Need Suggestions

[Guest guest]

Hi,

My son has severe issues with coordination, motor planning etc. but we found a

great OT who taught him to ride a bike in 2 sessions. His name is Greg Santucci

and he works at Trinitas Clinic in Cranford, New Jersey. I believe he is there

only part time because he opened up his own practice by the shore.

His approach was to put him on the bike without training wheels and look ahead

and pedal. Sounds simple, but it worked. He taught my son to do this in 2

sessions, he usually does it in one session. He is quite patient and has a

great rapport with kids. He also has the parent stay for the session and at the

end he gives you a write up of how to continue at home. This is his specialty.

Hope this helps.

Mark son <thejacobsons@...> wrote:

Ide,

I am not sure how to go about teaching your son to ride but I look forward to

reading the replies that you get as our 6 year old is in the same boat. We took

his training wheels off and he freaked out and refused to get on it. We've been

trying to teach him and he is content to let us walk with him holding the bike

but as soon as we let go he stops and puts his feet on the ground or tips off.

Beck

( ) Need suggestions

Hi, Everyone!

Need advice. We are trying to teach our 8 yr how t oride a bike. He

has some serious balance issues. Can anyone give us some tips on how

to help him. He is too big for the training wheels and we bought a bar

to help him, but it's so hard.

The kids around here are (of course) younger and ride their bikes like

pros. He gets teased about being weak and delicate. He was very upset

the other day. I am feeling so sad and heart broken for him.

All I want for Christmas is a friend for him.

Sorry, but I am really blue today.

Ide

[Guest guest]

Hello,

have you tried to take just one training wheel off, leaving one on? or pull

the training wheels upwards, (just enough that the wheels don't touch the

ground) so that the bike will ride on just the two wheels (training wheels will

not be touching the ground) When the bike tilts to the side, thats when the

training wheels will touch the ground and hold the bike up. I hope this

helps.

Mark son <thejacobsons@...> wrote:

Ide,

I am not sure how to go about teaching your son to ride but I look forward to

reading the replies that you get as our 6 year old is in the same boat. We took

his training wheels off and he freaked out and refused to get on it. We've been

trying to teach him and he is content to let us walk with him holding the bike

but as soon as we let go he stops and puts his feet on the ground or tips off.

Beck

( ) Need suggestions

Hi, Everyone!

Need advice. We are trying to teach our 8 yr how t oride a bike. He

has some serious balance issues. Can anyone give us some tips on how

to help him. He is too big for the training wheels and we bought a bar

to help him, but it's so hard.

The kids around here are (of course) younger and ride their bikes like

pros. He gets teased about being weak and delicate. He was very upset

the other day. I am feeling so sad and heart broken for him.

All I want for Christmas is a friend for him.

Sorry, but I am really blue today.

Ide

[Guest guest]

where did you get this orange county chopper style bike?

All the best,

Jill

" And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. " Matt

21:22

[Guest guest]

I'm in Michigan too. Two things that helped for us with the bicycle riding.

One was: have them ride from pavement onto lawn. The grass kind of supports the

wheels and they aren't so afraid of falling. We had a slight downhill slope,

run along behind the bicycle and onto grass, then let go -- he slows down but

there is a real support involved in pedaling through the grass.

Second thing was seat low enough to reach the ground, just push with feet on

both sides of bicycle like scooter, don't use pedals until confident of balance.

( ) Re:Need suggestions

Hi, we are new to this group. We have a 10 year old son with Asperger's and

live in Michigan. I am also an occupational therapist. My son learned how

to ride a bike this summer on the " orange county style chopper bike " . It has

larger wheels and you sit differently on the seat with a lower " sense of

gravity. " We tried the physical therapy route with no luck, but this style

bike

made all the difference for him. Of course, I can't get him to tie his

shoes yet!!!

Good Luck,

Farrelly

[Guest guest]

Hi Harita,

Banding is really not that band and the results can be amazing. There

is no way to ensure getting as much correction without banding.

