There is a LOT of information on this page, so feel free to scroll down to what you feel will support you most. I have also written blog posts to go with most topics, which I will pop in when available.

  • SLEEP - Many children with complex health needs struggle with sleep. Sometimes this is sensory and sometimes it is due to a lack of Melatonin. Contact charity do a helpful guide you can access it here helping_your_child_sleep.pdf (contact.org.uk)

    Who needs sleep anyway? — Advocating For Charlie

  • BEHAVIOUR - As mentioned on the disclaimer, ASD is not a one size fits all. Behaviour strategies must be advised by a professional if wanting to change what you are doing as it may do more harm than us. We live in a low demand therapeutic household and that’s what works for us. This blog post on low demand explains it beautifully https://thelearningcurvepda.com/2018/10/14/demands-pda-autism/

  • EATING - Some children really struggle with food, the colours, textures and taste can all mean that mealtimes are difficult. There is also a lot of sensory issues such as noises in busy places such as the school dinner hall or a restaurant that might make eating out particularly difficult.

  • COMMUNICATION - Communication can be both verbal and non-verbal and non-verbal children also communicate through different methods. Charlie has been under a Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) since he was 4 years old. His communication difficulties have ranged from a speech delay, pronunciation, stammering and language understanding. There are both NHS and private SaLT and there is always a SaLT attached to the school. We use a visual timetable at home, and Charlie is a visual learner, he likes to learn through play. There is also PECS, which is the Picture Exchange System to help non-verbal children, Makaton and British Sign Language. Charlie did respond very well to Makaton, so it’s worth keeping in mind to use more than one method.

  • OUT AND ABOUT - We used to have quite an active and spontaneous lifestyle, however, once Charlie’s sensory needs became unmanageable, I had to rethink our whole life and how we live it. Lots of stuff that has helped us are:

  • Free Carer places - A lot of activities, theme parks and tourist attractions now offer a free carer’s places, it’s worth checking the website of every place you intend to visit and take a copy of the DLA award, or evidence to make sure you qualify. I always keep a spare copy in the car!

  • Ear Defenders - Ear defenders can be a godsend while out and about and you can pick up a decent set from Amazon for around £10-12. Without them we would never of been able to enjoy the circus :)

  • MAX CARD - the MAX card is specifically for children with disabilities follow the link to see where it can be used and what discounts you can have Discounts for fostered and disabled children - MaxCardMaxCard (mymaxcard.co.uk)

  • Autism Friendly Events - You will find most of the activities you enjoy will have an autism friendly showing, all major cinemas have autism friendly screenings and there is specific SEN friendly sessions at local activities such as trampolining, soft play and rock climbing. There are many suggestions on this page of local activities Local Support and Information — Advocating For Charlie

  • CEA CARD - The CEA card entitles the owner to have one free carer to assist on cinema trips. The card can only be used from the age of 8years old Home - CEA Card

  • HOLIDAYS - I’m determined not to let health issues affect to amount of holidays we do, and so far it hasn’t. I wrote a blog with some tips on school holidays Transitioning and processing school holidays and term times. — Advocating For Charlie however, here is an article around travelling with an ASD child or adult Travel Preparation for Adults and Children with ASD (alternativeairlines.com)

Books

  • The out of sync child - Carol Stock Kranowitz (sensory processing)

  • The out of sync child has fun - Carol Stock Kranowitz (sensory processing)

  • Sensational Kids - Lucy Jane Miller

  • Raising a Sensory Smart Child - Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske

  • Sensory Intergration Strategies for Parents; SI at home and school - Jeanne Sangirandi Ganz

  • The Sensory Team Handbook - Nancy Mucklow

  • 101 Games and activities for children with Autism, Aspergers and Sensory processing difficulties - Tara Delaney.

  • The simple guide to Trauma - B De Thierry

  • Attachment Focused Parenting - D Hughes

  • The Whole Brain Child: 12 proven strategies to nurture your child’s developing mind - D Siegal, T Bryson (2012)

  • The Special Parent’s Handbook - Yvonne Newbold

  • The rabbit that wanted to go to sleep (AUDIO BOOK)

  • A volcano in my tummy - Elaine Whitehouse & Warwick Pudney

  • Creating Loving Attachments - Kim Golding and Daniel Hughes

  • My hidden chimp - Steve Peters

  • The Explosive Child - Ross Greene

Apps & Internet

Trauma

To help explain how trauma effects the brain, and your responses to it, this video explains it well. The Triune Brain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVhWwciaqOE (The Trauma Recovery Centre)

Weighted Blankets

We got a weighted blanket when Charlie was 5 years old from “A stitch different” on Facebook, it was custom made exactly what would benefit Charlie. Please read all the guidance properly in how to use your weighted blanket. PLEASE BE AWARE A WEIGHTED BLANKET MAY NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE SO PLEASE ASK A PROFFESIONAL FOR ADVICE.

Sensory clothing and retailers

Social Stories

Social stories are a fantastic way to give visual aids to children with Autism and other SEN difficulties. There are many places online that will be able to assist with social stories and visual timetables.

Blogs

Some really useful blogs for us have been:

There are many out there, but these are definitely my faves.

Again, if you wish for me to add anything, please get in touch.