self harming in meltdowns

[TuX]

am wondering if anyone knows where to buy padded helmets for people with special needs,head banging etc.

am already get restrained by all staff inhouse if go into meltdown,and am on enough meds already to help with it,but it does not help with having meltdowns when there is no one near enough to stop them intime,and have ended up with many suspected fractures over the years [am refuse to go hospital],last one was on friday,when some idiot lit fireworks outside house,and it sent am into meltdown [am already wear earplugs and eardefenders over top but they only help a little],wasn't aware of it,but head demolished a lot more of the concrete wall,and left skull in a state,am do not feel outside pain,luckily,but inside could tell something was bad.

staff hadn't bothered to come to get am out of the room and furtherest away from the fireworks as possible when they all know this is a major setoff,found out later they were watching tv,which is right just below where the wall that was being knocked down with head was-how could they not have heard it?

because of this and not being able to depend on all staff,am wondering about getting one of those padded helmets, but they are hard to find for sale on internet at least,what shops would sell them whether on internet or not? non internet shop would be better though.

 

 

also,does anyone else here 'self harm' in meltdowns or have children that 'self harm' in meltdowns?

what do to help it? meds? padding protection? restraining? phone for police?

am have special padding all around bed [a special padding matress up on it's side,and cusions and pillows are used] as it's where staff bring am to properly restrain and pin down during meltdown.

am used to have them daily and they used to be against other people as well but tegretol almost completely stopped them against others years ago [unless it's people setting the MDs off],and am still on that and beta blockers now.

[mum23]

Hello,

I think an Occupational therepist might be able to help you as they sometimes get these helmets for people that fit or have many unpridictable seizeurs. Do you have access to an Occupational therepist?

I still have to reistrain my 12 year old son at times when he has a meltdown or he would harm himself when he kicks and punches walls etc with such force.

Hope you find a helmet soon

Anna

[Mumble]

I think it's awful that the staff didn't come and see you or move you with the fireworks - I have difficulty with fireworks - I like looking at them but not the noise. Whilst I'm beginning to understand that such noises just don't bother NTs, that doesn't mean they shouldn't be aware of it and your needs.

 

The helmets you refer to are used for epileptics. I don't know how comfortable they would be to wear all day (because of course MDs are unpredictable). I've found a Canadian website that sells them and they have an enquiry form that can be filled in over the internet for people in the UK:

 

Safety Helmets

 

As to self harming in meltdown - I also have cushions all around the wall by my bed - it doesn't happen often now but I have been known to hit/kick/head-butt the wall. The main thing I have is that I claw at my skin - I generally do this pre-meltdown when I'm really really stressed/angry, normally as an alternative to hitting out at the person who has caused me to get like that - but them sometimes continue. I have various scars mainly on my hands and arms where I have done this - the only thinkg I do to prevent it is keep my nails really really short so I can't do too much damage.

[Lynden]

Hi there

 

We looked into these before for Logan as he really headbangs at times. He has what we call 'comfort' headbanging, and then proper self harming headbanging where he looks for the hardest thing he can find to headbang on. The only problem we could see was getting him to wear it because of his sensory issues. This place does them online. Otherwise - have you thought about trying a bike shop as a lot of their helmets would work.

 

http://www.smirthwaite.co.uk/miscellaneous...al_helmets.html

[jb1964]

also,does anyone else here 'self harm' in meltdowns or have children that 'self harm' in meltdowns?

 

Tux - can't believe they just left you like that - it's appalling.

 

Sorry can't help Tux with the helmet thing - but yes my daughter does self harm during meltdowns: head-banging, hair pulling and scramming at her face or arms - I don't have any advice sorry - even CAHMS couldn't offer any and they saw her in full blown mode many a time.....

 

Take care,

Jb

[krystaltps]

Oh Tux, poor you.

C self-harms during meltdowns (although less so now that he is older) and his favourite up to the age of about 6 was head-banging. I just used to slip a cushion under his head as he got worse if I tried to stop him.

Only advice I have has already been given: safety helmets for seizures. One of my kids at school wears one all the time, and it's fantastic - really spongey so it absorbs the impact and cradles the skull, but so light you hardly know you're holding it. The only problem is the head can get quite sweaty when wearing it - and therefore itchy. I would certainly speak to your GP, Dr, OT to see if they could get one for you and if that fails the links that have been given look good.