Pros - fixes kids heads, non-invasive, proven

Cons - smelly head, looks a little funny, nightly routine changes

(need to was the band & hair)....Casting can be uncomfortable (but

many places scan).

There is no real negative, it is just kind of a pain and everyone

feels bad having to do this to a baby. It isn't painful and it really

works. They will either make a plaster cast of your son's head of scan

him to create a model of the head to make the band. Then the band is

fitted and adjusted (usually every week or two for a young baby).

-christine

sydney 21 mo starband grad

>

> hi there,

> i just been to doctor for my 3 months son and said he has moderate

> plagiocephaly.i am concerned and want to know pros and cons of the

> helmet and prepare myself for tedious procedure for that i would

> appreciate any information and suggestion.

> thanks,

> harita

>

[Guest guest]

If you're asking about adverse effects of the helmet, then it's mainly

sweating and skin irritation, which is quite easily treatable (and not

every baby gets it, either). Emotional aspects, I believe, are more

for the parents, although some babies do have harder time adjusting

than others... but they all do adjust! Some things will need to be

figured out, like putting foam mattress under the baby at nights, so

the pressure of the helmet to the head from the back is not so strong.

For me, it was also getting a few extra outfits that I could pull over

my son's head without getting the helmet off (like polo shirts or

button down shirts). I also had to learn to deal with people asking

questions (and invent different answers for those who need to know and

for those who don't).

Overall, I don't really know about any other cons, unless there is

somebody here who can add more.

Pros are, the longer the child wears the helmet, the more correction

(s)he will get. I think just that makes it worth it.

>

> hi there,

> i just been to doctor for my 3 months son and said he has moderate

> plagiocephaly.i am concerned and want to know pros and cons of the

> helmet and prepare myself for tedious procedure for that i would

> appreciate any information and suggestion.

> thanks,

> harita

>

[Guest guest]

Pros of banding...the child's abnormal headshape will be corrected

(correction will depend on your consistancy with following banding

protocol, growth spurts, age at time of starting the helmet, etc.);

it may help prevent vision, headaches, hearing, etc. problems

(disclaimer...some kids will be prone to those things plagio or

not); it will be one less thing for kids to tease a young child

about. Depending on severity, bike helmets and such might not fit

right if you don't band (but you still have time to try repoing).

Cons to banding...skin irritations (we didn't have any...typically

if you follow the instructions and watch for what your clinician

says to then you won't have probablems; wiping away sweat will also

help with preventing skin irritations); getting use to the band

(doesn't take that long); some babies have a hard time adjusting

(our son did just fine but the first 2 nights we had to change his

PJ's a few different times to figure out what kept his body

temperature just right and not too hot or too cold); people may

stare (but who cares)

Personally, if you aren't happy with your child's headshape, I would

go for an evaluation and ask your questions. We banded from 7.5-9.5

months and got great results. Our son is 16 months and his head

looks great PLUS no one would know that he had plagio (I can still

see the little bit of assymetry left but NO ONE else would be able

to).

Good luck in your decision.

PS: The band is NOT a procedure! Plagio sounds like a scary term

but if that is all it is then it is truly a blessing. Obviously, I

wish that my child never had flattening and we didn't have to band

BUT I am so thankful that he is happy and healthy in every other

regard and that we were told about the band early enough to correct

most of the assymetry. The band applies gentle pressures to the

prominent areas while allowing the flat area to fill-out. I would

highly recommend banding BUT since your child is young I would (if

you are willing) give repositioning a try first. You can always get

an evaluation from Cranial Technologies or another place so you know

what you are working with.

> >

> > hi there,

> > i just been to doctor for my 3 months son and said he has

moderate

> > plagiocephaly.i am concerned and want to know pros and cons of

the

> > helmet and prepare myself for tedious procedure for that i would

> > appreciate any information and suggestion.

