Key Takeaways about the story of disabled Barbie Dolls

Introduction

Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has been a cultural icon and one of the most popular toys in the world. However, for many years, the Barbie line lacked diversity and representation, particularly when it came to disabilities. In recent years, Mattel has made strides towards inclusivity by introducing disabled Barbie dolls, which have had a significant impact on both disabled and non-disabled children.

Barbie’s Journey Towards Disability Representation

1997: Introduction of Share a Smile Becky

In 1997, Mattel introduced Share a Smile Becky, the first disabled Barbie in a wheelchair. While this was a step in the right direction, Becky faced some limitations and controversies. For example, her wheelchair did not fit in the Barbie Dreamhouse, highlighting the lack of accessibility in Barbie’s world.

2019 onwards: Launch of more inclusive Fashionistas line

Starting in 2019, Mattel launched the more inclusive Fashionistas line, featuring Barbies with various disabilities, such as:

• Barbies with a wheelchair
• Barbies with a prosthetic leg
• Barbies with hearing aids
• Barbies with vitiligo
• Barbies with no hair

The Importance of Disabled Barbie Dolls

Representation matters

Allowing disabled children to see themselves reflected in their toys can have a powerful impact on their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Personal anecdotes from disabled individuals highlight the significance of representation (or lack thereof) in their childhood.

Promoting acceptance and inclusion from a young age

Playing with diverse dolls can help non-disabled children develop empathy and understanding towards their disabled peers. By normalizing disabilities through toys, we can foster a more inclusive society from a young age.

Personal Anecdotes about Disabled Barbie Dolls

Emma’s Story: Emma, who grew up as a wheelchair user with Muscular Dystrophy, shared her excitement about the release of inclusive Barbie dolls. She expressed how having a Barbie doll that uses a wheelchair would have meant a lot to her as a child, providing representation and normalizing disabilities. Emma also highlighted the joy of receiving her own wheelchair Barbie from Mattel, which reinforced her positive feelings towards inclusive toys. This personal connection illustrates the profound impact that seeing oneself reflected in toys can have on self-esteem and acceptance​.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Possibilities

In recent years, Mattel has continued to expand its disability representation in the Barbie line:

• 2022: Introduction of Barbie with behind-the-ear hearing aids
• 2023: Launch of Barbie with Down syndrome, created in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society

However, there is still a need for continued expansion of disability representation in toys, such as potential future Barbies with service dogs, mobility aids, and other disabilities.

The Broader Context: Disability Representation in Media and Society

Disabled Barbie dolls are part of a larger conversation about disability representation in media and society. Toys play a crucial role in shaping children’s perceptions and attitudes, and the evolution of Barbie reflects the growing visibility of disabled individuals in mainstream culture.

Authentic representation and collaboration with the disabled community are essential in creating inclusive toys that accurately reflect the diverse experiences of disabled individuals.

Conclusion

The introduction and evolution of disabled Barbie dolls mark significant progress in disability representation and inclusion in the toy industry. By allowing disabled children to see themselves reflected in their toys and promoting acceptance among non-disabled children, these dolls have the potential to create a more understanding and inclusive society.

As we move forward, it is crucial for toy companies like Mattel to continue prioritizing inclusivity, diversity, and authentic representation in their products, working in collaboration with the disabled community to ensure that every child feels seen and valued.

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Autism is, as we know, a spectrum, and on it lies innumerable facets of difference and similarity in comparison to not only the neurotypical, but the autistic alike. You may never know if you have met someone with autism, especially if they find they are socially well versed, however, as a parent of an autistic child I have found it simpler to try and spot the fellow parents of young, autistic children.

The No Sleep Club

When children with autism are very young, you may find yourself part of what I call the “No Sleep Club”.

One of many early-morning photos, taken at 3:37am.

Being the parent to an autistic child whom does not sleep is obvious to other card-carrying members of the no sleep club – the early mornings  and late night bedtime turmoil, present themselves as red eyes; you get sick of people asking if you’ve been crying (and perhaps you have, and that’s ok – more on this later!). The dark circles and lines beneath your eyes you thought were predestined for your elderly years, start to make an unwanted appearance 20 years before schedule. People talk to you, but you wonder if you’re losing your hearing, because you just can’t understand a word they say, and it takes you approximately 45 seconds to reply to any question asked of you (except, perhaps for “would you like a tea or coffee?”), and when it comes to verbally communicating, you perhaps get an idea of how difficult it is for our kids to process information, as you struggle to form a complete sentence no matter how simple the subject matter.

The Now-Obvious Signs of Early Autism

Sleep is absolutely vital to every living thing on this planet, and only when you’ve been deprived of it, can you truly understand the devastating effect it can have on every angle of your life.

My daughter is 8 years old, and she was diagnosed with Autism when she was 22 months old. “22 months old? That’s impossible!” I hear you gasp. However my daughter was so obviously autistic from an early age that the diagnosis came secondary to the treatment, as it was clearly imperative to all involved that she should receive Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), Occupational Therapy (OT) and be supported at nursery via a Statement of Special Educational Needs (now known as EHCP) as soon as possible.

The first time a SLT came around to our house, she sat calmly on the floor opposite myself and my daughter (who was most likely running around in a circle humming nursery rhymes at the time) and took a moment to take-in what she was going to be dealing with.

A few moments passed, and she simply said “I am here because you are worried that your daughter has a social communication delay, and I just need to tell you now that we can see she has autism”.

That was basically a diagnosis at 22  months of age. We didn’t need a plethora of tests to certify her diagnosis, that was purely a formality which came at the age of 3.

Tippy-toe walking, no eye contact, hand flapping (stimming), no gestures (pointing, waving etc), a lot of screaming – almost constant screaming, poor coordination, severe sensory issues (although it took us a long time to work that out, and understanding her sensory issues quelled some of the screaming), echolalia, no functional language whatsoever, and … no sleep.

When Will My Baby Finally Sleep Through?

From being a baby my daughter would struggle to sleep – it was either that it was seemingly impossible to get her to fall asleep, or that she would sleep so lightly even when utterly exhausted, she could be woken by the wind blowing outside of the window.

At first, when she was tiny, we thought it was colic, then teething, then after this point the world just started spiraling into absurdity as we tried to figure out why she wouldn’t sleep.

It would take us hours, literally, to get her to fall asleep, and then when she did, we had no guarantee as to how long she would stay asleep for.

She would wake at two hour intervals throughout the night, and once awake, would scream endlessly whilst kicking holes in the plaster of the wall around her bed.

Under the mass of duvets and blankets lies one very exhausted little girl and her dad, having been awake for hours in the night – the pair finally succumbing to sleep.