<'>

[TuX]

thanks for all replies,and links.

 

 

re.about staff not coming up during meltdown.

that is actually normal for some of the staff here,with the same staff-the worst time it happened, had slipped down between the wall padding and the bed,was lying like that-face down,covered in own wee [no idea had did it],mouth was full of concrete and was too out of it to lift head-am not good with time,but can say it happened in afternoon when afternoon staff were on-until the sky was completely dark,and quiz shows and repeats were on tv-with the strength in hand,started banging on the wall to try and get the staff to come up......it took a lot of banging,when she finally came up,she then started shouting at am to drag self out,no help with moving the bed or anything.

started signing for pain killers,as inside head,it felt like it was going to burst,it was very bad,she said am not allowed any painkillers because the sleep instaff is asleep and they can't be woken up [the medication is in the office where they are] was not going to take that for an answer,was punching and kicking the walls because of this feeling in the head,she messed am about for a long time until the noise from the kicking and punching got her shouting saying it will wake everyone up and it's not fair on them-she went and woke her up and the sleep in staff [she was one of the staff who should have come up to help early on] gave the painkillers. was left in the soaked combats,until next morning when one of the staff [she is one of the nice ones] saw everything and said should have been helped to change [am don't automatically think of doing this,unless it's part of routine],she complained to the staff as well and said it should not have happened.

there is a lady who lives here who is mainly here for behavior,rather than a specific condition,although she is supposed to have aspergers-she is severely attention seeking and will try and take everyones' staff away for herself,as well as having her own for attention-this is where most of the staff who are working with am end up with-talking to her,making sure she is well,and watching tv with her,when am having meltdowns,usually because of sensory or change reasons.

am sometimes go all day without seeing staff because they are busy with her,when she has already got staff,it doess not make sense but then it does because that is how bad this place is.

 

 

 

after reading this thread,am showed the staff and they said they would tell the manager,one of the staff [she's very nice] came to see am when she came intoday and saw the thread and said why has no one ever thought of it earlier,she said she would make sure the manager heard about it.

there are a lot of specialists who are part of here,but not sure about OTs as have never heard it used here before.

 

 

 

to mumble and anna,lynden,jb and krystaltps-are on [or do children take] medications for meltdowns?

 

 

mumble...fireworks-what do to cope with them?

it's like living in a war zone,but without the getting killed bit-they should give sedatives or something to people on the spectrum/with sensory problems like they do with flu injections to people,biscuit [cat in avatar] needs sedating to,she is very behaviorally autistic,especially with sensory problems,we'll both be MDing on the floor on bonfire night.

can't wait till they ban the [censored] things.

 

 

-----

off topic...

does anyone know the email address of sharon [from paains] and would be able to give it am? haven't been able to get back onto paains in months and the problems with 'validating'/not getting the emails are still there,it's ever since the site was updated.

also,any paains users on here?

Edited October 2, 2007 by TuX

[krystaltps]

Hi Tux, I'm glad it looks like the manager and this member of staff are going to try to sort something out for you. I really think the seizure helmet will be very useful.

<'>

 

No, C isn't on medication for meltdowns. He has AS, and is steadily improving as he gets older - there was a time when risperidone was considered, but I really wanted to avoid it as he was so young. He does take melatonin though, as without it sleep doesn't really happen for him.

 

On a different topic: This is just a thought, but would it be possible for you to have access to a sensory/relaxation room? Or would it be possible to receive some sort of funding to provide some sensory items for you in your own room?

Some of the children I work with have sensory issues, particularly with hearing but also with touch, a bit like yours. If they are becoming over-stimulated or before they enter meltdown mode, we take them into the snoezelin (the sensory/relaxation room). The low-level music, the lights, the aromatherapy scents are enough to distract from whatever sensory input has been unsettling. It's very relaxing and seems to be very effective. I know it's not suited to everyone, and sensory equipment can be very expensive... but there are cheaper alternatives to the brand-name Rompa range and you don't need to have a room especially set aside for it - an area can be set up in a bedroom.

