The Hairy Planet - Coming Soon!! Yay

O.k I can't wait any longer....are you ready for the Hairy Planet to open? After months of planning....oh - just read on!

Having a good experience in the hairdressers is something we take for granted. For children with sensory dysfunction and those who develop fears about visiting the hairdressers, hair cut time is a stressful and difficult experience – and has a huge impact on family life.

Did you know that a fear of haircuts is called Tonsurephobia?

Regular hair cuts are essential, and Tonsurephobia is a serious problem for many families.

So how can children learn how to cope with their difficulties and fears?

Children can now visit Ireland’s only Kids Hair Therapy salon.

Join the 100’s families that are ready to welcome to launch of The Hairy Planet!

It’s a hairdressers – but not as they know it!

Devised and run by established Play Specialist Claire Whyte, The Hairy Planet is a multi-sensory play experience in a fun environment that helps children learn how to cope with hair cuts – or to just have their hair cut in a cool hairdressers!

Children visiting The Hairy Planet will:

·         Play with other kids in a small group

·         Experience sensory play including vibrotactile toys

·         Explore hairdressing equipment in a safe, fun environment

·         Play computer games, watch DVD’s

·         Choose to have a hair cut with quiet clippers

There are: No strong smells from shampoos or hair dyes, No hair dryers and No loud clippers.

How does it work?

Each session includes no more than 5 kids: sensory play, hair therapy play, having a hair cut by our own hairdresser, watching DVD’s and playing computer games.

Customers can book a single visit or a regular session to de-sensitize (special offer rates for regular visitors)

Any child can attend, including siblings, schools and charity groups.

Price per child is €18 per session.

We know children.

Children may or may not get their hair cut. No child will be forced or held to avail of a haircut, and we understand that some children need a number of sessions before they attempt to have their hair cut.

Private 1-1 sessions are available if needed.

We open on Saturday, 15^th October! Book Now!

Where is The Hairy Planet?

We’ll be open every Saturday at The Bangla Therapy Centre, Balrath,

Co. Meath (near Navan on the N2) Thursday sessions coming in November.

About Claire (if you don't know me already...)

Claire Whyte is the Co-Director of Hometrain Ltd and the leader of the established Hometrain Social Skills Group and Social Skills Summer Camps in Co. Meath.

Claire worked for many years as a Hospital Play Specialist in Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin - preparing children for cardiac surgery and painful procedures.

Her experience also as a Home Tutor with special needs children, and her work with many families have lead to the research, development and launch of The Hairy Planet.
Claire is also the author of Hometrain’s educational resources and software.

Please contact for more details and booking by phone or e-mail at Hometrain:

Office: 046 9091163     Mobile: 087 6907663

E-mail: claire@hometrain.ie or info@hometrain.ie

Website: http://www.hometrain.ie

Special Needs Kids and Haircuts!!!!

Special Needs Kids and Haircuts - Now there's two concepts that do not go well together, and can make even the hardiest of parents shudder!

With the children in our social skills group, and throughout my time as a home tutor, haircutting is a HUGE sensory issue across the board. Many children report being able to feel pain during hair cuts. 

I think most families I know have tried many ways to assist their children getting the dreaded haircut, including: While the child is asleep, in the bath, holding them on a chair (2-3 people holding them), wrapped in a towel, using lots of bribes, having a bath ready and letting it grow. Scissors, clippers - you name it, you've tried it all!                                                                                                         At the hairdressers it's a sensory overload - there are strong smells, and the buzzing sound of clippers and hairdryers can be enough to prevent your child even going near to the chair! However, if you can find a hairdresser that will let you take your child to visit, watch what is happening and hold the equipment, it might be useful.                     Here are some other ideas that might help:                                               

1. Find a hairdressers that’s more child-friendly and doesn’t stink of chemicals.
2. Bring a clean T-shirt to change into straight away
3. Bring an MP3 player, portable DVD player to help distract them
4. Use a weighted vest or lap-pad to help calm them
5. Refer to it as a hair trim instead of cut
6. Use reinforcers to encourage them
7. Give choices of clippers or scissors
8. Have a drink nearby in case they need a break
9. Offer a visit to the shop or park afterwards
10. Play at home with a vibrating toothbrush or clippers

I am hoping to set up a hairdressing play clinic in Meath, and would welcome any ideas people have!
Ideas from parents are welcome!