Mostly she would simply start the day at 2am, and become more frustrated and bored as we slowly approached 5 am, where she had already been awake 3 hours. We took reluctant trips to the 24-hour Tesco just for a way to pass the time. We waited impatiently for 9am or 10am to finally arrive, at which point we might actually be able to partake in some “normal” activities, as the world finally caught-up with our family.

Not sleeping, not having a routine, not being able to rely on the therapeutic and restorative qualities of sleep throws everything you thought you knew about life right out of the window.

How can I keep dragging myself into work each morning when I’ve been up since 2am for the past 3 months? How can I socialise when I don’t know if my daughter will fall asleep before I go out, and stay asleep once we’ve come home? Even more importantly, is there anyone willing to babysit my insomniac child? Is my child going to be able to do anything with her day given she’s slept 4 hours in a 48 hour period? Am I going to be able to continue to function like an average human when my brain is breaking under the pressure of sleep deprivation?

The answer is no, you can not function without sleep – and this is why I am writing this post. You should not have to suffer and “just get on with it”. My partner and I have been through exactly what you might be going through, and I hope I can offer some help.

You need to rest not only to retain your positive spirit, wellbeing and mental health, but also to be able to devote yourself to being a brilliant parent to your autistic child.

First Things First – Getting the Right Support

If you have a child with a disability you are entitled to support from your local authority for something termed “Short Breaks”. Although this might sound like you’re being offered a weekend for two in The Lakes, it is in fact a form of funding that should provide you with regular breaks from your caring responsibilities. What is great about Short Breaks is the aim is to not only give you a rest so that you have a chance to do something you enjoy, but it should also provide your child with an opportunity to do something they can enjoy, safely with the appropriate care.

So, whilst you are working on strategies to enhance the sleep routine of your family, you should first enquire with your local authority about your entitlement to Short Breaks.

Short Breaks come in many forms, from having a trained carer take your child out to the park once a week, to funding towards clubs or paid-for activities that your child can partake in whilst you have a break. Funding can also cover overnight care if you are comfortable with your child being looked after away from home, or perhaps if your child is young and not of school age, funding can be put towards nursery sessions.

For more information and support regarding Short Breaks please look at this page on the Contact website.

Creating the Perfect Sleep Environment

Ensuring your child has the correct environment to sleep in is no mean feat, especially if your child has autism and is non-verbal. As a parent of a non-verbal child, you spend most of your day in a tizzy of confusion and shared frustration trying to guess what the basic wants and needs of your child are.

If your child has sensory issues, it is so important that you confer with your Occupational Therapist to clarify the underlying sensory needs of your child.

Children with autism and other disabilities can often be over (hyper) or under (hypo) stimulated by not only the obvious sensory inputs, such as sound, light and touch, but also two less frequently talked-about senses: vestibular and proprioceptive.

Sensory issues are in themselves almost as complex and personal to the child as every other dimension of their autism, and this is why you should ensure that your child has been seen by your local OT so you can make the right decision about changes to the bedroom and any aids that might benefit your child in their sleep.

Proprioceptive and Vestibular Issues and How they Might Affect Sleep

The Proprioceptive and Vestibular senses are not talked-about very often, but if they are not functioning quite as they should, they can cause some very confusing and upsetting sensory experiences for our children.

The vestibular sense relates to your movement and balance – it is the sense of bodily balance, the speed at which you are moving, a sense of overall gravity and how you know which direction your body is in.

The proprioceptive sense is even more tricky to explain, as it is how your mind computes the position of one body part to another, and also, how much pressure you need to employ for certain tasks, such as writing or gripping a cup.

We have discovered that our daughter is mostly hyposensitive in regards to both her proprioceptive and vestibular senses – therefore, she is under-responsive. We have found that this often translates as poor coordination and seeking more fulfilling physical sensory feedback (such as running, lying on the floor or enjoying the most terrifying of rollercoasters and amusement park rides!).

We have found an excellent website that can clarify the signs of hyper/hypo sensitivity to the proprioceptive and vestibular senses here : http://www.developmentalpathways.com/services-sensory.html

Bedtime products that might assist children with poor proprioceptive and vestibular senses are as follows:

1. Base Layers

If your child is under-responsive to the touch of clothing and bedding, they might not be getting the correct feedback about their position in bed whilst lying down. One excellent way of providing your child with a more constant source of sensory feedback is to try wearing base layers for bed time, or even just very tight-fitting pyjamas. The feel of the closeness of the base layers against the skin will give constant and consistent feedback, which may hopefully allow your child to relax as they are more aware of their position in bed.

2. Weighted Blankets

Again, for children whom struggle to have a true sense of their position and their relation to the bed and their own limbs, they might benefit from a weighted blanket. The pressure from the blanket can provide great comfort to many children, and give them not only a sense of security, but fulfil those sensory needs. Weighted blankets come in various weights, and you should contact your OT to get the correct pressure ratio depending on your child’s weight and height.

Other Sleep Aids and How they Relate to Sensory Issues

1. Lighting

Lighting for your autistic child’s bedroom is rather tricky – as it definitely depends upon where they sit in terms of sensory issues. Although we assume that an entirely blacked-out bedroom is most conducive to sleep, if your child is under-stimulated visually, you may find that the darkness of their bedroom offers only opportunities of pure confusion for them.

Every person will briefly wake in the night, even if we don’t remember the event come morning. However, for most of us, we are naturally very aware of our surroundings even when in a sleepy haze. Yet, if your child is not processing sensory input from their surroundings correctly, during that tiny moment of wakefulness, they may become scared, confused and anxious as to not only their bodily position, but also the obvious – where they are!

This may cause them to wake fully, and then you’re all back at step one!

I have found the best method to clarify your child’s lighting needs is to first try the obvious – make the room as dark as possible, then slowly work on introducing small light sources to see if this has a positive impact.

It took us 8 years to discover that our daughter is “afraid” of the dark. She can not explain why or what she doesn’t like about the dark, but by her own actions we now know she prefers a small light source whilst sleeping – and most specifically, she likes to be able to hold the light as she falls asleep.

So, to ensure the bedroom is as dark as possible we suggest:

Blackout curtains – ideal for keeping daylight out and also benefit by keeping the warmth in/cold out! (Be aware of patterned curtains though, as no matter how much you may like them for your child’s room, they can be over-stimulating visually.)

Groblind – Portable blackout blind with suction cups, eradicates most light by being attached directly to the windowpane. Fits any window up to 130 cm x 198 cm.

Bed Tunnels – these are fun whilst also being functional! In effect, you are safely bringing the ceiling closer to your child whilst they sleep, which may help them process their position in bed a little easier, whilst also adding a little more darkness and cosiness.

As for lighting – well, there are a number of therapeutic lights available, but sometimes it might just be best to choose a low-level light that specifically appeals to your child’s interests and likes!

