Family Matters Newsletter by Pediatric Therapies
Family Matters Taking care of the ones who matter most.
Halloween & Special Needs | Birthday Parties | Busy Bag Activities | National PT Month
DON'T MAKE HALLOWEEN A TRICKY TIME FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
As Halloween nears, many of us think about the holiday with excitement. We begin to plan for costumes, decorate our homes — and try to avoid eating all of the candy before the big day. However, this holiday can sometimes be difficult for childrenwith special needs and their parents. Here are some tips for parents of children with special needs and any other parent, too. For Parents of Children With Special Needs: 1. Select a costume that combines comfort with fun Many times, costumes have elements that make them difficult for children with sensory sensitivities. Whether it’s itchy fabric, multiple layers or confusion about how to put it on, the list goes on. If your child tends to be sensitive to certain fabrics or textures, it may be a good idea to plan ahead and really look into how he or she can have the coolest costume while making sure he or she can comfortably stay in it for the evening.
routine, especially when it is reviewed ahead of time. Think about how you would like the day to go. If Halloween is on a weekend day, it is important to decide if you want to devote the entire day to holiday festivities or if you want to limit it to a large chunk of the afternoon or evening. With that, plan out time to put on costumes, take photos, visit with friends, go trick-or-treating and — of course — eat safe and pre-monitored candy! Lastly, if your child is more of a visual learner, you may want to make the schedule with pictures so he or she can follow along and really understand how the day should go. 3. Review positive behaviors early, before trick-or-treating Children with special needs often require what we call “pre- teaching” prior to an important event or holiday. That means reviewing expectations before actually engaging in a task. If you want your child to ring the doorbell and say “trick-or-treat!” and “thank you,” you’ll need to practice it at least a couple of days prior.
2. Plan ahead of time Many children with special needs do better with a schedule or
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DON'T MAKE HALLOWEEN A TRICKY TIME FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Continued
If you meet a trick-or-treater with special needs: You may not even realize that the child at your door has special needs. You may automatically think that the child has poor manners or is being rude. However, a lot of times, children with special needs are not purposefully acting that way, or they are acting that way for a reason beyond their control. 1. These kids might have difficulties with social skills While it is polite to say please and thank you, mannersmay not be the focus for the child. He may be practicing walking with other children or ringing the doorbell. Manners may be a later goal, so try to be understanding. 2. Some special needs kids struggle with self-regulation If a child runs into your home the minute you open the door, she may see something interesting or fun she cannot resist exploring. While we want children tomanage their impulsivity, this is easier for some than others. Take cues from her parent and patiently guide the child to the treats — and praise her for following any directions or guidance. Her parent will thank you for it. 3. Be sensitive to speech difficulties Not every child’s language skills are as fully developed as you may expect. If a child does not say the requisite “trick-or-treat,” there is a strong chance that it’s due to lack of ability rather than defiance or non-compliance. 4. Be aware of sensory sensitivities If you really get into the Halloween spirit and decorate your doorway with spooky or loud objects, this may be scary or particularly difficult for children who struggle with a variety of sensory inputs. While you should still be festive in your own way, this is something to consider as you prepare for the holiday. 5. Pay attention to food allergies As we become more aware of a variety of food allergies, it is always a good idea to have a non-food treat in your Halloween basket so all children can enjoy the holiday. Whether it’s stickers, cute Halloween erasers or something similar, there are often inexpensive options to consider that optimize inclusion on such an exciting day. A special note about school festivities during Halloween. Some schools put different grade levels together in a large area and have a Halloween celebration of games andmusic. This very loud, lively party intensifies the misery for your sensitive child. If, with all the preparation, your child still doesn’t want to take part in the frolic, plan something else with the teacher. Your childmight
go in another class where they are doing Halloween crafts or listening to stories being read. If your child is old enough he could be a helper in this class to boost his ego. If eating different foods is a problem. Arrange with the teacher beforehand and send a personal party snack for your child to school. With all the allergies some kids have this is often done and there is no stigma attached to this. If your child cannot tolerate being near others who are eating, another activity in a different classroom during this time could be arranged. If the students are encouraged to change into a costume for the “Halloween school party” have a costume that can be pulled on without removing the comfortable clothes he came to school with. Make sure your child has practiced putting it on, removing it, and wearing it around the house before that day.
