CHILDREN WE HELP

Caring for local children and young people with disabilities...supporting the family.

“Tom”, age 3, has a severe autistic spectrum disorder. He has no language and behavioural difficulties. Tom needs only a few hours sleep and is very active. His play is restricted. He now attends the centre’s new autism provision, which has facilities for 4/5 children daily. There are two staff with the children and Tom has a daily session at his “work” station to improve his concentration and focus on activities. His day is structured and he follows a visual timetable. The staff are introducing the Picture Exchange Communication System to promote his language and communication skills. Tom also has 1 to 1 intensive interaction sessions to encourage his social communication and awareness of others. He also uses the Centre’s other facilities: the soft play room, outdoor play and touch screen computers.

“Louise”, age 4, has complex medical needs and physical disabilities. She is totally dependent for all her care needs. Louise’s understanding of language is good but she has difficulty speaking. Louise is in a class of 8/9 children with five staff and is also supported by a Health Care Assistant. Louise needs monitoring closely because of her epilepsy and needs help with feeding at dinner time. She has a specialist wheelchair and also uses a standing frame. Physiotherapy programmes are followed by staff and an occupational therapist advises on equipment. The speech and language therapist has provided a communication programme and Louise is being introduced to a “Tech Talker” to enable her to communicate independently.

William was just 2 years old when he started at Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery. He was a quiet, withdrawn little boy who had general learning difficulties with particular regard to his physical and communication skills. During his time at the nursery, he blossomed! Slowly, his confidence began to grow; he began using some Makaton signs to communicate and this, in turn, helped his understanding of the world around him. He responded well to the care provided and to the bright, lively and stimulating environment and his real character began to shine through. His parents were delighted, particularly when he began to take his first few tentative steps alone. With support from his parents, therapists and nursery staff all working together, William is now ready to move onto his new school as a happy, confident and fun loving 5 year old.