Groclock – Many children with autism have learning difficulties and/or language delay, and this can make the ability to convey the difference between night and day almost impossible. We will cover more on this specific angle in the Sleep Hygiene section, however, the Groclock may offer a quick-fix in terms of trying to establish the difference in your child’s mind.

The Groclock will turn blue and display a ring of stars once it is bedtime, with a large sleepy, smiling star central to the clock during the nighttime. As morning approaches, the ring of stars slowly disappear, one-by-one, until finally, at a time of your choosing, the blue light will fade to orange, and a smiling sunshine will appear. My only issue with the Groclock is that it has been proven that blue light is actually not the best colour light for sleep issues, as it can mimic daylight. The best colour, confusingly, is orange or red – however I still think the Groclock is worth a go, especially if your child is starting to understand the passage of time, and it also comes with a lovely little illustrated book about farm animals to help your child understand the function of the clock.

Battery Operated LED Lights – If you feel your child would benefit for their own little light that they can hold, touch and operate themselves, then thankfully the internet offers a whole plethora of lovely designs and shapes.

I would suggest not going for a colour-changing LED night light, as this might offer too much stimulation and would stop your child falling asleep/being stimulated if waking in the night. (Also please ensure the light you purchase has a battery compartment which is secured with a screw, and preferably uses AA/AAA batteries rather than cell batteries – as these can be extremely dangerous if swallowed).

My daughter has a lovely little LED light in the shape of a cloud, and she will hold it close to her face as she falls asleep. It is battery powered and also has an auto-off function after 5 minutes, making it ideal for her to keep in her bed all night long. On top of this she also has a piece of LED wall art, which is battery powered, upon her wall just a short distance away from her bed. This is left on all night, but due to being battery powered it gives-off just the right amount of light.

2. Decor and Bedding

Again, although each child has very different needs, one aspect I believe is common for all young children with autism is that they will benefit from having a low-stimuli bedroom. This is important in a way that lowering visual stimuli applies to all children of a certain age – if there is nothing in their room to distract them, then it is obviously very difficult for them to be distracted!

This was one aspect that really touched upon a nerve with me when my daughter was younger – on learning I was to become a mum, one of my first realisations was how much fun it was going to be to decorate my child’s room in an exciting way! Lots of lovely pictures and colours, pretty ornaments and oodles of toys for them to enjoy.

However, as time progressed, and we started to realise that our daughter needed extra help with something as simple as sleeping, it occurred to me that I needed to relinquish my hold on my previous dreams of a fun bedroom for her, and concentrate on making it functional and calming.

Very pale pink, green and cream are proven to calm both boys and girls with autism

I suggest that choosing very calming colours is the first-and-foremost important step. Colours such as very pale green or cream are proven to calm. It is imperative that you stay away from not only bold, bright colours on the walls, but even more importantly, patterned wallpaper. The patterns in the wallpaper can be visually arresting to even adults (ever stared for too long at an abstract pattern, that you become convinced you see something relevant in it?!)

For our kids, patterns in wallpaper can be actually quite unnerving for them (or for some they might be overly engaging), and may completely occupy their thought processes, meaning they can not relax or go to sleep.

The same applies to bedding – keep everything simple in terms of calm, pale, plain bedding and not too many accessories, such as throw-cushions etc.

Next, is toys. As I mentioned previously, I initially wanted a little safe-haven for my daughter when she was born, but it didn’t take long to understand that having a bedroom brimming with toys and therefore, distractions, was ultimately not ideal in terms of getting her to sleep.

This doesn’t mean that your child has to have an entirely desolate bedroom, devoid of anything of comfort – however, I would keep articles to that requirement – only items that are simple, and will provide your child with comfort.

If you can experiment with making your child’s room low-stimuli for a trial period, and you find this has a positive effect, then once they are a little older and (hopefully) sleeping better, you could slowly reintroduce a few fun items.

My daughter has a cabin bed, and below it is a set of storage drawers/boxes that contain her toys – whilst she is sleeping, she can not see them, and I think that helps a lot.

Sleep Hygiene – What is it and How Will it Help?

Something of an odd term if you’ve never heard of it before, “sleep hygiene” relates to all the activities and processes involved in the approaching period before bedtime (and even during the nighttime, when your child should be sleeping). There are a number of key guidelines that should always be followed before bedtime to ensure that your child is relaxed and calm before even attempting to put them in bed.

Visual Aids and PECS

If your child is non-verbal or has SEN it can be almost a surreal experience trying to convey to them that they need to sleep at night. Not only do they need to sleep, but mum and dad really, really need them to sleep. If they don’t sleep, well, everyone is very sad, because they’re very tired. That is putting it mildly.

It is difficult for parents of typical children to truly get this point across to their kids without simplifying the subject, and even more so if your child struggles with new or abstract concepts.

Hopefully, depending on age and the support you have received so far, your child may be able to understand simple symbols and may even enjoy reading short picture books. If so, then I would enquire with your SLT to see if not only do they have visual aids and “Now and Next” boards you could use with your child before bed, but also they may have on file a “social story” regarding sleeping.

The PECS and visual aids, used alongside a Now and Next board, or even a time-line, can help you map-out exactly what is expected of your child before bed. Having a good routine and simplifying this in a way that “speaks” to them more easily using pictures, may help alleviate some of the frustration and confusion when it comes to getting ready for bed.

Bedtime Prep and Calm-Time

Bedtime prep should be started an hour before the actual desired sleep-time. The first important part of this prep is to stop all high-stimuli activities – no iPads, TV, games or loud music. There needs to be an obvious stop to the usual daytime activities so they can understand that soon, it will be time for sleeping. Personally, we have found that moving our daughter upstairs in the hour before bed works well – now she is older she can potter around for a while in her bedroom whilst we watch her, and then we move on to having a bath. We make sure all the lights are low-level, curtains closed and that every night we do all prep (other than the bath!) in her bedroom – so she knows for sure that this is the room where sleeping happens, and hopefully (!), will stay in there during the night.

Please keep in mind that your GP may be able to prescribe melatonin for your child – melatonin is a hormone that is released by the body as daylight levels fade, allowing you to relax and helping your body and brain understand that sleep is soon due. Although we did try this with our daughter, unfortunately it made no difference to her sleep issues. It can not do any harm to naturally ensure that your child’s circadian rhythm (body clock) is ticking over correctly though, and the best and natural way to do this is to ensure lots of outdoors/sunshine in the daytime, and dark, calm time before bed.

Night-Waking

Just as ensuring the time before bed is simple, predictable and calm, it is just as important to carry-through these concepts if your child wakes in the night. I know first-hand how difficult it can be to retain a sense of control in your role as a parent when woken endlessly, night after night. You may get to a point, after weeks or months of sleep deprivation where you feel like giving in to whatever you feel your child wants when they wake early.

