Is My Son On the Spectrum? An Update

Way back in October, C was two months into preschool and I wrote a blog post entitled 'Is My Son On the Spectrum?" At that time, the preschool leader had spoken to me about some concerns that she had about his behaviour and I was due to have an appointment with the GP. The past nine months have been a constant stream of appointments, meetings, forms and letters so I just wanted to write a bit of an update on where we are now.

At the GP appointment, she said that she couldn't see any behaviours that would worry her but she gave me a Autism Assessment self referral form. I was pretty annoyed as how could she see what C is really like in just 20 minutes and by just talking to him, not doing any tests? I filled in the form stating what behaviours and concerns I had, sent it off, then I received a letter in February saying that I would get an assessment date through in four weeks. I thought that was a bit soon as usually the waiting lists for this type of thing are months/years long and here we are in July and I'm still waiting.

In the meantime, the preschool leader suggested applying for our local Children's Interdisciplinary Schools (CIDS) Team to come out and assess him. The way this works is a few different people come out and undergo some tasks and activities with the child and if they meet more than three of the criteria, they will give the child some help to make sure that their needs are met in their educational setting. I was worried because C has very good speech and language so I knew that that would be one criteria that he didn't meet. After all his tests, he didn't qualify for help and was discharged. In our discharge meeting, they mentioned that it definitely was a positive thing that we had put it a referral for an autism assessment and the preschool already had in place the things that CIDS team could help with such as a quiet room and his own box of fidget/stress toys. They did give us a few leaflets on things like Heavy Work, how to build confidence and self esteem, managing his behaviour, ideas of play and how to make friends - all because his issues tend to be emotional and social based.

After this, I sent a letter to the Education Board asking for C to be assessed for statementing. A statement is basically a formal document stating a child's learning difficulties and the help that they will receive. I have asked for this because I know that C will need one on one help in a formal learning setting as even in preschool where it was mostly free play, he was very dependent on his keyworker. I'm really lucky that C goes to a great school who are wonderful in dealing with children with special educational needs and the principal sent a letter too to sort of back us up. The Education Board replied saying that they would assess him and shortly after, we met with the Educational Psychologist. She told me that she thinks C will have no trouble when it comes to learning and will probably take to Primary 1 quite well, but does agree that from her a point of view, a one on one would be beneficial for him. She has also put in a request for an occupational therapist to see C as he struggles with things like zips and buttons as well as a behavioural specialist.

These meetings all took place at the preschool and right now, we are into summer here in Northern Ireland so I'm really just waiting on letters for more assessments to be done.

When I wrote my original post back in October, I have to admit that I wasn't completely convinced that C did have special educational needs or that he could possibly have ASD but now that I'm in the midst of these tests, hearing from professionals and looking up his behaviours myself, I do believe that we will get a diagnosis of mild autism or Asperger Syndrome when our official assessment time comes. All I can do right now is help him control his emotions and build his confidence. I've bought him his own fidget toys for home, a communication fan so he can explain to us how he's feeling without lashing out and some books to explain feelings and how to tackle them.

Behaviour is still one of the biggest issues because he doesn't know how to convey them properly. I'd be lying if I didn't say that every day was a struggle. He needs to have a set routine and the slightest thing can set him off. We have to use "First..., then..." daily. He doesn't really know boundaries when it comes to what to say to other people. He can be a bit full on and share whatever comes into his head at that moment. His mind is wonderful and I am in awe of it. He is very clever and great with logic - the educational psychologist actually suggested explaining everything logically to him because he is more than capable and would probably understand things better that way. For example, he is a very fussy eater and sticks to what he knows. She recommended that when I give him something new, tell him that his brain and taste buds don't like it right now but we need to teach them to like it because the calcium is good for our bones (just as an example!). His preschool leader said that he is "scarily good with numbers" and right now he is teaching himself to read. He's not even 5 yet! My very own little Matilda.

I will do another update when we know more - wish us luck.

Ravensburger Endangered Animals Giant Floor Puzzle - Review

We are a big puzzle loving family. I was an only child for the first ten years of my life and there was nothing I loved more than either reading or doing a puzzle. Luckily, my children have developed that same love.

My four year old son C is becoming a lot more inquisitive since he started preschool. He is constantly asking questions about literally everything and he's really great at remembering everything that he is being taught. When Ravensburger offered us the chance to review their Endangered Animals Giant Floor Puzzle, I jumped at it as I thought it would be great educational resource.