> > thanks,

> > harita

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Kenzie has always hated changes in her schedule...I have found that when she

was young...I could sing softly in her ear and play games to get her mind

off of what was happening. She likes to " twirl wash cloths. " ..and that is a

great " self stim " for her so I carry them in my purse/ Mostly...and my older

children thought I was awful ...I would make her stay for 20 minutes.....after

that ....she would normally settle in and enjoy whatever we were doing. A lot

of times she would sit in my lap...facing me and hide her face but after about

10 minutes she would be watching what was going on and adjust to it...and

yes..even LOVE IT!! Just be patient but firm...it worked for us!!

S.Hancock

The hancock Team

ReMax Professionals

6813 ny Mercer

Savannah Ga 31410

\

912 897 1955

912 897 3775

912 441 6338...cell

fancymom@...

**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy

steps!

(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=http:%2\

F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID

%3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62)

[Guest guest]

I had the same problem with my daughter also. We use to let her take her

favorite music making toy that would keep her calm. Now. She has learn to wear

headphones and now she takes her mp3 player with her. Music is very calming to

her. So take something with you that she finds comforting

Hope that helps.

Patty

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Need Suggestions

We attempted to take Adena to the fairgrounds this week as our stock

show and rodeo was in town. I took her on a weekday after school when

the weather was warm and not too many people so she would not get

overwhelmed. I planned to take her to see the animals and try a few

rides at the carnival. Fortunately, they did not charge for Adena and

the baby but we still had to pay for entry fee for my husband and I.

I also put cash in my pocket which I also lost. Adena became

overwhelmed and overstimulated within a few minutes and we finally

got her calmed down and had to go back to the car to change the

baby's diaper and she got in and was ready to go.

How do you avoid throwing away money in order to try new

experiences? I lost $50 to only spend a few minutes for Adena to see

a few animals.

Should I just wait until she is older? IT seems every time we plan

something, either we don't get to do it due to bad weather or

something else comes up or someone is sick so I was excited to

finally be able to take her to a new experience but frustrated at

losing money.

I would appreciate any suggestions. Adena is very routine oriented

and it hard for to deviate and she gets distressed if it is not in

her routine. We took her out to eat at Chili's one time and she

recognized it and got excited. We walked to the door and they told us

they were closed because their hot water heater had broken and Adena

had a full meltdown. We went next door to Red Lobster because we knew

she was hungry and continued to throw a fit. I know we will have big

problems in the future if we can't get this under control now.

Thanks,

Karyn

Mom to Adena, 4 on 3/20, DS and , 3 months

[Guest guest]

Karyn,

I had three older kids in high school sports...and admission was $5 for each

game. I can't tell you how frustrating it was to pay the fee for me and

, only to leave after 5 minutes. Time and time again. We also took

to the county fair and he could care less about the farm animals.

Somehow, the goats and sheep did catch his eye - but nothing else. I think

it's baby steps forward, no matter how frustrating it can be.

I did start using a wheelchair at the mall, grocery store, Walmart, etc.

It's made a huge difference in our lives. I was real hesitant for many

years, but it's the best thing for both of us!

Adana needs a transition aide. 's is a beanie baby, green eggs and

ham book, DVD player or ?? - whatever works. I would also try redirection

during a meltdown. Next time, try redirection to change her mood before you

walk into the next place. I also ask waiters to bring s food

(ordered with drinks) as soon as possible. You may have a few rough years

ahead of you, but I can honestly say that I really enjoy outings with

now. He'd probably have a meltdown if we went to I HOP and

they closed on him- he's really partial to their hamburgers and chocolate

sundaes!

Hang in there...

Need Suggestions

> We attempted to take Adena to the fairgrounds this week as our stock

> show and rodeo was in town. I took her on a weekday after school when

> the weather was warm and not too many people so she would not get

> overwhelmed. I planned to take her to see the animals and try a few

> rides at the carnival. Fortunately, they did not charge for Adena and

> the baby but we still had to pay for entry fee for my husband and I.

> I also put cash in my pocket which I also lost. Adena became

> overwhelmed and overstimulated within a few minutes and we finally

> got her calmed down and had to go back to the car to change the

> baby's diaper and she got in and was ready to go.

