the toilet just so he can try out the hand-driers!

It's funny, as he used to be terrified when he was younger.

I care for NT children who are scared of the dryers. Not just Dyson dryers though, it's all dryers... it's the noise more than anything else.

One way to possibly do the volume control would be to digitally record the sound, then reduce the volume - so resulting in say 5 different sound files... then have the toy dryer set to use a sample of a certain volume. Think that may be a better way to do things than have the toy dryer have a variable volume control. Technology wise not sure what is easier to do... or cost effective to do.

It would be a good idea. My daughter (4.9) flips out everytime she hears the handdryer in toilets. She`s screaming and crying and terrified of it. Unfortunately her primary school fitted with them as well, so school time can be just as challenging for her.

ds hates any loud or whuuuurrring noises so would definatly benifit from a volume control one.

Yep, my DS can't do any handdryers. It is a nightmare when we are out and about, so we'd be up for that idea, too.

I will chase Dyson. Keep signing in meanwhile!

Hi all

Camilla from Dyson here. I've only just come across this, so apologies for the late response.

I will do some digging to see where this has got to. I cannot make any promises that we'll be able to organise something, but I'll do my best.

Doubt that this will be much comfort, but we are looking at ways to make the Airblade quieter. As I'm sure you'll appreciate, you need a fast efficient motor to generate the oomph to make them work so quickly. But fast, powerful efficient motors do make noise! A catch 22, but it is being looked at. I promise.

Best wishes,
Camilla

Hi Camilla, thanks for your message. We will look forward to hearing from you, either on here or in reply to the email I sent (please don't use my real name on here as we all talk anonymously - sorry that is probably obvious)

I have recently found this forum and have just read this thread, I my Dd3 aged 7 [ being assessed for an ASD], came across a dyson hand dryer for the first time a couple of weeks ago at Whipsnade. She dashed in to the ladies with me and stopped dead in her tracks at the noise. I thought she was going to be sick but she managed to reverse very quickly. I agree she probably needs to get used to the noise as they get more common but I think she would be horrified if we had even a toy one at home.
She has developed the most amazing bladder and will avoid public toilets if at all possible. It's either the dryers or the smell that gets her.
Great forum tho I am glad to be here.

DD2 hated dryers too, but seems to have gradually de-sensitized. First, I got her to veru briefly use some of the quieter models, and now she's okay with louder ones.
I don't she's used a Dyson one yet so will have to see. I imagine she will like the feel, but they are a lot louder so might scare her.

Sazisi, I long for the day DS2 is desensitised!

The trouble is that often you can't be consistent because sometimes you have to frog-march them in.

Camilladyson, if you are still reading, what is Dyson's policy on seeking to install its Airblade dryer in disabled toilets, given the high proportion of disabled children who have sensory issues and thus are scared to visit the disabled toilet if it has a dryer in it?

Hi lingle

When developing new technology we always adhere to the official guidelines set out by the important bodies (I will come back with the official names) in all countries that it'll be sold in. And I know that the Airblade has cleared all standards set out - some are noisier than it.

Where the Airblades are installed comes down to the person that buys it, not us. We do sell some machines direct, but which loos a venue chooses to put them in isn't our call. And often they're sold via a distributor. I hope that doesn't sound dismissive, but that's generally how it works and it is out of our hands.

I am going to pass the link of this thread on to the sound team, because I know it will be of interest.

And to reassure you, I will keep your name off this thread. Happy to provide my real name though should anyone want to get in touch: camilla dot rigby at dyson dot com.

Best wishes,
Camilla

Thanks for the reply Camilla .

Let's see how we get on with the toy. Looking forward to hearing more in due course.

It's not just kids and it's not just kids with SN! First time I saw one was at Alton Towers, I figured out where my hands went and jumped a mile, didn't expect them to be so loud.

I do like the sensation though

LOL lollipop violet.

I got a good tip yesterday - suggested that I get DS2 to count how many seconds the hand-dryer went on for. He stood outside a loo listening and counting with interest yesterday - normally he's just thinking about whether I'm going to force him inside!

Just a quick note to say thank you very much to Dyson, who couriered the empty shell of an air-blade to me. They suggest we contact the manufacturers of the toy vacuum cleaners to suggest a toy hand-dryer.

DS2 loves his silent hand-dryer, and proudly pretends to dry his hands in it (he makes the noise) every time he goes to the loo.

I have abandoned all attempts at forcing him into public toilets with hand-dryers now. We are doing the "count how long the noise lasts" from safe distances outside the toilets, which he really enjoys. We have also bought some very cool lime green ear defenders which have helped him actually use my hair-dryer - this is a big step forward. I will organise myself to start carrying the ear defenders about with me.

He obviously longs to be able to walk past/use the hand-dryers like his friends, so it will come.

Once he is desensitised, I will pass the airblade shell on, either via my local SN support group or via this board - but it's far too heavy to post!

Well done, Lingle, that's brilliant!

well, sort of paying off...

he still won't enter a public toilet that has one.

still, we plough on, we plough on.....

Just to encourage you - This is DS1 now a great fan of Hand dryers gallery.me.com/moirajs#100011/Hand%20drier%20Heaven&bgcolor=black

He loves them now though didn't when younger ! They are scary for any child so don't gt too hung up on it.

thanks guys!

I like the picture Cyber - I will show it to DS2 who will like it too.

This will be DS2 one day - he loves the blowing bit.