I have shared support groups with parents whom understandably, yet ultimately counterproductively, did things like offer their children juice and biscuits upon waking in the night, put the TV on for them (in the child’s bedroom nonetheless) or even let them play with an iPad. I am not judging anyone who feels like this is what they need to do to get a few extra minutes sleep, but as I said previously, you are ultimately creating a nighttime environment that will never be suitable for sleep. If a child (with or without SEN!) learns that they will receive treats or partake in fun activities in the middle of the night, they will probably keep waking for that exact reason.

Lying on the sofa, 3am, I have many-a-times been roused from my swirling, semiconscious nightmares of dense, seemingly idyllic woodland being trampled upon by giant, ballerina-skirted girl-monsters – because I too, have given up on trying to make my daughter sleep and given into her watching In the Night Garden, because I just didn’t know what else to do.

Further Help and Support

However, hopefully, even if that does sound like an average morning for you, I hope that if you can follow some of the tips we have offered here, we can help you and your family get the sleep you all deserve.

Writing to you directly as a mum who has been through the depths of sleep-deprivation despair, I understand that these tips we’ve offered you today might just seem too much to organise and change on your own. This is why I would like to reiterate that no matter how bad the situation may seem, or how difficult it is to keep on-top of everyday life whilst having such substantial caring responsibilities, it is imperative that you seek assistance and respite for you and your child.

It is so important that you take the time to care for yourself – as important as the care your child needs. Remember – contact your local authority to discuss your entitlement to “short breaks” respite, and if you are ever so tired that you are “just not yourself” or feeling very unhappy, I implore you to see your GP to discuss support, or for you to contact one of a number of disability charities that offer fantastic advice and emotional support.

Contact: 0808 808 3555
https://contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/our-helpline/

National Autistic Society: 0808 800 410
https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines.aspx

Cerebra: Sleep Service 01267 244210

https://w3.cerebra.org.uk/help-and-information/sleep-service/

Many thanks to Chris Bonnello who helped with the editing of this post:

Chris Bonnello (Autistic Not Weird)
Site: http://autisticnotweird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticnotweird
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AutisticNotWeird

Twitter: @AutisticNW

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The report, published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, looked at different lacing patterns in sports shoes, and found that a firm “foot-to-shoe coupling” (FTSC) could be beneficial to athletes and less sporty folk alike.

It’s not just professional athletes who will benefit from the security of Greepers laces

Real shoelaces, such as those used by the revolutionary “always tied” Greepers laces, provide that secure attachment.

The research went on to say: “A firm foot-to-shoe coupling… leads to a more effective use of running shoe features and is likely to reduce the risk of lower limb injury.”

Researchers at Sheffield University are investigating the benefits of running performance using real laces, and have uncovered some promising findings that should make all runners  – and non-runners alike – think about how they lace their shoes.

Why choose real shoelaces?

The right shoes – and laces – can make a world of difference to runners. A firm FTSC helps stop excessive movement of the foot and lower leg, reducing the risk of injury by eliminating unnecessary bends, pulls and twists.

Think about how your foot moves when you plant it on the ground. Do you want it firmly anchored, or able to stretch on elastic? Opinions vary among professional athletes and occupational therapists alike, and sometimes it’s a matter of personal taste and preference.

Silver winning Jacqui Allen at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships.
Greeper laces are used by top athletes.

But, with research indicating that injuries could be reduced with less stretchy laces, the debate is sure to intensify.

And, unlike elastic laces that allow extra movement of the foot as you pound the pavements, “real” shoelaces such as Greepers provide minimal movement, aiming to lessen the impact of every step.

Greeper review in Triathon Magazine

Security with every step

It’s not just athletes who will find a benefit in having shoelaces that are firmly attached. It’s easy to see how disabled athletes, people with joint pain or bone weakness and  those of us with reduced mobility need security and stability with every single step.

Greepers provide a simple and accessible solution. Once they’re tied once, you don’t need to tie them again – meaning they can be loosened and tightened but not undone. If you find it a pain to reach down and tie shoelaces, or need a shoelacing solution for someone who needs to know they won’t have to keep tying and untying at school, these sturdy and stylish laces offer the perfect package.

Greepers are available in a range of different styles

Many parents find the Greepers laces the perfect choice for children who have a range of needs, for example if children regularly take off their shoes at unwanted times or if they have difficulty in tying them and don’t like the feel of Velcro fastenings.

There’s also the Greeper fastening device for people who can only use one hand, to help get the laces snug.

Greepers are available at Trabasack.com

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Do Fidget Spinners help Children Learn?

You see them everywhere, a colourful blur right across the country, wherever there are children. Where once it was marbles or loom bands or bottle flips, the fidget spinner has become the craze of 2017. But how did this toy, designed to help children who have issues with concentrating, become the go-to gadget of our times? And have we lost sight of what they’re really meant to be used for?

The classroom can be a daunting experience for some of us. A number of conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), attachment behaviour disorder (ABD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mean that it’s harder to be “ready to learn” than your peers.

While most children (and adults) find it possible, if not always desirable, to sit in silence and focus on one other person talking, for others it’s more of a challenge. The sensory deprivation can leave some of us feeling agitated, on edge, with nervous energy that’s hard to keep in check. In a classroom environment this can manifest itself in all kinds of (for the educator) unwanted behaviour which are (for the learner) an aid to concentration. From calling out and interrupting to flipping rulers on desks or folding paper, educators find that learners’ self-therapy can be distracting and take away from the flow of a lesson. So is there another way of coping?

The theory of fidget toys is simple: if you have difficulty concentrating, it gives you something to occupy your senses. The pleasant whirr of the spinner as its outer spokes whirl around the central hub creates a light vibration. Watching the spokes slowly come to a halt – they run on ceramic or steel bearings – is a strangely satisfying experience, as it takes just that little bit longer than your brain expects.

In a classroom environment it can be easy for an educator to mistake this behaviour for disruption, whereas it is in fact an expression of unfocused energy or repetitive behaviour that the child finds useful in order to concentrate and be ready to learn, particular when around others. While some children with special educational needs find it more stressful to be in a noisy classroom, others find the silent “teacher talk, you listen” sections of a lesson to be the most challenging.

Fidget toys provide an outlet for the energy these learners – adults as well as children – need to dissipate, in such a way as to be a minimal distraction for those around them, and teachers too. It allows a child to express their needs and be as stress-free as possible, without hindering the learning of others.

Educators, learning mentors, learning support assistants and play therapists will be familiar with “busy boxes” and sensory equipment for children who have special educational needs. Traditionally, sensory toys have been cobbled together from other toys and ordinary household items, for example – but the fidget spinner, and its cousin the fidget cube, were specifically designed to help learning.