>

> How do you avoid throwing away money in order to try new

> experiences? I lost $50 to only spend a few minutes for Adena to see

> a few animals.

> Should I just wait until she is older? IT seems every time we plan

> something, either we don't get to do it due to bad weather or

> something else comes up or someone is sick so I was excited to

> finally be able to take her to a new experience but frustrated at

> losing money.

>

> I would appreciate any suggestions. Adena is very routine oriented

> and it hard for to deviate and she gets distressed if it is not in

> her routine. We took her out to eat at Chili's one time and she

> recognized it and got excited. We walked to the door and they told us

> they were closed because their hot water heater had broken and Adena

> had a full meltdown. We went next door to Red Lobster because we knew

> she was hungry and continued to throw a fit. I know we will have big

> problems in the future if we can't get this under control now.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Karyn

> Mom to Adena, 4 on 3/20, DS and , 3 months

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

> messages to go to the sender of the message.

[Guest guest]

My only advice keep on trying - small steps at a time.

I can remember avoiding taking Trent to places because it was easier. These

days he generally is fantastic about anywhere we go but it does have to be

somewhere that interests him. When we were on holidays last time, we

visited a Museum – held Trent’s attention for about 5 minutes before he got

the wanders. So he and I went to the café while the others looked around –

sometimes a comprise of sorts is needed. At the movies Trent likes to

practise his ‘excuse me’ ‘sorry’ by needing to go to the toilet – he will

choose the direction which will inconvenience the most people! These days I

threatened – you go in that direction I will leave now - haven’t as yet

done it but he knows I will. I also threatened in café’s if his behaviour

isn’t what I expect, I will leave regardless of whether we have ordered or

not.

Keep in mind that Adena is 4 not 24 like Trent - things will change as she

gets older as long as you keep taking her out and about.

Keep smiling

Jan, mother of Trent 24yo w/Ds from the LandDownUnder

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf

Of thebombtexas

Sent: Saturday, 28 February 2009 8:47 AM

Subject: Need Suggestions

We attempted to take Adena to the fairgrounds this week as our stock

show and rodeo was in town. I took her on a weekday after school when

the weather was warm and not too many people so she would not get

overwhelmed. I planned to take her to see the animals and try a few

rides at the carnival. Fortunately, they did not charge for Adena and

the baby but we still had to pay for entry fee for my husband and I.

I also put cash in my pocket which I also lost. Adena became

overwhelmed and overstimulated within a few minutes and we finally

got her calmed down and had to go back to the car to change the

baby's diaper and she got in and was ready to go.

How do you avoid throwing away money in order to try new

experiences? I lost $50 to only spend a few minutes for Adena to see

a few animals.

Should I just wait until she is older? IT seems every time we plan

something, either we don't get to do it due to bad weather or

something else comes up or someone is sick so I was excited to

finally be able to take her to a new experience but frustrated at

losing money.

I would appreciate any suggestions. Adena is very routine oriented

and it hard for to deviate and she gets distressed if it is not in

her routine. We took her out to eat at Chili's one time and she

recognized it and got excited. We walked to the door and they told us

they were closed because their hot water heater had broken and Adena

had a full meltdown. We went next door to Red Lobster because we knew

she was hungry and continued to throw a fit. I know we will have big

problems in the future if we can't get this under control now.

Thanks,

Karyn

Mom to Adena, 4 on 3/20, DS and , 3 months

[Guest guest]

We found that when was younger, the noises involved in various

events caused her overstimulation and meltdowns. We purchased ear

protectors in a junior size from sensorycomfort.com (they are big and

black, like you'd wear using a jackhammer, LOL.) but when wearing them,

she could tolerate a lot more. Over the years, she has become less

interested in wearing them, in part because she knows that she can shut

out disturbing noise by covering her ears (like at a school assembly,

when the students clap) and partially (I think) because she realizes

they are ugly (and not pink.) She's still a bit sensitive to amplified

noises (especially the bass from a loudspeaker), but she copes much

better. Even today, she will immediatly pass out in the car after

leaving a loud, overstimulating event.