There are 60 puzzle pieces and each piece is quite large, about the size of my hand, meaning that the finished puzzle really does live up to its name of "floor puzzle" by measuring 70x50cm. The puzzle shows 100 endangered animals against a world map so you can see exactly where each animal comes from and can be found. Where animals come from is not something that C has learned much about yet so he was really interested to find out. A lot of the actual animals shown were new to him too. As well as this, it also taught him about different continents and what the names of the oceans are. In typical C fashion, he had a million questions about each animal so I could tell that he was really interested in it.

Although the puzzle is recommended for children aged 4+, he did need a bit of help and proved to be a bit challenging for him. Luckily we had no meltdowns and he let mummy help him out! I love that the animals weren't just confined to one piece as I felt finding the other half or part of the animal helped him put it together.

The puzzle comes with a numbered data sheet where you could learn the real names of the animals. C knew quite a few such as chimpanzee and polar bear but the more obsure ones like humphead wrasse and Russian desman were completely new to him. One of my favourite things about this puzzle is that the Equator, Arctic and Antarctic circles and tropics of cancer and capricorn are included. These were of much interest to C at the moment but as he learns more about the world, he'll understand them better.

I think this puzzle is absolutely fantastic in terms of educational value plus it makes learning fun! The finished puzzle is wonderfully bright, colourful and inviting and the illustrations are perfect for young children. In typical Ravensburger fashion, the pieces are cut and smoothed which make them great for little hands.

The Ravensburger Endangered Animals Giant Floor Puzzle retails at £9.99. You can find out more at the Ravensburger website or you can keep up to date on Twitter. 

(We received this item for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

 

Bob the Builder Dig This DVD - Review & Giveaway

Bob the Builder is back like you've never seen him before!

I was very familiar with the original run of Bob the Builder back in the early 2000's as my now 15 year old sister was a toddler then and was always watching the show. Fast forward 17 years and now my four year old son C enjoys the show just as much. He watches milkshake! every morning before preschool and so he fell in love with the show instantly.

I have to admit that I didn't pay much attention to the reboot until we received a copy of the new DVD, Dig This, to review. The first thing that I noticed was that the animation has changed in a fantastic way. The characters look more 3D-like and less blocky. I do miss Neil Morrissey as the voice of Bob but Lee Ingleby makes a great replacement.

The Dig This DVD contains seven fun filled episodes:

• Dig This
• Saffi's Treehouse
• Out of the Woods
• Stormy Weather
• Bear Mountain
• Bentley's Bones
• Home on the Range

Throughout these episodes, Bob and his team are constructing projects using a foundation of determination and working together. I loved that although the animation has changed, the original characters are all still there. Bob works with his business partner Wendy, apprentice Leo and his range of machines such as Scoop. Lofty, Dizzy and Roley - all names which brought back memories to me!

The run of episodes show the team tackling any project or problem handed to them, whether it be something small like fixing a roof to building an entire skyscraper. They show the trials and tribulations plus all fun in finally getting the job done.

C is a massive fan of machinery like the ones in Bob the Builder - his favourites are diggers and excavators. The fact that he was able to see them working whilst watching this DVD meant that it really captured his attention. He asked me a lot of questions from what each characters name was to what they were doing and why they were doing it. I definitely think is a great DVD for any current Bob the Builder fan or fans of diggers like my son!

Bob the Builder Dig This DVD has been released via Abbey Home Media and is currently available to buy now from all good retailers.

Want to win a copy of Bob the Builder Dig This for your little one? Just enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck! 

Don't know how to use Rafflecopter? Check out Di Coke's easy peasy tutorial.

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• UK residents only
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  (We received a copy of the DVD for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

  

   

Something Special Mr Tumble Toys from Golden Bear Toys

C has been a fan of Something Special and Mr Tumble since he discovered CBeebies at ten months old, then when E was born she took a liking to it from seeing C watching. Even now, at 4 and 2, they watch every day and join in with answering questions when Justin asks them.

Golden Bear Toys have created a range of Mr Tumble toys for mini fanatics like mine! We were lucky enough to receive two items in the range to try out for ourselves. We had actually seen them advertised on TV so C was aware that they existed and asked if he could put one in particular on his Santa list.

Mr Tumble with Tumble Tapp (£29.99) was the first toy and E had an instant love for this one. It is a plush toy so it's perfect for cuddles from little ones - it is suitable for children aged 10 months+. The soft Mr Tumble holds his very own Tumble Tapp (which is sewn on and attached to the doll) which has five icons that you can press. Each icon will play a song or phrase that Mr Tumble says in the TV show. E's favourite is the music - she is always singing along and making me sing too! Mr Tumble's nose lights up when the buttons are pressed which is a cute little addition.

