There are an increasing number of things that Juastre likes to do indoors.
It's good to try to alternate (1) giving Jaustre a break to entertain himself and (2) trying to engage with him - too much of either and you'll get difficulties due to over-demand or boredom. These activities should be part of a lots of community based trips.
If you try to offer him fun rewarding structured expreiences, there's a good chance he may learn to like some new things too. So, in no particular order....
³ MUSIC
Jos likes to listen to lots of different music but definately has favourite songs. He is able to operate regualar CD players (to to load a CD or find the right song) and I-Pods (even learning that they need to be re-charged). Jaustre does sit and listen to music but often music involves wandering around. You can see Jos enjoying different types of music in the following videos:
ยบ It is important to have the photos available on Jaustre's communication board so he can ask for his music...
Ideally you can use Jannel's specially compiled CDs of Jaustre's favourite music!
It's good to try to alternate (1) giving Jaustre a break to entertain himself and (2) trying to engage with him - too much of either and you'll get difficulties due to over-demand or boredom. These activities should be part of a lots of community based trips.
If you try to offer him fun rewarding structured expreiences, there's a good chance he may learn to like some new things too. So, in no particular order....
³ MUSIC
Jos likes to listen to lots of different music but definately has favourite songs. He is able to operate regualar CD players (to to load a CD or find the right song) and I-Pods (even learning that they need to be re-charged). Jaustre does sit and listen to music but often music involves wandering around. You can see Jos enjoying different types of music in the following videos:
ยบ It is important to have the photos available on Jaustre's communication board so he can ask for his music...
Ideally you can use Jannel's specially compiled CDs of Jaustre's favourite music!
BUBBLES
Jaustre likes watching bubbles being blown and blowing them himself as you can see in the videos below...
Again, it is important to have the bubbles photo available so Jaustre can choose when he wants bubbles...
TRAMPOLINE
Jaustre is often at his happiest when jumping on the trampoline. He will jump alone or with others and then can chill out lying on the trampoline. Big J usually sleeps better after this type of exercise too! Jaustre has developed 'rituals' in certain situations (e.g. a certain child has to go on before Jaustre - you manage these as suggested in the 'Ritualistic Behaviours' post.
Jaustre understands the Makaton for 'trampoline' but it will be best to have a photo for him to choose from too.
PUZZLES
Jaustre also spends time doing puzzles. He can do up to a 30 piece jigsaw (with border) - sometimes more than one at a time. There are lots of ritualistic behaviours associated with puzzles. Jaustre prefers to tip all the pieces upside down (picture face down) before starting! Jos sometimes needs a piece to be put in to get him started but don't be put off if he takes it out, puts it back in the pile and then does it again himself... At home Jaustre has a touch screen computer puzzle program!
Jaustre's puzzle request photo is below:
PLAYING WITH 'TOYS'
Jaustre uses a number of objects to stimulate his senses - tapping an empty pen against a box filled with socks for example (see Repetitive Behaviour post). It is important to let Jaustre have time to do this and to remember that becuase he can sepend lots of time getting his toys to appear or feel 'just right', he can get upset if they are lost. It's best to try to make sure Jaustre keeps everything safe in one place (see video below):
HAVING A SHOWER
Jaustre likes having a shower, particularly in the heat of the summer, as feeling hot can make him uncomfortable (it also helps him cool down after a period of being upset). He is generally independent in doing this - especially 'recreational' showers! Jaustre will usually use the makaton for shower to let you know when he wants to shower...
HELPING AROUND THE HOUSE
Jaustre is capable (and sometimes willing) to help out in daily household activities. This might include watering the garden, putting clothes or dishes away but especially bringing the washing in.
NOTE: Jaustre will want to bring the washing in whether dry or not, so only make this available when you want it to happen. Jaustre will take down each item of clothing and put them in a basket, he will take the clothes pegs of the line a drop them into a container. Once it is all in Jaustre is keen to have everything folded 'just right', starting from inside out, back to the right way round again. Try to give Jaustre lots of opportunity to do this himself. If Juastre asks you to repeat a fold a number of times and seems unhappy, ask him "show me" and he usually will do it himself.
DANCING
Along with his like for music, Juastre can enjoy a foxtrot, rumba or quickstep with friends and family...
Finally, here are a few last ideas...
Jaustre has spent up to 5 minutes on the exercise bike using a digital countdown timer (good for the waist line) and shows an positive interest when others play Nintendo Wii or Piano!
DANCING
Along with his like for music, Juastre can enjoy a foxtrot, rumba or quickstep with friends and family...
Finally, here are a few last ideas...
Jaustre has spent up to 5 minutes on the exercise bike using a digital countdown timer (good for the waist line) and shows an positive interest when others play Nintendo Wii or Piano!