If it was possible, it might help provide an escape from the noise, and help you wind-down, hopefully preventing meltdown.

Although, it wouldn't work for sudden noises like fireworks

 

Hope this helps....

Take care

[Mumble]

to mumble and anna,lynden,jb and krystaltps-are on [or do children take] medications for meltdowns?

No - it's more a case of predicting them - now I understand myself a lot better I understand why I've had the meltdowns I have had and trying to rmove those triggers. Medication to me would seem like covering up, rather than dealing with, the cause. However I can see that it could be beneficial to some people in some circumstances. I've recently been thinking about medication to cope with when in less than 2 months I have to talk to my group - I can't see how this is going to happen otherwise because I am so anxious I literally can't verbalise anything even though I have something to say.

 

mumble...fireworks-what do to cope with them?

it's like living in a war zone,but without the getting killed bit-they should give sedatives or something to people on the spectrum/with sensory problems like they do with flu injections to people,biscuit [cat in avatar] needs sedating to,she is very behaviorally autistic,especially with sensory problems,we'll both be MDing on the floor on bonfire night.

Prediction again. I used to live in a house by the Thames where they keep having fireworks - where I live now thankfully there are less. I always found it helpful to find out when they would be happening so at least if I heard them I knew what it was (have all sorts of irrational fears about bombs and it actually being a war). Earplugs (which people seem to think block out everything but they only dim it a bit). I've also found being able to see where the noise is coming from so it's less unexpected helpful - plus I like watching fireworks.

 

I think what Krystaltps said about a sensory room was interesting - also would you be able to see someone who could help you address any sensory problems - from what I understand these are in part treatable and that's something I'm looking into - even if it only helps a little that could make a huge difference to my life.

[cmuir]

Hi

 

Really do sympathise. My son headbangs as well. Can't offer any constructive advice I'm afraid. I do wonder about the value of a helmet - how likely is it you'd be able to get your child to wear one just prior to a meltdown?

 

Caroline.

[Tally]

Hi Tux,

 

I'm really sorry this happened (and that it happens regularly). I'm glad you were able to raise this issue and that it is being taken seriously. I hope the staff will start doing their jobs properly now.

[mum23]

Hello TuX,

My son does not take any meds for his meltdows, he has a medical condition that is made worse with the meds that might help him.

Anna

[jb1964]

after reading this thread,am showed the staff and they said they would tell the manager,one of the staff [she's very nice] came to see am when she came intoday and saw the thread and said why has no one ever thought of it earlier,she said she would make sure the manager heard about it.

there are a lot of specialists who are part of here,but not sure about OTs as have never heard it used here before.

 

Tux - I hope you're getting somewhere with this now.....

 

to mumble and anna,lynden,jb and krystaltps-are on [or do children take] medications for meltdowns?

mumble...fireworks-what do to cope with them?

 

My daughter doesn't take any medication - we discussed this with CAHMS and they would not prescribe anything as my daughter was under 16.

 

Take care,

Jb

[Kathryn]

Hi Tux,

 

Lots of good suggestions here, and I hope you get some help with this.

 

I can sympathise with the fireworks issue, my daughter L finds them very difficult to cope with. It wouldn't be so bad if they were confined to 5th November, but nowadays, any celebration seems to be an excuse to let them off.

 

She likes looking at them, so that helps, but when it gets too much she puts her headphones on and turns up her CD player really loud.

 

K x

[suzy27]

Sorry to butt in on this post but i also have an extremely bad fear of fireworks and i thought i was about the only one who had this fear - I also cant be in the same room as balloons, party poppers and any other sudden loud bangs.

 

The only way now that i cope with them is i go away at the end of October for 2 weeks to miss 5th November out - I have been doing this for a few years now - I really wish i could get help with this as it stops me going to places and doing things.

[TuX]

Hi Tux, I'm glad it looks like the manager and this member of staff are going to try to sort something out for you. I really think the seizure helmet will be very useful.

<'>

 

No, C isn't on medication for meltdowns. He has AS, and is steadily improving as he gets older - there was a time when risperidone was considered, but I really wanted to avoid it as he was so young. He does take melatonin though, as without it sleep doesn't really happen for him.