I hear you on the $$ thing. When she was about 4 1/2 (right before I

found the ear muffs, LOL) we took them all to a Wiggles concert. I was

so excited to get tickets, and had not ever been to a kids concert that

I didn't think about the noise. She was fine with the music, but in

between they whipped the kids up into a screaming frenzy.....

was sobbing, so we went and sat in the lobby and watched the show on the

TV while the rest of the family enjoyed the show. Sha and I ended up

going back in, way up top where there were less people, and as the show

went on, the screaming was less intense. Boy, did I learn a lesson!

There was one other time, I think it was at a small amusement

park/mini-golf place, and we had bought a wristband to do all

the rides (she was probably about 8, and these were small, kid rides.)

But, each time we got in line, she heard the noise of the ride going,

and said " no, I'm not doing that. " So, after trying each line, and not

ending on any rides, I went back to the cashier and said " my daughter is

unable to ride any of these rides, and would it be possible to get our

money back? " I didn't really expect that they'd say yes, but they did,

AND they gave her some tokens to play the indoor games... they girl at

the counter was so sweet. Never hurts to ask.... people see a

distraught child, and maybe they will have some compassion.

I had to laugh about your restrarunt story with Chili's and Red

Lobster. We have a place called Souplantation, which is a salad bar

place... 's fav, probably because she gets to pick what she

wants, and they have ice cream for dessert. One night, we went and they

were having a fundraiser for something and the line was a mile long and

we were hungry. So, we decided to go to the place next door, which was

a Mongolian BBQ. was going to have nothing to do with THAT.

We almost had to drag her across the parking lot, screaming about

Souplantation.... you can picture it.. Someone (I think my DH), in

their coaxing, started calling this place " Meat Plantation " and for our

family (and now some of our friends) the name has stuck (it's actually

called Stir Fresh, a much better sounding name, LOL.) And to this day,

EVERY time we head over to Souplantation, says " I HOPE they

are not having a fundraiser today so that we have to go to Meat

Plantation. " Of course, she actually does like Meat Plantation, but

just not when the plan was Souplantation!

keeps life interesting, that's for sure!

, mom to (13), (11 DS), and Sammy (9)

thebombtexas wrote:

>

> We attempted to take Adena to the fairgrounds this week as our stock

> show and rodeo was in town. I took her on a weekday after school when

> the weather was warm and not too many people so she would not get

> overwhelmed. I planned to take her to see the animals and try a few

> rides at the carnival. Fortunately, they did not charge for Adena and

> the baby but we still had to pay for entry fee for my husband and I.

> I also put cash in my pocket which I also lost. Adena became

> overwhelmed and overstimulated within a few minutes and we finally

> got her calmed down and had to go back to the car to change the

> baby's diaper and she got in and was ready to go.

>

> How do you avoid throwing away money in order to try new

> experiences? I lost $50 to only spend a few minutes for Adena to see

> a few animals.

> Should I just wait until she is older? IT seems every time we plan

> something, either we don't get to do it due to bad weather or

> something else comes up or someone is sick so I was excited to

> finally be able to take her to a new experience but frustrated at

> losing money.

>

> I would appreciate any suggestions. Adena is very routine oriented

> and it hard for to deviate and she gets distressed if it is not in

> her routine. We took her out to eat at Chili's one time and she

> recognized it and got excited. We walked to the door and they told us

> they were closed because their hot water heater had broken and Adena

> had a full meltdown. We went next door to Red Lobster because we knew

> she was hungry and continued to throw a fit. I know we will have big

> problems in the future if we can't get this under control now.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Karyn

> Mom to Adena, 4 on 3/20, DS and , 3 months

>

>

[Guest guest]

is now 11 , and he is allot better with parks and crowds and

noises. He was never exceptionally bad, but he has always been upset

when plans change very last minute. He copes pretty well with change,

but not very last minute changes.

