My 7 year old is signed up for a week-long, all-day science camp at the local community college this summer. They called today, asking if he would need an aide or anything. I don't really know if he will. He has always been homeschooled. He has attended half-day science camps before, and did okay (I discussed his diagnoses with the instructors beforehand). But, all day? I'm not sure how this will go.
DS1 has high-functioning autism, SPD (primarily sensory-seeking), and probably ADD or ADHD (no definite diagnosis yet). He has trouble paying attention, following multiple-step directions, sitting, and being still. He's very silly and an attention-hog, so would probably come across as the class clown. But, he LOVES science, especially experiments. And there will be a lot of experiments in this camp. He has a weighted lap pad that helps him sit still. I'm thinking that I should look at weighted vests (would that be too hot or obvious in the summer?). I hope to have him swim every evening after camp so that he can deal with that excess energy, and help with his sensory issues (he'll probably have to skip OT that week, due to camp hours). I'm going to talk with them about letting him chew gum, since he's such an oral sensory-seeker. What else should I do or get? Should I ask for him to have an aide, or just prepare the instructors?
I'd also really appreciate websites that sell inexpensive weighted blankets (we need an upgrade!) and vests - PM if you can't post here. I don't sew, so that's not an option. Thank you!
DS1 has high-functioning autism, SPD (primarily sensory-seeking), and probably ADD or ADHD (no definite diagnosis yet). He has trouble paying attention, following multiple-step directions, sitting, and being still. He's very silly and an attention-hog, so would probably come across as the class clown. But, he LOVES science, especially experiments. And there will be a lot of experiments in this camp. He has a weighted lap pad that helps him sit still. I'm thinking that I should look at weighted vests (would that be too hot or obvious in the summer?). I hope to have him swim every evening after camp so that he can deal with that excess energy, and help with his sensory issues (he'll probably have to skip OT that week, due to camp hours). I'm going to talk with them about letting him chew gum, since he's such an oral sensory-seeker. What else should I do or get? Should I ask for him to have an aide, or just prepare the instructors?
I'd also really appreciate websites that sell inexpensive weighted blankets (we need an upgrade!) and vests - PM if you can't post here. I don't sew, so that's not an option. Thank you!
