Bored Board
Middletown Center for Autism have shared The Bored Board on their Facebook page. This is a choice board that was named by one to the centres referral students.
It is a resource designed to help children and or young people make choices about how they can occupy their free time.
I've made an example of a homemade one also that you could do at home with some post-its and a cereal box, or paper and sellotape.
More information about the importance of making choices is available on their website HERE.
— Wednesday 8th April 2020 —
Useful Apps
The National Council for Special Education have highlighted a FREE app which might be useful to parents and children during this emergency school closure.
Mindful Gnats
This app is designed to teach young people simple mindfulness and relaxation skills. During this time of uncertainty it may be a useful support.
It can be used to help mindfulness practice when playing the Mindful Gnats computer game (see www.peskygnats.com for details) or on it's own to mindful practice.
Download HERE on Iphone
Download HERE on Android
Ear Defenders
Over-sensitivity to sound is very common in children with autism, children with sensory processing difficulties, and also in children with concentration and attention difficulties. For some children, using ear defenders is a successful strategy and support to help them calm and regulate themselves.
For any parents whose children use Ear Defenders I just want to let you know that Lidl has these in stores this week as part of their special offer for Autism Awareness April.
— monday 30th March 2020 —
Support Services
Many of the additional supports that families and children would usually have are difficult to access at this time. This can cause additional stress in homes, especially at a time when we are all experiencing a lot of anxiety. Here is information about some of the services that you can access over the phone to get advice and support.
Barnardos
Barnardos has launched a national telephone and email support service for parents in response to the challenges they are facing during the Covid-19 pandemic. This service will be staffed by Barnardos project workers who are trained professionals.
1800 910 123
Parentline
Parentline is a free, National, confidential helpline that offers parents support, information and guidance on all aspects of being a parent and any parenting issues. Sometimes all parents need is a friendly, listening ear. You are not on your own. Parentline volunteers are extensively trained in listening and counselling skills.
Monday to Thursday 10am to 9pm Fridays 10am to 4pm.
1890 927 927
samaritans
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you.
They won't judge your or tell you what to do, they'll listen to you.
116 123
aware
The Aware Support Line service is a free service and is available to anyone, aged 18 years and over, who is seeking support and information about issues relating to their own mood or the mood of a friend or family member, or who experiences depression or bipolar disorder.
1800 80 48 48
Monday to Sunday from 10am - 10pm.
Resources from Middletown Centre for Autism
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
Research has shown that mindfulness can have lots of positive effects for children. Practising mindfulness can involve breathing methods, guided imagery, and other techniques to help relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.
Here are some apps that might be useful.
Visual Supports for Hand Washing
Handwashing
One of the most important things we can do to protect ourselves from COVID 19 is handwashing. Here is a simple visual support to remind all children and adults how to wash their hands.