Nov 04 2008
Instruction Manual for Special Needs
There is an old saying that says “Babies don’t come with instruction manuals”. These seems more the case when you have a child with Down syndrome or any other special need. Parents are constantly trying to come up with ways to help their child and discover what works and what doesn’t.
But what if there was an instruction manual? Would you stand in line to be the first one to get it?
I think most of us would. If it would help our children and save us some headaches and sleepless nights, I think every one of us would be standing in line for this book!
Up until now, there hasn’t been such a thing. But, one is in the works and the best part is, YOU can be a part of it!
The Special Needs Handbook will be a down-loadable book (and maybe later a hard copy edition) of tried and true tips from parents of children with special needs.
This is in the early stages and without a doubt, a large project. The outline for the book is the following:
Special Needs Handbook
Our Guide to Sections in the Book
Getting Through the Day
Routines
Behaviour
Play
Activities and Leisure
Outings
Sleeping/Night time
Physical
Drinking
Eating (incl. feeding tubes)
Sitting
Crawling
Walking
Verbal Communication
Non-Verbal Communication
Hygiene and Health
Bathing
Teeth Brushing
Toilet Training
Soiling
Diet
Medical (incl. Epilepsy):Doctors Visits:Hospital Visits: Dentist Visits
Feeding Tubes
Hair-brushing, Hair-cutting, Nail Cutting
Clothing & Accessories
Pads
Dressing
Undressing
Shoes
Hats
Glasses
Social
Tantrums
Obsessions
Rewarding
Repremanding
Family
Siblings
Parents
Single Parents
Grandparents
Extended Family
Birthdays
Support
Home Help
Volunteers
Social Services
Privately Paid
Appendix of Special Needs Support Groups
Resources - Useful Information
Sample Section
SLEEP/NIGHT TIME
Routine
Massage
Aromatherapy
Classical Music
Book Tapes
Colour therapy in bedroom
Baby Rocker
Maternity Rocking Chair - for older children
Baby’s button in sleep bag -Merino Kids Go Go Bag www.merinokids.com
Full body UV protection swim suit tight fitting
Sheets and Blanket tuck in firm and tight (for some children only)
Textured sheets
Special Bed
Melatonin
Room alarms
CCTV camera
Parental turns in staying up (so at least one parent gets a full nights sleep)
Bean Bag (vibrating bean bag)
Brushing (using specialist brush ask OT)
Dimly lit lights ie Christmas lights
Glow stars
Humming womb type music
All published contributors of this book will receive a free copy! To contribute, just email Deborah at Deborah@specialneedshandbook.com or call Tel: 020 7183 2277
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One Response to “Instruction Manual for Special Needs”
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Hi Kristi! I think the Handbook is an excellent idea. We deal with so many issues, taking us in a variety of directions most days, so a reference from parents who “get it” would be really helpful! Especially if the book can be broken down into specific age groups. (IE. 2 to 4 year olds, 5 to 10 year olds, etc.) I think it is important to recognize that the various age grouping brings much different challenges and a suggestion that worked for a four year old may not work any longer for an eight year old.