Next up was the Mr Tumble's Fun Sounds Musical Car (£29.99). This was the one that C had been asking for and ever since it arrived, both of my children have fought over it. Every. Single. Day. The car itself is heavy duty plastic which is perfect as my two can be a bit heavy handed! There are four buttons; the Aunt Polly and Grandad Tumble ones play phrases, the music one plays music and the big red nose flashes and makes sounds.

A Mr Tumble figure is included which can be put inside to "drive" the car by lifting the front up. When you push the car along, engine noises are made. C thought it was really funny how the car can be quite rickety as it goes along but it's exactly how you would imagine Mr Tumble's car to look as it drives. 

As if that wasn't enough, there are even four Makaton cards included and there is a slot on the back of the car where you can store them. My kids still haven't lost them which is a huge deal because they lose everything. E is really enjoying the Makaton cards - one of the first things she learnt as a baby by watching Something Special was to sign "friends". 

The car requires 2 AA batteries but luckily these are included and it's recommended for children aged 3 years+. E is two but she can play happily with it, whilst supervised.
You can find out more about the full new range of Mr Tumble toys at the Golden Bear website and you can keep up to date on Facebook and Twitter.

(We received these items for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

 

BRIO Rescue Set - Review

This month at preschool, C's topic of learning is 'People Who Help Us'. C has always been a massive fan of the emergency services and is constantly changing his mind between wanting to be a firefighter and policeman. BRIO recently sent him the Rescue Set to review so it was perfect timing to tie in with his current school subject.

If you aren't familar with BRIO, they have been creating wooden toys to encourage imaginative play since 1884. This Rescue Set is a mixture of wood and plastic which is a bit odd but I understand why they've done it.

C has owned quite a few different types of railway tracks and I always dread building them for him. I always go wrong somewhere, mess the whole thing up then end up getting Chris to build it. This set contains 30 pieces and I have to admit that although very little of it was train track, that same feeling of dread washed over me. I needn't have worried though and it only took me around five minutes between looking at the instructions and the photograph on the box.

The truck, track and trees are all made of wood. The firefighter figures, fire engine, fire station, crossing and bridge are plastic and the fire is a rubber material. 

C was so excited to get playing, especially when I showed him that pressing the yellow button on the top of the fire truck made the siren go and the lights flash. For a little track, there is so much fun to be had. C was placing the fire at different areas then making his fire engine speed out of the station and go around the track. The door of the station can be opened and shut and the ladders on the engine can move to reveal a hose. The hose can be extending by pulling (and it can fit perfectly in the firefighters hand) then retracted easily by twisting the yellow plastic that it's attached to.

There is so much imaginative play to be had with this set and C has played endlessly with it. I particularly like that the track isn't flat, parts of the track are resting on the rocks meaning that he has to push his vehicles uphill. Sometimes C can play a little too vigorously meaning that he'd knock the track off so I'd have to fix it over and over again. A little annoyance but not the end of the world. It is so well-made, sturdy and the detailing is fantastic, I can definitely see lots of play happening with this set over the coming years.

The BRIO Rescue Set is suitable for children aged 3+ and retails at £79.99. You can find out more about the full range at the BRIO website and you can keep up to date on Facebook and Twitter.

(We received this item for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

 

Is My Son On the Spectrum?

This is a post that I wasn't really sure if I would write, or if I did, that I would publish. I tend to keep everything here lighthearted and upbeat and not talk too much about the serious stuff that's going on in my life. I started writing my blog so I could read back about our lives so it seems really stupid to leave this out as it's the biggest thing that's happening with us right now.

My four year old son, C, started preschool at the beginning of September. Around three weeks in, the preschool leader asked if she could have a quick word with me. She told me that she had a few concerns about his behaviour, touched on them briefly and recommended that I book an appointment with his health visitor or GP. I have to admit that I brushed it off a bit. I have a little bit of experience with autism (although she never actually mentioned that word, I guessed that it's what she was getting at) and C is so different from what I've seen in other autistic children, although I do know that the spectrum is broad. I sort of thought that three weeks was very quick for her to come to me with these concerns as preschool was a totally new experience for him. He had never been to any sort of playgroup, he'd just be at home with me, his daddy and sister so being with 24 other children every day was a massive change but then again, she had worked with lots of children.

A couple of weeks later, I had my settling in meeting with the preschool leader where she explained in more detail the things that were worrying her. C has been quite sensitive with noise. On one particular day, the children were playing with dry pasta in the water tray and making a lot of noise. C covered his head with his arms and said, "It's too noisy! I want to go home." As time has progressed, his key worker can see the signs when something like this is going to happen again and takes him out of the room just to get a couple of minutes away. They have also made him a countdown rocket to help him calm himself so he can see the numbers and count down from five to one.