Claire.

 

                      

Why Special Needs Children Don't Enjoy Parties

Love them or hate them, birthday parties are part and 'parcel' of child-life, and indeed adult life too.
Before talking about kids though, think about the adults in your life (yourself included) and how you react to birthday parties. There are generally three types:

1) Yes! The party lover! Enjoys their parties, the kids' parties, other people's parties, planning, organising, having people around or going out, the more the merrier etc. Usually a sociable type of person who likes to have events to look forward to and likes groups and enjoys excitement.
2) Maybe, erm, o.k. The party attendee! Will go when invited, doesn't mind parties, but if given a choice, prefers to have a quiet celebration without all the hassle. The classic line for this person - 'You'll enjoy it when you get there' (know anyone like this?) and 'don't go to any trouble on my account.'

3) No! Party pooper! Does not like fuss, too many people, too much to organise for just a birthday unless it's a significant birthday. May go

along to the party, but but probably whine and

moan until you get in the door. Classic line for this person -

'I'll just go for an hour'.

It's a combination of personality type, our life experience of parties, plus how we express our needs/wants/desires at celebrations.

So what about our kids?
We take pleasure in seeing our children grow to become excited about parties, many count the days, weeks, hours and minutes until their next brithday, liking to help organise what to have, where to go and what they want to do etc. Other children don't mind parties, and like us, some do not experience the same enjoyment.
If you are a party person, and you as a parent have kids who are party kids, then great. If you are a party parent, and your kid is not a party kid, then to some degree, there's not a lot you can do!

If your child has special needs, they too might love parties (some too much) and there are reasons why they don't enjoy parties.
Here's a term we all know and love: Being 'over stimulated' which is caused by high excitement, anticipation and sensory overload. For some children, this can be an unpleasant experience, feeling out of control and unsure how to process the events. Especially high when surrounded with decorations and everyone is creating a party atmosphere.
There are 7 senses we use to process information:
1) Sight 2) Sound 3) Touch 4) Smell 5) Taste 6) Body posture 7) Movement
Our brains constantly process all these senses to help us feel secure, and know how to act in different situations.
Children who have sensory dysfunction cannot process all this information smoothly, and therefore are unable to react in social situations in the same way we expect them to - even if they have been to lots of parties.
Many children do not experience fun or excitement in the same way we do, and being centre of attention can be an extremely unpleasant experience.

Some ways you can help:

• Give your child choices about when and where and if they want a party
• Give them choices about activities, the cake and games
• Make a calendar to count down the days if they are very excited
• Make a book about birthdays, learn about presants, cards, cake etc.
• Give your child choices about what clothing they want (they may feel more comfortable in something familiar instead of new)
• Give them time to prepare for going to a party - if they haven't been to the house before, you could arrange a pre-party play date
• Don't push it if they don't want to go - give them time to feel comfortable going to parties
• Go to choose the party gift together

Kids can play a great party game free online, from the social skills communication game 'Hello'
Go here:http://www.hometrain.ie/games/party.php

And just for the record................ I love parties!

Claire.

Preparing Special Needs Children for Hospital

Preparing any young child for a hospital visit can be a daunting task. If your child has special needs - or is particularly worried, here are some ideas you might like to try:
Your approach and the language you use are vital to reassuring your child's fears.
If you have never experienced the proceedure your child will have, find out exactly what is going to happen. If you are not clear yourself, ask your doctor.
Before your visit:

• You can make a book about hospital and print colouring pages.
• Let your child help pack their bag and include a new toy or activity as a treat to look forward to after their proceedure.
• Talk about fasting
• Use a planner or calendar to show how many days until you go, and when you will be home.
• Play Teddy hospital at home - this will give you a good idea of your child's undertanding and worries.