Even now we avoid some places because will run off- unless we

have enough adult to kids ratio. Or we try the place out 1 on 1 first

but we cant always manage to do that.

When was younger we would try to have 1 adult per kid- was ok

before as we would hire a babysitter, and then there was Trent and

myself- so 3 kids 3 adults. We would also have a stroller for each

child. We had a steel framed pusher for that was given to us by

someone who had an autistic teen. It folded up smaller than a stroller-

was very versatile- and it wasn't a stroller- so BJ would sit in it.

There was a period of about 2 years that the school would take it on

excursions too. It had awesome wheels and could be pushed thru most

things We would also take along his fav toys and always packed extra

vegemite sandwiches and bottles of drink has always been a

huge drinker.

is allot better now- he is still cantankerous sometimes- but

all kids are

Aussie Leis- mum to 11, Natasha 7, 5 and Liliana 9 months

" Life is like a rainbow. You need both the sun and the rain to make its

colors appear. "

[Guest guest]

Have you tried spinal galant or spinal pereze. I have had success with a 17 year

old with nighttime accidents.

Diane Whiteside PT

Dianewt3@...

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 12, 2011, at 3:55 PM, " Marge " <margeotped@...> wrote:

>

[Guest guest]

Do you use muscle testing....applied kinesiology? It would be good to find

out if this blueprint for her system was handed to her from one or both of

her parents. Perhaps she needs to release from that blueprint so that she

can control her bladder sphincter.

If you don't use it, ask around, and find out if anyone you know uses it and

ask the girl's system if that might be true, and what holistic technique,

such as a reflex or Brain Gym or something else might be helpful to release

this from her parent(s).

Joni in MN, USA

Need suggestions

Recently referred to me is an 8 year old girl who continues to have frequent

accidents throughout the day. Every known medical intervention including

medications,a uropsychologist,counseling, biofeedback, visual timers,

schedules etc has been tried. We've tried activities to increase sensory

awareness, calming techniques due to anxiety and ADHD and behavioral

interventions with limited to no success. I've searched the OT literature as

somewhere I remembered an RMT technique that addressed continence, I've

taken the Intro to RMT ~ this past summer, but nowhere in my notes did I see

a technique to address problem. Any suggestions or resources would be

appreciated.

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Agree Joni,I do daily muscle testing to determine the techniques for balancing the energy flow inside the body of my daughter's before implementing the MNRI. I also do food combining 's Allergy tapping since she has allergies to white rice/brown rice/red rice, many kinds of vegetable, fish, oil and fruit.Related to the allergy, I believe e Reflex Integration will help her to reduce her allergy to many things and controlling the bladder.I also monitor the quantity of water that she may drink (no execessive water during the evening/night). Rgrds, - Jakarta (Indonesia).Sent from my BlackBerry®powered by Sinyal Kuat INDOSATFrom: "Mike Joni Polehna" <polehna@...>Sender: Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:50:01 -0500 (CDT)< >Reply Subject: RE: Need suggestions Do you use muscle testing....applied kinesiology? It would be good to findout if this blueprint for her system was handed to her from one or both ofher parents. Perhaps she needs to release from that blueprint so that shecan control her bladder sphincter.If you don't use it, ask around, and find out if anyone you know uses it andask the girl's system if that might be true, and what holistic technique,such as a reflex or Brain Gym or something else might be helpful to releasethis from her parent(s).Joni in MN, USA-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of MargeSent: Saturday, March 12, 2011 7:39 PM Subject: Need suggestionsRecently referred to me is an 8 year old girl who continues to have frequentaccidents throughout the day. Every known medical intervention includingmedications,a uropsychologist,counseling, biofeedback, visual timers,schedules etc has been tried. We've tried activities to increase sensoryawareness, calming techniques due to anxiety and ADHD and behavioralinterventions with limited to no success. I've searched the OT literature assomewhere I remembered an RMT technique that addressed continence, I'vetaken the Intro to RMT ~ this past summer, but nowhere in my notes did I seea technique to address problem. Any suggestions or resources would beappreciated.------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hello this is from Elaine in Michigan. Its been a long time since I

posted.