Written by: Lorna dEntremont
Success Stories "This week, I saw my child having fun and learning during therapy! Bruno is so excited to see Ms. Judy every Wednesday. He is focused on learning (playing to him) and every week we see so much progress! We love Ms. Judy!" -K.M. "Lars has enjoyed working with Hilary. He has made great improvements in handwriting and focusing on details. He is also much more confident in physical activities like jumping, running, and swinging. Lars has learned how to try new things such as eating new foods and trying different activities. The knowledge we have gained as parents has been greatly beneficial in helping Lars." -C.S.
Superstar Award Our Superstar Award this month goes to Jackson
National Physical Therapy Month! October is National Physical Therapy Month! Don’t forget to thank your PT for all of their hard work and dedication!
"Jack has come so far since starting therapy in January. If you are at the clinic when he is around, Jack will greet you with a beaming smile or he may even sing you a Dixie Chicks song! He has shown improvement with peer play interactions and social skills, using an appropriate voice volume and facing peers he plays with. Jack has mastered the Zones of Regulation terminology, and he has started to implement strategies independently! Jack's family has made attending therapy sessions a priority, and they have gone above and
Do You Notice Your Child Struggling With... • Speech or language delays? • Gross or fine motor or other physical challenges? • Social skills, play and interaction? • Sensory or self regulation challenges? • Self care difficulties such as feeding or dressing? "I have been seeing Jack for 3 months now, and he has amazed me with his enthusiasm and positive attitude. Even when he gets frustrated, he is able to work through it and overcome his obstacles. Jack is so thoughtful and considerate of others. He is always a gentleman, and I watch him greet friends he has met at therapy every week. Not to mention, he is constantly making me laugh, and his imagination never ceases to amaze me and make me think. He has shown me every single day that he is a superstar! Thank you, Jack, for being a light in my life! I am so proud of you!" -Ms. Emily beyond with home carry over of the resources provided to them. It is exciting and rewarding to watch Jack improve every week!" - Ms. Keely and Ms. Tracy
Our illustrious staff enjoying each other's company.
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE PEDIATRIC CONSULTATION TO FURTHER ASSESS YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS (615) 377-1623 | info@pediatrictherapies.com
Activities
NO COOK, GLUTEN FREE, EDIBLE PUMPKIN PIE PLAY CLAY CRAFT
What you’ll need: • Canned Pumpkin • Cornstarch • Pumpkin Pie Spice
What to do: 1. Take your pumpkin and stir it until it's smooth. 2. Add enough pumpkin pie spice that it smells delicious. Slowly add cornstarch and stir.
3. Once the dough starts drying out, you'll want to switch to kneading. You want the dough to roll into a ball, but it should not stick to your hands. If it is sticking to your hands add a bit more cornstarch; if it is so dry that it won't form a ball and is crumbling instead, add a small amount of water. 4. The amounts of cornstarch will vary depending on the brand and quantity of canned pumpkin you use. 5. The dough will keep for 2-3 days sealed in the fridge. Because it is a cornstarch dough, when you go to reuse it after a day or so, you may find that it has dehydrated and needs a very small amount of water added to it. Wet your hands, and knead the dough a bit, and then put it in the microwave for 15 seconds.
Source: http://www.funathomewithkids.com/2013/09/no-cook-gluten-free-edible-pumpkin-pie.html
EEK! HALLOWEEN! by Sandra Boynton
A new addition to the Boynton on Board series, with over 21 million copies sold, Eek! Halloween! is all treat and no tricks, a journey with Boynton and her nutty characters through the tradition of Halloween. It starts with an uh-oh—the chickens are nervous! Strange things are happening. One chicken saw a pumpkin with flickering eyes, another spied a mouse of enormous size. They all saw a wizard and a witch, and a spooky robot. “WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? WHAT DOES IT MEAN? / Relax, silly chickens! It’s HALLOWEEN!”