At story time at the end of the day, they found that he wouldn't sit to listen to the story so they made him up his own little box with weighted toys and things that he can fidget with as he listens. Since they've introduced that, he'll sit quietly but she thinks that he can't focus unless he's keeping his hands busy.

When it comes to snack time, the children are told to wash their hands, grab a plate, pick their toast and fruit then pour their milk or water. One day, C spilled his milk as he was pouring it and got really upset. He didn't even calm down once they'd cleaned it up. They then realised that he wanted to go back to the beginning of the routine and wash his hands again, pick his toast again then pour his milk again. It was like he couldn't get past messing the routine up. Also, if he wants to play with a toy, let's say dinosaurs, but it's snack time, he needs to have a visual. His key worker has made a "Now and Later" sheet so they would put snack time in "now" then dinosaurs in "later". This way, he knows that he is still getting the dinosaurs whereas beforehand he would just take it as a no and get upset.

The biggest thing (something which I have actually noticed too) is not being able to express himself when he's upset or angry. He lashes out and hits. Interestingly, he understands other childrens' emotions and asks if they are okay when he sees that they are sad, but he can't express it when he feels it himself. We've since put in an application for CIDS Team - who are specialist workers and psychologists - to observe him in class so we are waiting to hear back from them.

I have to be honest and say that I felt a little bit like my heart had been ripped out as she was speaking to me and I did have a cry on the way home. I know that if we do get a diagnosis that it's not going to change who he is. He will always be the same C that he's always been. We have our behavioural appointment with the GP tomorrow morning and my stomach is in knots. One step closer to finding out, eh? Wish us luck!

C's First Week at Preschool

Back in April, I wrote about C being accepted into our first choice of preschool. We had a feeler session before the summer where he got to have a play in the room and outside area and see what it was all about. He absolutely loved it and all summer he was constantly asking, "Can I go to school today?" so last Sunday he was super excited to go bed knowing that the following day, he'd finally be going.

His preschool staggered start dates as they wanted to get the older children in and settled because they find that the younger children seem more at ease when they come in after. C was to start on the first day as he would be one of the oldest in the class. He was set to do 9.00-10.30 on Monday and Tuesday, 9.00-11.30 on Wednesday and Thursday then Friday onwards would be a full day of 9.00-12.15.

On Monday morning, we woke him at 7. He loves his sleep so he wasn't for getting up until I mentioned school. He bounced out of bed excitedly and couldn't wait to get his uniform on. When we brought him to school, I fully expected to be in tears but I surprised myself, probably because of how calm and collected C was. We had a little Welcome Pack to fill in with C over the summer, one of the activities was getting him to recognise his symbol for where he was supposed to hang his coat. He spotted it right away and hung his coat and schoolbag up. They had everyones symbols Velcro-ed onto the door and as they walked in, they had to choose theirs and put it in a little pouch (sort of like a sign in system). C took his and looked at us for reassurance which made me feel a little sad but once he put it in and said goodbye, he walked in happily with his teacher.

As he was only in for a short time, Chris and I took a walk to get a hot chocolate and by the time we walked back it was time to collect C. E was being very grumpy and refusing to talk to us as she missed him so much! Apparently he had settled in really quickly and the teacher asked if we'd like to leave him a little longer the following day. He came out with a massive smile on his face and couldn't wait to go back the next day.

The second day was equally as good and we were told upon collecting him that he was doing so well that he was ready for full days already. I couldn't believe it. Again, he came out beaming and told me that he'd played with some Peppa Pig toys and had toast and milk. He had tons of pictures that he had drawn for me too - my mother in law warned me to get a massive box for them all! The rest of the first full week went as well as the first two. He was telling me the names of some of his friends but also let me know that the teacher had told him off for running in the classroom!

We go to my parents on a Saturday so he didn't really miss preschool then but he woke at 6.30 on Sunday morning crying his eyes out because he wanted to go. Yesterday, he had a great day and I was so proud that he was taking to school so well.

When I picked him up today, the teacher obviously saw me but called every other child out to their parents before C so I knew he'd done something naughty. We made it 7 days without anything happening which, to be honest, was pretty good going for him. C isn't a naughty child but he can get frustrated and can blow his top quite easily. She told me that C had got a little worked up today and that he was in the Quiet Room. He had destroyed another boy's sandcastle when they were playing in the sandpit. She had asked him to say sorry but he refused and threw a proper kicking and screaming tantrum including throwing sand at other children. I was absolutely mortified when she was telling me. C told her that she had made him upset and angry which she said was good because he was able to communicate his feelings with her. 