 

On a different topic: This is just a thought, but would it be possible for you to have access to a sensory/relaxation room? Or would it be possible to receive some sort of funding to provide some sensory items for you in your own room?

Some of the children I work with have sensory issues, particularly with hearing but also with touch, a bit like yours. If they are becoming over-stimulated or before they enter meltdown mode, we take them into the snoezelin (the sensory/relaxation room). The low-level music, the lights, the aromatherapy scents are enough to distract from whatever sensory input has been unsettling. It's very relaxing and seems to be very effective. I know it's not suited to everyone, and sensory equipment can be very expensive... but there are cheaper alternatives to the brand-name Rompa range and you don't need to have a room especially set aside for it - an area can be set up in a bedroom.

If it was possible, it might help provide an escape from the noise, and help you wind-down, hopefully preventing meltdown.

Although, it wouldn't work for sudden noises like fireworks

 

Hope this helps....

Take care

to krystaltips [Tally,Caroline and jb],

the manager said wasn't allowed to have the helmet at first as staff are supposed to so this,but then said she was going to speak to one of the specialists [who know what they are talking about,unlike the managers].

she also said she was adding more to support plan and guidelines,and is sending all staff on more training about am.

 

 

Krystaltips,

make sure before he is an adult,that he can still get access to melatonin as adult,as adult services in uk are useless with it,especially GPs.

why do they not sell it in holland and barrat type shops? mum asked them if they had it once,and they had never heard of it.

 

 

in the inst. am used to live in,there was a sensory room-it was great to use.....but then trafford council took everything out of it including the flooring and put a pc in there for the managers and staff to use [they had a whole floor full of rooms to use for themselves already?].

the home am in now,is big,but has no where for a sensory room,am also going to be eventually moved out-they're speaking to the ss about getting funding for a NAS home place,wonder do their homes have sensory rooms? the website doesn't say much about them.

have got a lot of sensory stuff in bedroom already [touch and visual],but no way near enough as would like.

they probably won't fund for anymore as they already fund for a NAS day centre,one to one support and are trying to swap funding to a NAS res. home,the managers argued about getting funding just for that one,they said it wouldn't be possible,not what the nas website says-will see what social worker says about that when she speaks back to them.

 

 

Anna,

if meds would be good for him,are there no types available that would not cause problems?

 

 

Kathryn,suzy27,Mumble and anyone else who has firework noise problems],

would sedation [at least on bonfire night] help? have been told gps will give it,can't remember what it's called or whether it is any good.

 

thought fireworks were banned from being used at anything but organised places this year?

 

why should it be forced on other people,such as in streets/where people live?

better to have them in organised places somewhere,where at least those who want them can go there,and those who don't aren't put through as much pain.

 

 

suzy27,

how do manage to escape fireworks? are there places that don't have them?

[suzy27]

Hi TuX,

 

The last couple of year i went to Spain and they dont have them over there - This year im going to Gran Canaria. My local shops have just put up signs for when they are going to start selling them which really gets me angry - 15th October is a date im not looking forward too.

 

I dont escape it - I still hear some around where i live occaisionally even when its not that time of year - People seem to keep them - I usually just listen to loud music to drown out the noise and that seems to work and i dont go out much during the day.

[mum23]

Hi TuX,

As my son is still only 12, the only meds that might be offered are the same type of meds that are prescribed for epileptic type conditions basicly to sedate him a little. When son had to have some of these meds to help him control some tremors, we found out that they made him uncomfortably tierd so he had to stop taking them. Some time later we found out he has a problem with his heart rate and that the medication he had been on for his tremor makes his heart rate go too slow or too fast, so now we have been advised to keep him away from these types of meds.

So no med's, but he is working very hard to try and find out what makes him go into meltdown. He told his theropist the other week that he has a big glass globe made up of many thin layers and that things like people talking in class and noise all around him and many many other things all make these layers crack and he knows now that he has to try hard to do do things that make him build back up his layers like playing on his computer or laying down in the very quiet, he explaind that if he could not build up these layers and all his layers crack away he will release all the laver and every thing goes hot red and he has no control over himself.

So he try's very had to build up his layer's!

Anna