Re: sensory issues and hair

January 4, 2002

Hello everyone:

I have been watching, reading and listening for a while now. Here's a couple

of my " two-cents " worth....

My 7.5 yr. old niece (sensory, LD, developmental disAbilities, epilepsy,

ADHD) loves her hair short -- if her mother doesn't have the hair salon cut

it short, she takes the scissors to her hair herself....then it is really

botched. She hates having anyone brush or comb her hair. At the salon, 20

min. is her max -- no matter how good the hair dresser is with children, once

she says " enough " -- she means it!!! Also, if it isn't kept short she likes

to chew on it, another sensory thing. Suggestions on the " Chewys " (homemade

and others) work sometimes, sleeves or fingers, hair, tooth brushes, toys,

what ever she can find will go into her mouth. The worst, I think, is the

hair, as it can break off and be swallowed. So, short and pixy it is!!!

The homemade Chewys are made from (nontoxic) air hose found at Walmart

pet/fish dept., and the baby teething ring beads. I cut the beads off of the

yellow string, they fit over the clear or blue air hose perfectly. I tie

knots in between the beads for variety; sometimes a big knot (several

knotting in the same place) and sometimes just one knot. I have her help me,

as it is for her and she can pick the color scheme. Also, she has several

Chewys of just the air hose, with different knots. They are all made long

enough for her to slide over hear head. Be creative, if the child has a

favorite teething/chewy, add it to the " necklace " and it is there when they

need the stimulas/input.

Another chewy friend we found, in the baby dept. is the star vibrating

variegated teething toy. With sensory issues for the mouth, this is a benefit

we found to work. Also, comforting when a child is traveling and needs

something....or just before bed. We found out about this by accident, and

what a blessing. 150 miles from home, and both Mother and Aunt forgot the

Chewys, one minute before Rite-Aid closed, I found this star.....darling girl

was asleep within 10 minutes of investigation of the new chewy. Another 150

miles of quiet bliss and uninterrupted traveling....

Also note, the nice thing about the air hose, when it is worn out from teeth

marks, we take the beads off and make a new one. As you know, those teething

rings are colorful and very sturdy, lasting benefit for parents and child.

Good luck! Happy New Year to everyone.

Aunt Andi in Washington State

>

> My daughter has a short pageboy haircut. That's what she wants, and

> I'm happy to let her have short hair. She hates to have her hair

> brushed, and the short hair usually always looks neat.

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