[mama-a-llama]

We're going to a family wedding tomorrow, and I'm worried ds won't do well. I tried to go to a meeting of SN parents earlier in the week, and he tolerated it for about an hour, and then pretty much lost it. I asked his OT, and she suggested vestibular stimulation (rocking, bouncing, etc.). He was really happy in a child size rocker when she was here, but hasn't appreciated my attempts with it since. Any other suggestions? It's an outdoor reception, so I'm really hoping to avoid spending the whole evening walking around in the woods with a hysterical ds.

 

[crl]

I'm not sure I have a lot to offer. Hopefully it will help that it is outdoors, that always makes things much easier for my DS.<br><br><br>
I'd try to make sure he's well-rested, well-fed and in comfortable clothing because things seem to be cummulative with my DS. Sensory input he enjoys sounds like a good idea to me too. (Before and during to the extent possible.)<br><br>
Since your DS did well for about an hour in the other setting, I'd use that as a guide for when he might need a break. At about 45 minutes (assuming he's doing well up until then) I'd find a quiet place (car?) to retreat for about 15 minutes--maybe have a snack then. Just try to give him a break before he melts down<br><br>
Just a few thoughts. Hope you have a great time at the wedding!

 

[MyTwoAs]

The OT ideas sound like they might work but only if your ds is in the mood to have them done to him - ya know? With my daughter big bear hugs/squeezes help her but again only if she's in the mood for them. If she's not it makes it worse.<br><br>
Good luck, I hope you have a meltdown free weekend. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[mtn.mama]

We use construction earmuffs, fidgits, headphones with classical music, sunglasses, chewing gum, deep pressure, and close contact... as well as try to prepare for the occasion by telling him what it will be like- so he knows what to expect. If its an event where its really important to us to participate, then we bring an extra set of familiar hands (respite or in-home support person). He can use PECS now to tell us "outside" or "home" when it gets to be too much for him. And the support person can tend to his needs while we participate. Good luck with the wedding... someday he'll surprise you and maintain in a crowd.<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink"><br>
Lisa

 

[LynnS6]

Let's see:<br><br>
Get as far from the music/speakers as you possibly can -- if they don't have assigned seating, stake out a place at the edge of the reception so there are fewer people around. If they do, move yourself as soon as the meal is over.<br><br>
Help him climb and jump. Jumping calms our son more than anything else.<br><br>
If there's music - dance - the rhythm of dancing and the physical activity really help my son if I do it with him.<br><br>
Are you going as a family? Take turns with your partner to keep ds occupied and unstimulated. Trade off every 1/2 hour or so.<br><br>
Bring your own food as a backup in case there isn't anything he will eat there. Make sure it has protein in it.<br><br>
If he'll wear them, headphones/ear protectors work for some kids. Definitely comfortable, cotton clothing and sunglasses.<br><br>
Expect that you will be there for no more than 2 hours. Anything after that is a complete and total gift!

 

[happilyloved]

We are going to a wedding soon and I was concerned about the same things. DD is most sensitive to noise and crowds, both of which there will be a LOT of. We just had our first OT session, but one thing she really focused on for Leah was heavy work. We have to fly to get to this wedding, which again will be noise, lots of people and unfamiliar movement thrown in for fun. She suggested having her pull moderately heavy suitcase (we are going to have her pull her carseat on a small hand-truck) through the airport. Going to the wedding we will have her carry a backpack of activities to share with her sister. Not so heavy that she struggles with it, but enough that it requires a small effort. DH gets overwhelmed by the same things she does, so he is pretty good about catching the meltdown in the wind-up phase - he feels the same way she does. When he starts to get antsy he tells Leah how he feels and asks if she wants to "help him." They go for a walk or find an interesting corner. They both like people, just not uninvited contact or too many at once.<br><br>
I just noticed that your DS is young - would he go for a sling/wrap? DD liked the ring sling because she could be close to me, get that rocking/bouncing feeling naturally, and she could hide in my cleaveage if she needed to <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"><br><br>
Ann