Heather

My Requirements

Both boys have additional needs; one has global developmental delays however has made such fantastic progress in the last year and is now a little chatterbox who enjoys exploring his world. He likes: being outdoors, baking, playing, singing, dancing, cuddles and so much more!

My other son also has global developmental delays and is autistic, functioning around 24 months. He is not yet verbal but can request his basic needs using PECs and leading by hand. He has the kindest of hearts but can present with some challenging behaviours – we have strategies in place for such times but sometimes it is pulling something out of the ‘toolbox’ and giving it a go – what works one hour may not the next! It is important that someone joining our house has experience with working with children with SEND, particularly ASD, has patience and an understanding of the challenges he faces daily. Behaviours include banging his head, hitting his face (this is sometimes when he is excited) and screaming. To help him regulate at these times we use distraction – singing ‘the wheels on the bus’, with actions is usually a quick winner, ‘row, row, row your boat’ or walking ‘let’s go’ – walking at pace really helps him when he struggles at school. We have a reasonable sized garden (fully enclosed) with a large trampoline, summer house (for shade), sandpit – currently full of pebbles! - water tray and a gate which leads directly onto a park behind. He holds a Blue Badge to support him with activities out of the house as he can become distressed.

Both boys require help with personal care – however the level of support needed varies for each child – one hugely becoming more independent, with support. Both are still wearing pull-ups. They have a very limited diets, but both do eat and there are no concern in terms of weight and growth from their pediatrician.
The boys are loving, kind and lots of fun – but it can be quite ‘full on’ at times.