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Tips and tricks from neurodivergent young people and parents
- Neurodiversity
Speech bubble graphic saying 'tips and tricks'
Some of the young people and parents who using our services have some tips and tricks that helped them.
Tips from neurodivergent children and young people
Be yourself, enjoy being you and be independent!
I have cerebral palsy and I am 18 years old. My tip is to get organised and plan your spare time to get the most of it and enjoy the moment of doing things for yourself.
Sharon Malupia
I know some people who have cerebral palsy it can be hard by some people work hard to be independent. I tidy my room everyday, make my lunch everyday, arrange to meet my friends, go to the shops.
This weighted blanket is an utter delight to get cosy in. It has deep touch pressure therapy that helps with providing a more relaxing sleep and can be used to “veg out in.” It enables you to feel less anxious and creates comfort and extra warmth. It is available in pink and grey and in different weights which you would need to check to see which is appropriate. This sensory weighted blanket also can be covered in a protective cover and helps to ease your mind including pain relief. The heaviness is especially helpful for boosting your mood, is soothing and aids stress relief. I would rate this weighted blanket five out of five stars because of its overall comfort and pleasure.
Isma
I used art to help calm me down and means I don't annoy my parents.
I have ADHD. Getting to sleep and staying asleep is a problem for me so I have cherry juice next to my bed, it has a natural form of melatonin in it and that's really helpful.
Jemma
I have a reversible octopus plushy, On one side it has a happy face and on the other a sad face. It helps my family understand how I am feeling without having to ask me how I am.
From parents
Yoga and mindfulness or colouring before bed instead of watching TV helps for us.
Sleep medication - I was really apprehensive about medicating him but my goodness it was the first decent nights sleep we had in the 6 years since he was born.
The use of deep pressure. Weighted blankets are good but there are low cost options too. We also use massage tools for deep pressure to help relax my son before bed.
Learning about the importance of the bedroom and lights etc. remaining exactly the same throughout the night. So, for example a child falls asleep with the hallway light on it is better for the child to keep this on all night as they notice subtle changes which jolt them into a state of wakefulness. (This was particularly useful as even though my son wakes up, it's not less frequently than before).
Black out curtains are amazing, then you have memory foam pillows and mattresses.
Keeping a sleep diary has help me to identify trends in what impacts my child's sleep positively or negatively. A good diet has been helpful, having a healthy gut (brain gut connection) aids sleep.
We use a visual schedule. When my son was diagnosed I had no idea of how crucial they were to be in all areas of difficulty. Using one at night to reinforce his bedtime routine (and accompanied by a gro clock) has been so helpful.