Whether that means they are more effective than what professionals have been using for years is up for debate. And whether it’s more helpful to have fidget toys to be used in the classroom, rather than during specially timetabled sensory breaks, is another issue. But there’s no debating how popular these toys have become among all kinds of children – and their purpose has changed, from their original mission to all-round craze and, as we see them now, a phenomenon.

Now you can find not just three-pronged spinners but two and four-pronged spinners, glittering colours, even with LEDs to sparkle underneath a desk or in a dim room. And so have come the tricks that have elevated these toys from their purpose to something entirely different: as the hula hoop of our times. With that popularity has come cheap imitation, of course, leading to German authorities seizing millions of potentially lethal spinners and planning to crush them.

The prevalence of spinners has led to some schools banning them outright, and others making them disappear from the classroom, allowed during breaktimes. This policy, while understandable, might be a little hasty, since the benefits of these toys are not yet fully understood. As an educator, I have seen them being used effectively already with children who have additional learning needs, to give them something to keep their hands busy and their minds occupied during teacher input. So while it might be irritating to see that blur out of the corner of our eyes, it might be best to consider they really might have a positive value to learning after all.

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Who does hearing loss affect?

Hearing impairment affects over 9 million individuals in the UK (source: RNID 2005 survey). The two most common reasons contributing to diminished hearing are age related (though slightly misleading as affects start in a person’s 40’s) and noise induced. In both cases, the level of hearing will not improve naturally and individuals depend on a growing number of sophisticated devices designed to overcome the hearing impairment using modern technology.

Hearing Loss Tech Gadget Ideas

What Goes Wrong Leading To Hearing Loss:

There are a number of organs and processes that must work to their potential in order for us to hear, see or smell. In the case of hearing, sound needs to be captured, then funneled to the brain where it is made into ‘tangible’ information that we can comprehend. Our inner ear includes tiny hair cells that are only visible under a microscope. These cells capture waves in the air (which we call ‘sound’) that are funneled via the hearing nerve to the brain. As the body matures, the quality and quantity of the hair cells is reduced leading to a challenging inability to hear certain sound frequencies. The hair cells can also become damaged (often more easily than people might believe) through exposure to harmful noise leading to noise induced hearing loss. The body is unable to repair or regrow the tiny hair cells so any management of hearing disability must depend on technological advances in science.

Digital Hearing Aids:

Today’s digital hearing aids are lighter, small and slimmer than ever before.

These digital amplification aids are available at no cost from the NHS and from private service providers offering digital hearing aids. Leading brands include Oticon, Phonak, Resound, Siemens, Starkey and Widex. The device is housed in a small lightweight plastic structure and sits inside or outside the wearer’s ear. It works by capturing waves in the air using a sensitive microphone that are then amplified using a powerful microchip. The amplified sound is transmitted directly into the ear using the receiver.

Differentiating factors between the various brands of digital hearing aids include size (with ‘discreet’ sizes normally commanding higher prices), wireless connection, Bluetooth connectivity and complexity of sound processing algorithms. While NHS hearing aids are free, model choice is limited and a waiting list may apply.

Amplified Phones:

Amplified cordless phones offer high quality, loud, distortion-free sound. They also offer a hands-free mode.

These are desk, cordless and mobile phones that have been specifically tailored for the hard of hearing. Leading brands include Doro, Geemarc and Amplicomms. The devices differ from normal phones in that they can amplify the ringer level often 10 times louder than that of a normal phone and amplify the voice of the caller to a suitable level. Differentiating factors between the various phones include caller voice amplification level, ringer volume in dB (can reach 60dB vs. 4 to 6dB on normal phones), telecoil compatibly to digital hearing aids, visual indicators and type of buttons (backlit, big button etc). Amplified phones are not usually available from the NHS, but can be bought at a reasonable price.

Alerting Devices:

An amplified doorbell can help you hear when someone is at the door. Click the image for more information.

These aids are designed to attract the user’s attention to something that may have become inaudible and include amplified alarm clocks and amplified doorbells. They differ from normal alerting aids in their level of amplification that can reach 95dB and most importantly in the suite of other sensory triggers they offer. Devices will include visual indicators and often vibration pads that can be placed for example below the user’s pillow. Certainly in the case of most amplified doorbells, they are wireless so can be carried from room to room when the user moves around the home. Leading brands include Sonic Alert, Geemarc and Amplicomms and again, these are not usually available from the NHS.

In the case of profound hearing impairment and when ALDs (assistive listening devices featured above) are less effective, individuals will often supplement the management of their hearing loss with lip reading and British Sign Language.

If you or someone you know is concerned about their hearing ability, a visit to a local hearing centre is recommended. We hope you found this information of help.

Melanie Lewis is a trained hearing aid audiologist. She works for hearing direct, the UK’s biggest supplier deaf accessories from hearing aid batteries to personal amplification aids.

Other Hearing Aid Technology and Gadgetry

We’ve had a look around the market to find some other handy and innovative gadgets that may help if you suffer from hearing loss.

Our first interesting find was brought to our attention by a fellow Twitter user:

@LWdisability @trabasack can connect hearing aids to the new iPhone

— Rob (@GingerRob) October 1, 2013

Apparently all digital wireless phones must now be hearing-aid compatible (HAC) and the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 feature built-in HAC making them easy to connect hearing aids to. The iPhone 5 has a HAC rating of M3, T4. The numbers next to each letter represent the compatibility ratings on a scale of 1 to 4.

The M rating is based on reduced radio-frequency interference that enables acoustic coupling with hearing aids that do not operate in telecoil mode.

The T rating is for inductive coupling with hearing aids operating in telecoil mode.

Vibrating Reminder Watches

Pivotell Vibrate Mini Reminder Watch in Purple Floral

There are quite a few vibrating reminder watches available on the market, in almost every colour and style you can think of. These watches are ideal for keeping track of daily tasks such as medication intervals, gym work outs or even for use when home cooking. This Pivotell Reminder Watch emits a discreet vibration that will alert the user but will not disturb those around them. You set set up to 12 different alarms and the vibration lasts for 5 seconds each time.

 

 

 

Vibrating and Light-Up Alarm Clocks

This funky looking alarm clock would be great for teenagers or young people. The stylish black finish and bright LED

The Wake ‘n’ Shake alarm includes a vibration pad and can also be connect to your phone line.

screen would look great in a kid’s bedroom or in a student den! What makes the Wake ‘n’ Shake extraordinary is the vibrating pad that is attached to the clock.

By placing the pad under your pillow or next to you, the pad will vibrate when it’s time to get up – or for any other reason you decide to set the alarm. Not only this, but the Wake ‘n’ Shake can be connected directly to your home phone line, meaning you can be notified when somebody is ringing you.

