One thing that I do not do well with is ask for help. I have an amazing support group that cheers me on and has been offering me help for years that I have been to proud to take.
While Gunnar's life has not changed as of yet, there have been a vast world of opportunities opened to him. I have received a list of recommendations for his psychologist that should help ease some of his everyday struggles. I feel like doing this makes less time for me to focus on the other kids so I am not going to be too proud to ask for help with this.
So here is what I need help with...if you can donate your time...I love you for it...if you have suggestions that I can use to help make things easier...I love you for it...if you have resources or recommendations...I love you for it. Anything you can do to help us out would be of great help to make sure that we can get him on the path of healing as soon as possible...and not totally neglect the other kids.
Sleep Items: Since Gunnar doesn't sleep, and this is a common symptom of Autistic Children there have been suggestions. Weighted Blankets...uh...all the ones that I have looked at are like $300! If you can find one cheaper or know how to make one, and if so can help me make one (I am stitching challenged at the moment) Love Forever comes to mind. Laundry Baskets, for the time being Gunnar feels the most secure to sleep in one of these bad boys...thing is there is never 1 readily available.
Visual Aides : I need help finding/making pictures, cutting, laminating, and attaching Velcro.
Structuring his Day : Visual Aides to help him know what is expected, see what is coming next. I have found a ton of PDF files on the Internet...they all have great photos...but each one seems to be missing something that would be helpful to him.
Reward System : Ideas on something inexpensive? Do you guys have something that works? How can I make this visually appealing?
Consequences : Pretty much the same as above.
Don't Forgets : Steps to common daily activities (Potty, Brushing Teeth, Washing)
Meal Planning : So many of you have already offered to help with our meals. Thank you sooooo much! We do have allergies though...All Nuts (Peanuts and Tree Nuts) Eggs, Mango, Processed Bananas. Please don't go out of your way...even if you want to come use the stuff we have on hand, and our electricity, and our pots and pans...we have tons of kids to do the dishes.
Play Groups : Your house...our house...the playground...he needs to practice socialization skills. Just please be prepared with the fact that he doesn't always realize his size, he has the social skills of a 2 year old, he is working on not hitting or screaming.
Sensory Objects : Squish Balls. Stress Balls. Fidget Objects (things that keep his hands busy)...make them buy them? Which is better? Any suggestions?
Kelsey, I am getting with the intake Nurse and then I'll let you know what I need help with from you and your SPED Partners.
Thanks for all the encouraging words, support and help!
For a squish ball just fill a balloon with rice. Much cheaper if he busts it. Also, I'll grab some visual stuff from our LEAD (autistic) teacher. And don't buy velcro or a laminator, I have both and can possibly swing a trip home Friday night to help.
ReplyDeleteAlso you can get packs of sticky squishy frogs or lizards at target 8 for 2 bucks near the party favors. My kids with adhd have loved having them. But I'd have to check on the latex component.
ReplyDelete