I use to wear uprights but after several years they no longer worked. Then I

was placed into double uprights. They are no longer working for me either. My

feet are under severe stress and pressure points on the outside of the feet.

I now have an ulcerated sore on the left foot on the outside. Even with the

double uprights the feet turn severly to the outside causing me to come down on

the outside of both feet.

I hurt all the time. I can go in for adjustments, come out fine and

within a couple of days the adjustments are no longer working for me.

Can anyone recommend a device that may work.

Thanks to all

Elaine in Michigan

[Guest guest]

Sounds like it's time for surgery.

L.

[Guest guest]

, they cant do surgery. The leg bones are so twisted that if they

did, I would be in casts for a year and the bones would eventually go back to

where they are now.

In a message dated 4/1/2011 12:23:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

linda@... writes:

Sounds like it's time for surgery.

L.

[Guest guest]

I probably could not let that go either, .  Some ideas I can think of

would be contacting the guidance counselor - I think that they come into classes

and work (although it is a small lesson) on the core virtues at my kids school -

there are seven words - maybe they could speak about it to the class. If you

haven't read a book about  a child with ds to the class, it might be a good

time. In my case, when I read the book about Olivia last year, I think it really

helped explain Down syndrome to the kids. And this year, Olivia is pretty much

repeating 2nd grade, but her same 2nd grade teacher read the book to the class

again and had a time for questions afterward.

Hope this helps.

________________________________

From: and FRANK <michdock@...>

Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2011 12:49 AM

Subject: Need suggestions

 

If you are on my FB page you may have already read this,, but either way.. I

need some parental input here.

My son, Logan 9 DS, is fully included in 3rd grade. In the past I have heard

how much the other students love him and how nice they treat him. I have seen

them with another child in a different class who has ds and they are very sweet

to him.

I assumed that all was well. The other day I was helping in Logan's classroom

for the Christmas party. Some Rotary club had gifted all 3rd graders with

dictionary's.

I was sitting with Logan at his desk and a student was standing right behind me

and yelled across the room loudly.. " I found retarded! I found retarded! " I

asked him what it meant and he told me it means " someone with ds " . I told him

to read the definition to me and he did.. " to hinder progress " . I pointed out

that it said nothing about down syndrome and I did not ever want to hear any of

Logan's friends or classmates ever using that word. That was the end of that.

No time to talk to the teacher.. it was the end of the day. The aide was there

with me and heard the whole thing.

I thought it was over, but I can just not let it go. I feel the need to take it

further. I plan on posting this on my FB page and some of my friends there are

teachers at this school so I am interested in hearing from the teacher point of

view for objectivity but I really need to hear from other parents.. am I over

reacting? Do I let it go? Do I move on? Do I talk to someone. This school is

really working hard on antibullying and each week they have a word of the week

like compassion or generosity... I know that they would not be OK with this..

but.... suggestions?

[Guest guest]

I would totally feel the same way. Then as I think about it, I would tend

to treat them like the 3rd graders they are. In a " typical " household,

these words don't come up in an educational sense. Their exposure to the

special needs world is very limited. I think you did the right thing by

having him read it. Was it out loud? Did any other kids hear? Maybe you

can ask the teacher if the next time you are in the class (sooner rather

than later) you can take a minute to explain/define a little better. I

would assume that someone maybe explained to him that kids with DS are

mentally retarded (not meaning it in a mean way, but kids don't even know

what that means so it would require lots more explaining) So, kids that age

assume. (I have even had ADULTS/teachers point out a child and say they have

DS too. They DIDN'T and I would say, they don't have the characteristics of

DS, and they would say, but they are retarded. So I take the opportunity to

educate about chromosomes Using the kid in Logan's class in a positive

light saying that you know that he didn't understand, but took the time to

read the definition, but you thought maybe all could benefit since they all

know Logan... You will be guided as to how to proceed, but a little

kindness and understanding goes a long way in having the typical peers be

open to what you have to say.