Other useful features of the Wake ‘n’ Shake include a large, easy to read LED display, and the ability to also set the clock to alert you with a strobe light or an extra-loud 95dB alarm sound.

This handy-sized vibrating alarm can be taken with you for travel or used at home.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more subtle than the Wake ‘n’ Shake, we’ve also found the  Lifemax 331 Under Pillow Vibration Alarm Clock. This handy devise is ideal for travel or at home, and simply slips under your pillow. The vibration is strong enough to wake you, but also perfect if you need to wake without waking anybody else in the house. The compact, lightweight design means you can take it anywhere with you, and as it runs on batteries there’s no need to find a power source.

These trendy headphones can provide sound up to 120dB.

Wireless Amplified Headphones

For those who love their music or want to amplify their TV or radio, these futuristic-looking headphones are the ideal solution. The Amplicomms TV150 Amplified Headset can wirelessly transmit stereo sound from almost any device you have around the home. Whether it be TV, DVD or MP3, this ergonomically designed headset fits snuggly in the ears and can transmit sound up to a massive 120dB. The powerful transmitter allows a range of up to 10 meters allowing you to freely move around the home, and they also include a built-in automatic volume control, which stops increases in noise such as TV adverts, from being too loud.

You may also enjoy a post on our other blog “Communication aids for deaf people”

If you have a favourite gadget or even something a little unusual that helps you, please let us know in the comments below.

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An endorsement of Greepers shoelaces has appeared in Your Autism Magazine. A brand new review of a top product for children with autism.

Your Autism Magazine

At Living with Disability we have some products we consider our absolute favourites. One of these is Greepers shoelaces. This innovative product range should be celebrated and that’s why we’re glad to see them featured in Your Autism Magazine. We believe in this product and we’re glad to see others do.

Greeper Shoelaces for Autism

Greepers Laces Review

Your Autism Magazine is the quarterly publication of The National Autistic Society for their members. Their latest issue includes a fantastic, helpful review of Greepers. We firmly agree they are a great investment for children and even adults living with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Your Autimsn Magazine’s review shows off the funky red Greepers Laces but the range is much wider than that. All colours from black to purple to neon green are available. Wearers can match their laces to their personality or simply choose those that complement their outfit best.

The review in the magazine highlights how beneficial Greepers can be for children with autism. It explains that, “one parent said, “these laces are absolutely invaluable, especially as my son – who has autism – gets older. They mean we can choose any shoes he likes and can be confident that he can manage them.”

The review also says “Greeper is a special type of shoelace, it looks like a regular bow-type shoelace, but will never come undone. The laces are threaded through a central aperture with four stoppers positioned in strategic places. They can easily be loosened or tightened by the wearer or their parents”.

With glowing reviews it’s clear that Greepers are on the up. Hopefully this feature in Your Autism Magazine will further their uptake and widen their appeal.

Benefits of Greepers for Children

Greepers Laces Full Page

Greepers Laces can be great for children who have difficulty getting to grips with regular laces. They appear identical so there’s no stigma and they give children with disabilities much-needed independence when choosing footwear.

Greepers are universal as the parent above said, they can be used with any shoes of your choosing. They’re also a great solution for children who have that annoying habit of repeatedly untying their shoes. With Greepers it simply isn’t possible.

Your morning routine rush will be halved as the stress of shoelaces is removed. They are a better option than Velcro or elastic-laced shoes as the level of support is much better. We’ve looked previously at the differences between Greepers and Elastic Laces and it is pretty clear which comes out on top.

We’re always pleased when one of our favourite brands receives media coverage. Therefore we are really happy for Greepers and their appearance in Your Autism Magazine.

These are fantastic I bought them for my son who is partially sighted and has Asperger’s syndrome so getting dressed can be tricky for him but tying laces impossible! Now I have found these he had more choice for shoes and trainers and these were for his beloved boots he wears to Uni all through the winter! Fantastic invention thank-you x

Recent feedback for Greepers Hikers Laces.

Inventor of Greeper Laces gets Facebook Feedback for how useful they are for children

Peter Greedy who originally invented Greepers for his own children, gets regular feedback from parents with children with autism.

The wider appeal of Greeper Laces

As we have said before, the great thing about Greepers is that they are also used by top sports people, so children can emulate their heroes too! This month also saw Greepers worn by Lucy Gossage winning Ironman UK in a pair of purple ones! This is such a fab pic we had to share it here!

Lucy Gossage winning Ironman UK wearing a pair of purple greeper laces!

UPDATE: Greepers Still in the Lead Triathlon 220 Magazine

As we mentioned above, Greepers are the best laces for athletes and have just been recommended again in the 220 Triathlon Magazine’s new edition (April 2014). They have a feature “Race Day Kit” essentials and Greeper Laces are one of the chosen products and given the top rating and the award BEST ON TEST.

Greeper Laces in Triathalon 220 Magazine

Greeper Review BEST on TEST feature in Triathalon 220 magazine

The review reads:

“We’ve tested Greeper Laces before and, despite fierce competition from French outfit Xtenex and their bobbly efforts, in our eyes – and on our feet – the UK product continues to lead the way.For those new to tri or 220, the traditional lacing system is replaced with a brilliant mechanism that requires no tying. Simply guide the Greeper through eyelets in reverse before clamping in place at the toe end via a miniature plastic connector. Back at the tongue end the ingenious toggle requires a gentle tug of its protruding loops to tighten. Pull the toggle to ease pressure.

Sprinkling your shoe with talc and a modicum of practice will have you T2-ing faster than ever before. But, more importantly, your foot feels secure – unlike other systems that can leave your foot slipping about like Bambi on ice.

Verdict: Still the leader of the triathlon lacing pack. 93%.”

Final top tip. Buy some @GREEPER_LACES. Cheap, keeps your feet secure, won’t come undone & % goes to charity!

— Chrissie Wellington (@chrissiesmiles) April 3, 2014

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Having to bend to tie shoe laces can cause pain and difficulty

Tying shoelaces can be a daily struggle for many people. Having to bend and stretch can be uncomfortable and cause pain, whilst also taking an inconvenient amount of time to do so. However, there are gadgets and types of shoe laces to help you avoid this. Elasticated and stretchy laces are the best known solutions, they help you transform your everyday lace-up shoes into slip-ons, to provide comfort and ease of use. How do they work and what are the alternatives?

How Do Elastic Laces for Shoes Work?

The stretch lace fabric of these shoe laces are threaded and tied in exactly the same way as ordinary laces. However, the elasticated fabric provides tension once tied, and it it this that makes sure your shoes remain tight and secure whilst wearing them.
When using elastic shoelaces, you only ever have to tie your shoelaces once the first time you apply them. After this your lace-ups work as slip-ons, permanently removing the need for you to bend and stretch. Eventually they may still come undone though.