When she brought him out to me, he threw his arms around me and sobbed his heart out and told me he wanted to play outside, obviously because he knew he didn't get to finish his outside time. On the walk home, I explained that he needs to listen and do what the teachers say and also be nice to others. He didn't like being taken away from his friends and toys and that would happen again if he was naughty. He calmed down lots and told me that he would be good tomorrow.

Now, understandably, I am worrying about what tomorrow will bring but I'm hoping that he sticks to his promise!

Making Packed Lunches Fun

C starts preschool next week and although he won't actually be needing a packed lunch at school, I will be bringing one with me when I pick him up. He will be going five days a week from 9.00-12.15. I don't drive so I need to get the train. The next train home after I collect him is at 12.50 so it falls right over lunch time. Bringing a packed lunch means that he can sit and eat it whilst waiting on the train coming.

C was a fantastic eater when he was a baby and would eat anything that you put in front of him but he's being increasingly picky as he's gotten older. Lunch is probably the one meal that I really struggle with as there isn't a lot that he likes or will even try so I need to make lunches fun for him.

I always give either a wrap or a sandwich. I need to be careful when it comes to wraps though because if it opens and the fillings fall out, all Hell will break loose! With sandwiches, I will always use a shape cutter. These cute LunchPunch jigsaw shapes are C's favourite at the moment and gets really excited when he sees his "puzzle sandwiches".

Fruit is a staple in C's lunch. Berry fruits are especially loved so strawberries or raspberries would be his first choice, followed by maybe a banana or apple. I always include an easy to eat yogurt. As we are on the go, it tends to be a Frube or another type that doesn't require a spoon. 

Sometimes, the sandwich may be replaced with Dairylea Dunkers; either the jumbo tubes or Ritz crackers. Not the healthiest, I know, but he likes them as a treat! 

I pack his little lunch in this gorgeous Joules lunch bag. It's so spacious with more than enough room to pack all of his items in. He loves the shark motif and says it's "so scary." It even comes with a hard lunchbox inside.

Finally, I love these little Lunchbox Love notes which have a positive message of joke on them. C is a bit young at the moment as he can't read himself but they are a really nice addition. I'll definitely be using them in the future with him.How do you make packed lunches fun?

(I received the items mentioned above free of charge. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced.) 

C is Going to Preschool!

Back in January, we filled in the form with C's pre-school choices. I think we chose five different ones. Our first choice was the one we desperately wanted him to get into, second and third were perfectly okay and we wouldn't be disappointed if he got in there and the last two were more space fillers or safety nets.

C had been going on for ages about how he couldn't wait to go to school and make friends so we waited patiently, then letter-arriving time sprung up on us. On Saturday morning, I grabbed the white letter as soon as it hit the floor and saw the school stamp of our first choice in the top corner and tried not to get my hopes up. I was delighted to see that he had in fact gotten in and even C said "oh my word!" He's been really excited all weekend, learning the name of his new school and I keep having to remind him that it's a few more months until he starts!

There are a few school activities during the summer so I am excited to take him and possibly meet some of his new classmates.

He has a family member who attends the primary school so that will be nice for him, plus it will probably be a natural progression from the pre-school to primary school; not just for him but most of his classmates too meaning that he'll keep the same friends. Then, when it comes to E's turn to apply, we'd have more of chance of her being with her brother.

I'm still a little in denial of how my little baby is big enough for pre-school but I can't wait for him to begin on this amazing journey.

 

Maya the Bee Giveaway

Maya the Bee is a pre-school programme that is currently being shown on freeview channel, Tiny Pop.

A young bee named Maya has left her hive to discover the mysteries and beauty of nature. Whilst exploring the meadow where she lives, she meets other insects living there, plays until her heart's content and shares her joy with her friends.

C loves learning all about the outdoors so I think that I'll have to introduce him to Tiny Pop and Maya!

How would you like to win some Maya the Bee goodies?

I've got a Maya the Bee plush, Willy the Bee plush and an antennae headband up for grabs for one lucky winner! All you need to do is fill in the Rafflecopter widget below.

T&C's:

• The giveaway will run from June 23rd until July 7th
• One winner will win a Maya the Bee plush, a Willy the Bee plush and antennae headband
• Open to entrants aged 18+
• UK residents only
• Prize will be sent directly from the PR company, please allow 28 days for delivery
• No automated entries
• One entry per person

Good luck!

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