WIN A $30 GIFT CERTIFICATE! Families that have perfect attendance for the month of October will be entered into a drawing for a $30 gift certificate at the end of the month. If you attend multiple therapies, you will have multiple chances to win! Get more details from our front desk.
Birthday Parties & Special Advice
Raising a childwith a special need certainly has its ups and downs. An impending birthday party, either for your child or a peer, can be a roller coaster ride of emotions for both you and your child. Will anybody show up? Will my child be able to participate? Will he have a melt-down? These concerns are all natural, but with creative planning and realistic expectations, your child can be a part of the fun. If you are hosting…. Let your child guide the planning. What does your child like?What is he able to do? If your child doesn’t like chaos on a daily basis, they certainly won’t have fun with a house full of kids amped up on cake and ice-cream! Not all parties have to look the same. Depending on the need or the situation, consider inviting just one or two children over for a birthday dinner, or go to a concert or sporting event. You can still get a cake and decorate, even if there are only a few guests. If you are hoping to use the party as a springboard for friendships, consider inviting several children, but try and connect with parents ahead of time. By talking with parents, you will have a better idea of who is planning on attending. If you are inviting your child’s entire class, consider what activities will be fun and appropriate for all invited. Ask your child’s teacher for ideas. Be realistic about the time frame! The party doesn’t have to last three hours and provide ameal for kids! One hour of a great time is better than two hours that feels like ten. If there are rituals or medications built in to your schedule, make sure to plan your party around them. Nothing spoils the fun like a child yelling at the guests to be quiet because it’s two o’clock and his favorite show is on, or having to pull away the birthday child because it’s time for medication. When your child is invited…… When a party invitation comes home, it can be so exciting! Your child was invited to a birthday party! Someone likes him! Then enthusiasm gets replaced with worry. What if my child has to use the bathroom? What if the hosts serve foods containing red dye?What if the party involves physical activity? These concerns are normal, and it will help to talk with the party hosts. Stick with discussing what will likely be an issue instead of what may or may not happen. For example, would contact with latex party balloons cause a serious problem? Speak up. Are there triggers that would cause a seizure or meltdown? Share this information with the host. If it does look like the party is one your child will not be able to attend, offer another time your child can celebrate, or consider coming for the beginning or end of the party.
After you’ve talked with the host family about your child, you will get a better feel for how they will respond to your child. If it would help your child to visit the house before party day, ask if that would be possible. Or, ask if you and your child could arrive a little earlier to help your child adjust to the surroundings? Ask if it would be alright for you to stay for a bit. Most parents will not turn down help for a child’s party, especially if the party is at an alternate location. More than likely, it will make the host feel better having you there for your child. The trick is to make sure you take a back seat to the fun; give your child some room to be with the other children without your hovering over him. If something does go wrong - and it might - remember your child’s perspective. Birthday parties come with a lot of pomp and circumstance. For most children, talking about the big birthday party is exciting and part of the fun. For some children with social disabilities, however, it only increases the anxiety, to the point that the idea of going to the birthday party becomes traumatic. In this case, downplay the party, listing it as one of the errands taking place that day. Go to the gas station, run by the party, and stop in. Tell your child you are stopping by the party for fifteen minutes and that then it will be time to go to the store. If your child does have a meltdown, it can be frustrating for you but confusing for the birthday child. Asmuch as youmight want to convince your child to stay, or even demand that they stay, consider the birthday child. Is this really what you want him to remember about his party? Cut your losses, thank the host, and stay positive. While your instinct may be to start crying, put that on hold for later. Consider the fact that your child tried to attend the party, which in itself may have been a new accomplishment! If it’s possible, talk with your child about what went wrong, and try to use this as a teachable moment.
Written by: Julia Garstecki
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HOW MY CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CAN ENJOY HALLOWEEN
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