Greeper Shoe Laces for Disability

Average elasticated shoe laces can easily break

There are many simplified versions of the elastic shoe lace on the market, most of which offer a temporary solution to the problem.
Cheaper elastic laces can lose their stretch over a short amount of time. Most importantly elastic laces often come undone whilst you’re wearing your shoes. This can make shoes uncomfortable and give you a less secure feeling whilst being worn as well as being a trip hazard!

This is why Greeper have designed an innovative and inclusive alternative to elastic shoe laces. Greepers are designed using high quality traditional polyester laces but have a simple fitting system that provides toggle that prevent the laces ever coming undone “Once applied, always tied”.

Greeper laces are ultimately more durable and comfortable than elastic shoe laces, they give better support as they use traditional laces that do not stretch.

After the initial application, Greeper shoelaces are forever tied. Unlike elasticated laces Greeper shoe laces do not rely on the tension of elastic to keep the shoes fastened. Instead an ingenious toggle system allows you to tighten or loosen the laces quickly and easily, whilst giving you piece of mind that they will always stay fastened.

Greeper Easy Fasten Shoelaces Vs Elasticated Shoe Laces

Reviewers the world over have made comparisons between elasticated laces and the innovative design of the Greeper shoelace. “220 Triathlon” magazine recently voted the Greeper Lace as “editors choice” and many world-renowned athletes champion the Greeper lace over other elasticated brands. It’s fair to say that when elasticated laces are pitted-against Greeper Laces, Greeper “out-run” the competition every time!

The benefits of Greeper laces vs elasticated shoe laces:

• Greeper Laces never come undone – ensuring complete shoe support and comfort, reducing the risk of injury, increasing performance.
• Quick and easy to fasten – Simple toggle system allows you to loosen and tighten your shoes in seconds, without ever untying your laces.
• Fully adjustable – Eliminates overly-long lace loops, provides the ultimate fit and promotes foot health, especially for sports.
• Polyester laces – Elastic shoe laces can become weak and break whilst running – the use of traditional-style polyester laces removes the fear of laces ever breaking or loosing tension.
• Much better support to the foot. The laces themselves do not stretch, therefore the shoe supports the foot much better than laces where the laces are stretching during movement.

Time-saving Sports Laces

Caroline Steffan – ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championship title-holder, wearing Greeper Laces.

One of the other pros of Greeper Laces is the time-saving aspect. Greeper Laces benefit from allowing you to quick-tighten your laces. If you are the sporting type, enjoying competitive sport – Greeper Laces can knock much needed seconds off you run-time.
The lace lock system allows super-swift lace tightening and the secure fitting provides security throughout your run.
This eliminates the need to stop-start to fix loose laces, and stops extra foot movement that often happens using elastic laces.
Once you have set up your Greeper Laces properly, they will help to shave those precious pit-stop seconds off your run time. Endorsed by Ironman Champion Chrissie Wellington on Twitter:

Final top tip. Buy some @GREEPER_LACES. Cheap, keeps your feet secure, won’t come undone & % goes to charity!

— Chrissie Wellington (@chrissiesmiles) April 3, 2014

We’ve found a review on amazon by a customer who purchased Greeper Laces for her sports-loving husband:

Bought these for my hubby as he is a keen triathlon competitor. Just what he required to save himself a few valuable seconds… Thank you.

Greeper Always Tied Shoelaces Used by Everyone

Although championed by professional athletes and amateur sports fans alike, Greeper laces are an affordable inclusive design that can be used by anyone.

The bright colours and design of the Flats range of Greeper Laces are ideal for children’s shoes

Greeper laces come in a number of different styles and colours. The “Sports” design being perfect for all types of athletic sport-shoe and the “Hikers” design ideal for more outdoor-style footwear and activities.
The designers at Greeper understand the need for an everyday, easy to apply lace for  everyone, including people with impairments or disability. That is why they have produced a number of non-sport styles to assist those who simply need a lace solution for work or school.
The “Execs” and “Flats” ranges are the ultimate in inclusive design. These can be worn with smart dress-shoes, school shoes or trainers, yet still providing the same comfort and security of the more athletic designs.

Stay Tied Laces For Children

Many parents find the white and black sports or exec laces ideal for children at school. It removes the need for children to retie their laces or the danger of the shoes coming off or even being taken off (!) by children with disabilities or behavioural problems.  Like this recent feedback from Amazon: “bought these for my son who has autism and struggles to tie laces and they are perfect as he can do them on his own making him as independent as possible.”

For more information about Greeper Laces please see our previous post.

An extensive range of Greeper laces are available for purchase at Trabasack.com

@trabasack They are great, but if you find fiddly things hard, you’ll need help setting them up, once on, amazing!

— Rob (@GingerRob) February 23, 2013

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Uniflow Straws are a simple yet ingeniously designed drinking aid for those people struggle with sucking on a straw. Illness and disabilities can cause difficulties with both physical and oral motor skills, and people can find it difficult to maintain suction when using ordinary straws.

Many people that experience dysphagia, a difficulty with swallowing and eating, find the innovative one way valve useful. These non return drinking straws allow a pause and rest between sips. It makes it easier to drink and reduces the risk of choking on liquids.

How Do Non Return Valve Straws Work?

Uniflow one way straws use basic physics to provide a rather smart solution to drinking and swallowing with a straw.

Uniflow one-way valve straws keep unconsumed liquid in the straw itself in between sips.

The basic principle is to ensure the liquid can only travel one way once suction is in place, and these non return straws feature a small valve in the base that helps to reduce air intake when in use. This then keeps any unused liquid in the straw itself in between sips.

The diameter of each no return straw is also slightly smaller than that of an ordinary straw of this size, which helps to maintain a reduced yet steadier liquid flow rate. This is ideal for those who may feel overwhelmed when drinking liquids due to their dysphagia.

Who May Benefit From Using Straws with a One-Way Valve?

There are a number of conditions where the risk and discomfort of dysphagia plays a major role in the sufferer’s quality of life. People with multiple sclerosis, or MS, can have have difficulty with swallowing and sucking. This can lead to not only coughing, choking and discomfort whilst drinking, but can then lead to further complications of health such as lung infections and dehydration.

Uniflow’s one-way valve design is ideal for teaching little ones to use a straw

The innovative design of the Uniflow one way drinking straws ensures liquids are consumed at a steady and slow pace. This helps to remove the fear of choking or coughing fits, and to provides piece of mind to those with swallowing difficulties.