Keep your explantions simple:

• Doctors and nurses are there to help people get better
• Toys and games are allowed in hospitals
• They can bring their own pillow and blanket
• You will be with them most of the time

Children who do not ask questions still need a full explanation. Tell them what is happening and that they will be coming home after.

If they are worried about wearing a gown, try one on their teddy or doll. Find out if they can keep their underwear on if they are self concious.

There should be a playroom on your ward. Encourage your child to get up and play where possible.

Hospital play specialists (child life specialist) are trained to prepare children for different proceedures. Ask for the play specialist on your ward.

The organisation 'Children in Hospital Ireland' can help with information. They also provide and train volunteers in playrooms and information desks.

You can contact them here: http://www.childreninhospital.ie/

Remember that as a parent, you are a member of your child's healthcare team!

If you need any more advice or information, please feel free to contact me:

claire@hometrain.ie

Claire.

Finding Christmas Presants for Special Needs Kids

Around this time of year, when Hallo'ween is over and thoughts turn to Christmas, notions of presants and shopping slowly start to come to mind.

For me, Christmas shopping is a nice neccessity, I love giving (and receiving) gifts, but what to get for each person is a November-long puzzle!

It's also around this time when I get asked for suggestions of what to buy for children with special needs. Finding toys and games that are appropriate can be difficult.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

Ask their Parents - find out what the chid is into, or if parents have ideas.

Things to ask are: (if it's puzzles or games) What is their piece-range for puzzles? - you might be suprised, some kids are extremely capable of jigsaws and puzzles with way more pieces than you imagine!

If you have something in mind, and you're not sure, it might be a good idea to run it passed the parents first.

If a child is into press-button cause and effect toys such as v-tech and they are getting a little older for baby/toddler toys, consider press-button books or computer games as an alternative.

If you are looking for something to help encourage motor skills, try the good old fashioned outdoors play equipment. Balls of different sizes and textures are great, and balance boards, hoppers and hula hoops are always useful.

Look for small, fun things that parents hide away and take out and use as reinforcers on difficult days - you will be thanked for these at a later date! Hand-held video games, bubbles, press button and light-up toys, small books etc, are great.

Take the child out for the day - give a voucher for a day out, and better still, bring them yourself if you can!

Books for bedtime and outings are always useful.

And my favourite idea? Make the child's own story book. Include their photographs, pets and family on an adventure.

I'll add more ideas as we get nearer, but feel free to post your ideas here:

Claire.

Unconditional Positive Regard!

This is undoubtedly one of the most difficult aspects of teaching children with challenging behaviour, and I don't know a single teacher or parent who do not struggle with this from time to time - if not daily!

I recently had a testing day with one of my students. His SNA remarked that she had 'NEVER seen me anything but positive' and upbeat in relation to challenging behaviour. I was taken aback by her surpise, and answered 'I'm only human' I got a hug in return for my honesty!

We all love the kids we work with, and that goes without saying. So, when a carefully planned piece of work is immediatly torn, discarded to the floor the second its presented, and you've replaced your little apprentice on their chair for the umpteenth time today, then they leave the room - again.


And as you fall over the chair, slip on the discarded work, and be hit by the rebounding door, it's a natural reaction to feel your unconditional positive reagard slipping away, and frustration setting in.

It's time to stop what you're doing, breathe, and think on the spot about what is happening.
Is the cause of your frustration that you've prepped the work and now it's time wasted? Is the child's behaviour getting the better of you? Whether it's just the day, or that you know they can easily do the task at hand, don't get stressed, try this:

Clear the space, forget the task for now and bring out something fun and physical like water play or playdough - something you know your little student will be happy to play with. Get down on the floor and play for a while. (You will require energy for this!)
Return to the task at another time and don't be hard on yourself. You will quickly return to being a happy, in control tutor who is a very reinforcing and fun person.

Again - have fun!
Claire.