As a group F.A.C.T are constantly trying to find ways of making life easier for you and your child!

Radar keys
These keys give you access to disabled toilets throughout the country- very useful if your child is vulnerable on their own. These can be purchased at our group meetings.

“Springy shoe laces"
These enable your child to do up their own shoelaces!
They can be purchased at our group meetings. 

Egg Timers
Enables children to see how much time they have remaining etc. The time left remining is very visual for the child, in bright red. Very good for the anxious or "time ruled" child. We can order these at our meetings for you.

“This child has Aspergers syndrome” cards
These cards carry simple information about your Childs condition, which they can show to people to explain the difficulties they may have.
Laminated - 50p
Laminated with clip on key ring £1
These are available at our group meetings.

 

 

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Take your child out on family outings as much as possible. Whenever it is possible, take an extra adult to help out, in case your child is unable to cope with the situation.

 

Remember to take your "Carers Card" with you, to ask if you are able to have any discounts etc. for either your child or their carer.

 

Eating out
When eating out, try to make it as much fun as possible and go to places your child may be familiar with such as McDonald's.

• If possible eat at times when it is less likely to be busy.
• If it is busy, maybe eat your food in the car, for a child this is probably more fun! You may be expecting too much for your child to cope with lots of people, many distractions, lots of noise and also expecting them to eat and sit still as well!

If eating in a restaurant, it is always best to take some form of distraction e.g.: books, pen and paper or a favorite toy to keep your child occupied whilst you are waiting for food etc.

Take your "Aspergers" card with you, which is easy to discretely show to anyone who may be wondering why your child is acting differently. You may even find that people will be more tolerant

 

Radar key

Purchase a "Radar key" available at F.A.C.T. meetings (£3). These keys enable you to have access to all council owned disabled toilets. They are invaluable if your child is vulnerable when going into toilets on their own.

 

Shopping

Shopping can be a very stressful time for your child. (And you!) Avoid going shopping when there are likely to be a lot of people around. It is advisable to introduce the child to the shops for short periods at a time, gradually spending more time shopping. Encourage your child to take part by getting them to choose items of food that they like. Reward any good behavior whilst out with praise or a small reward. Keep on reassuring your child all the time whilst in busy, unpredictable places. Family occasions such as church ceremonies or parties can be very difficult for your child. Take books, pen and paper etc. and a favourite toy to keep them occupied as much as possible.

 

Holidays

When booking holidays and days out, try to go out of season. A child is unable to sit for hours waiting when a plane is delayed etc. Book seats at the front of the plane /coach to help the child cope with the situation.

 

Appointments

Arrange doctors, dentist and hospital appointments with the first available appointments of the clinic, (If at all possible) to avoid the child sitting for a long time and becoming more anxious.

 

Social stories
Use "Social Stories" to help your child cope in different or difficult situations. Many of our children react the way they do because they have not been pre-warned of events, where they are going, what they are going to be doing and not told how to behave!

 

Car journeys
On long car journeys try putting a pillow between them and other siblings, so that their "space" is not "invaded." Give them personal headphones with a favourite story/music to listen too.

 

Bright lights

For children that do not like bright lights etc. give them sunglasses to wear, especially in the winter when snow can make things extra bright and at night when car lights cause them distress.

 

The main idea to reduce stress all round, is to try and plan in advance whenever possible.

 

"Enjoy your day out"