The other day, in the cafeteria (I work in a classroom with Moderately

delayed kids...many of whom have DS) some typical kids were laughing at a

new boy in my class who has total hair loss. (and so does my son with

DS...so you can imagine how protective I am). They pointed over and laughed

and then imitated shaving their heads. There is no way they could have know

it was a medical condition...they are children. They probably though he got

his haircut like that on purpose...we have a few Mohawks and crazy haircuts

at our school :/ But I walked over to the three boys and sat directly

across from them. I said, His haircut is very different isn't it? They

said yes. I said, did you know that he doesn't want it that way...that it

just all fell out and he is sad about it? No one knows why it fell out.

They sat there open mouthed with concern in their eyes. So then I took it a

step further...I couldn't resist. I said what if you woke up with your hair

falling out...it happens to some people. How would you feel? The concern

turned to horror. I said would you want people to laugh at you? They

silently shook their heads no. I was very kind to them. My intent was to

educate and make an impact on how they viewed treating other people. I

think it did. I thanked them for listening and told them they could say hi

to him next time they saw him. Sorry to go on, but it seems like a similar

situation to yours. Don't feel like because there is a little glitch that

things aren't going well. In fact since the boy thought he knew part of

what DS is, you have a place to start

You are so awesome, !!!!! You are an inspiration to all of us all the

time. I can't wait to hear how this plays out.

Love,

Kym...mom to (14 w/ DS and alopecia totalis) and 4 others

Need suggestions

If you are on my FB page you may have already read this,, but either way.. I

need some parental input here.

My son, Logan 9 DS, is fully included in 3rd grade. In the past I have

heard how much the other students love him and how nice they treat him. I

have seen them with another child in a different class who has ds and they

are very sweet to him.

I assumed that all was well. The other day I was helping in Logan's

classroom for the Christmas party. Some Rotary club had gifted all 3rd

graders with dictionary's.

I was sitting with Logan at his desk and a student was standing right behind

me and yelled across the room loudly.. " I found retarded! I found

retarded! " I asked him what it meant and he told me it means " someone with

ds " . I told him to read the definition to me and he did.. " to hinder

progress " . I pointed out that it said nothing about down syndrome and I

did not ever want to hear any of Logan's friends or classmates ever using

that word. That was the end of that. No time to talk to the teacher.. it

was the end of the day. The aide was there with me and heard the whole

thing.

I thought it was over, but I can just not let it go. I feel the need to

take it further. I plan on posting this on my FB page and some of my

friends there are teachers at this school so I am interested in hearing from

the teacher point of view for objectivity but I really need to hear from

other parents.. am I over reacting? Do I let it go? Do I move on? Do I

talk to someone. This school is really working hard on antibullying and

each week they have a word of the week like compassion or generosity... I

know that they would not be OK with this.. but.... suggestions?

[Guest guest]

,

As hurtful as it is for us, I would let it go.  Although I think I would let the

teacher know about it and tactfully let her know how the kids take so many of

their cues form adults and how we act and react to things.  You handled it

appropriately right there.  Kids need to learn.  

 

Kathy Everett

678 230-6985

Kathy Everett Consulting

www.KathyEverett.com

[Guest guest]

It sound like the school would benefit from a " stop the r-word " campaign.

When I was chair of our SEPAC, we did a campaign in our 3-5 schools where

the teachers talked to the students about the power of their words then the

kids were all given two cut-outs of hands (in various shades of green) with

a signature on each for those to sign who took the pledge to stop use of the

r-word on www.r-word.org. Once the student brought the signed hands back to

school and handed them in, they received a rubber bracelet with " spread the

word to end the word " on it. The hand print was put on a giant paper tree

in the cafeteria. All the leaves represent pledges to stop use of the word.

Other ideas are available on the r-word.org web site.

Good luck!

Nadine Briggs

Social Smart Kids