Using One Way Valve Straws with Children

Straws with a one-way valve are also ideal for young children and toddlers who are learning to drink from a straw. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make the introduction to straws more simple for children. However, the non-return valve featured in each Uniflow straw actually provides the same outcome without the need to alter ordinary straws, which is perfect for busy parents of children keen to master straw-drinking.

1. To start, cut a regular straw in half.  Not only is a shorter straw easier to handle, but it also takes less strength for a child to suck liquid from a shorter straw.
2. Dip the straw into a cup with liquid preferred by the child. Place the tip of your finger over the top of the straw to keep the liquid in the straw. Remove the straw from the cup, keeping the top of the straw covered with your fingertip.
3. Place the straw on the child’s lips at a slightly tilted down angle (so that if you release your finger, the liquid will flow into the mouth).
4. Remove your fingertip, allowing the liquid to flow into the child’s mouth. The goal here is for the child to comprehend that he/she is getting liquid from the straw.  As you are doing this, tell the child to “take a sip.”
5. Once the child comprehends the idea of getting liquid from a straw, instruct him/her to close his or her lips around the straw. When the lips are closed around the straw, release your fingertip for the liquid to come out.  You may have to provide lip closure exercises to assist the child with this skill. Pinching the lips together may help.  Stretching the lips prior to straw drinking may help as well.

Read more…

A Really Useful Everyday Invention

Uniflow No Return Straws are designed to be fun and inclusive.

The design of each one way drinking straw is simple and inclusive, with very little visual difference to ordinary straws. The Uniflow no-return straws are sold in packs of 15. Each pack includes several bright and cheery colours that will appeal to adults and children alike. The straws are also disposable, so are ideal for popping in your bag when out-and-about.

Strawberi straw holder and Uniflow straws make the perfect companions

Although these one way straws are not recommended with fizzy or thick drinks (such as smoothies and fibre supplements) they are perfect for warm drinks, juices, cordial and water whether at home or on the go.

The perfect companion to the Uniflow non-return valve straw is the Strawberi straw holder. The Strawberi is a small yet very smart invention that clips on to the side of your glass or cup, and holds your straw in place. This is ideal for hands-free drinking and keeping mess and stress to a minimum when drinking.

Customer Quote from Amazon

These straws are great. My 92 year old mother was finding it increasingly difficult to drink from a cup and didn’t have the strength to keep sucking liquid up through an ordinary straw. These just need sucking up the tube once and then the liquid stays up the tube – she is now drinking lots more liquid. Thoroughly recommend them.

To buy your one way valve straws please click the boxes below:

@lwdisability Thanks for the lovely article! We’re working on making #uniflow even easier to use (and better value too).

— Such and Such Design (@ReallyUseful_UK) February 13, 2013

@lwdisability used these with my 3 year old with profound autism 12 yrs ago – worked a treat!!

— Gill Parker (@GillParker12) March 19, 2013

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The lite cup night light is a handy drinking aid for night time drinks and hydrating in the dark. The built in light and non-spill features make it a useful bedside cup.

At Living with Disability, we like to take into consideration the opinions and experiences of the blogging community and anybody living with disabilities who has discovered a great item that makes their life a little bit easier. We’ve previously discussed products as recommended by Tourettes Hero such as simple wrist straps and life changing weighted blankets and today we’re looking at an item recommended by Danni, found on Twitter as @Dannilion, a blogger who describes herself as ‘quite disabled’ and that ‘finding products that make life easier and increase my independence is very important to me’. With this in mind, Danni wrote a blog post all about her favourite items including the seemingly simple Lite Cup Night Light . At Living with Disability we’d never heard of the Litecup before so taking a closer look at it, we  agreed with Danni, it really is a great product.

Litecup – Night Light and No Spill Cup in One

The Litecup is a clever little cup which features a non spill lid and a light in its base, which comes on automatically in the dark. Brilliant if you’re looking for your drink late at night and avoids the risk of spills. There are many different reasons that this product could be a great addition to your range of kitchen accessories and Danni explains that she likes it specifically because of its non-spill top. This allows her to drink whilst laid down as there are days where she finds it hard to leave bed and we believe many of our readers will recognise this experience. The Litecup comes in a range of different colours so you can pick a lid that suits your personal preference and it’s a great, affordable product which can make drinking much easier and less challenging.

Reviews of the product praise its robust build and ease of use. They also rate how long lasting the light is and how it can be knocked over without causing any spills. The Litecup is a great product which we believe many people could benefit from and we thank Dannilion for bringing it to our attention.

The Litecup is available on Amazon.

To see the full range of colours click here

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Weighted blankets come in many colours and patterns and look very much like ordinary bed coverings

Weighted blankets are heavy, specially made bed coverings. They use sewn-in bags of sand or other dense materials to make the covering heavy. They are mostly used for children with autism but be used to calm people with dementia or for other neurological conditions. They help children sleep and can help with tics and involuntary movements and conditions like restless leg syndrome.

This is another post inspired with thanks to @touretteshero. One of her fab blog posts led us to this product which we really believe deserves a mention on Living with Disability. The product in question is the use of weighted blankets, a simple invention which provides a carefully determined amount of pressure during sleep to help control any involuntary movements. They can improve the sleeping patterns and experience for those who have a number of different conditions.

Like the post on wrist straps, Tourettes Hero’s blog post, describes a product that has helped her get on with her life. She discusses how it helps provide some resistance to her tics but also mentions how the product was already on her horizon as she had seen them in use with autistic children. People who have an autistic spectrum disorder can have extreme difficulty sleeping due in many cases to proprioceptive imbalance and even experience insomnia.  A weighted blanket can significantly improve these problems and they can also help in the day time to help control the stimming that is related to autistic spectrum disorders.

Tourettes Hero with a heavy sleep aid…sorry, wrong pic, I mean with the marvellous Stephen Fry

So, what does a weighted blanket do?

Many of us have experienced the comforting feeling of heavy eiderdowns or blankets, maybe at grandparents as a child or the feeling of being ‘tucked up tightly’ with sheets.  A weighted blanket provides what’s described as ‘deep pressure’ which is found to be calming and comforting especially for children on the Autistic Spectrum as research suggests they seek this deep pressure and want to be covered under several layers. With a weighted blanket, several layers aren’t needed and there is no risk of suffocation etc.

A large specially made heavy bed covering can be used at night to aid sleeping. Many families have said that using weighted blankets has given their child the first uninterrupted night’s sleep of their lives. They can help the child relax and feel comfortable in their bedroom. As well as large blankets there are a range of smaller products and lap pads which are designed for day time use, even in classrooms and at the dinner table. A weighted lap pad is designed to promote calm behaviour, enhance focus and concentration and also allows for further learning and comprehension if used in schools.

This video shows reviews on brand of weighted blankets and shows their uses:

For more info about the weighted blankets for sale on Amazon, click the box above.

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