Everyday O.T.

24/07/2022

Just a reminder that too much screen time can lead to negative affects on our health. Especially for our kids who are learning and growing. The best thing you can do is limit the amount they are exposed to and keep it educational for the younger kids.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Screen use” refers to any content viewed on TV, video games, devices (tablets and smartphones), and computers.
1. For children younger than 18 months, avoid use of screen media other than video-chatting.
2. Parents of children 18 to 24 months of age, who want to introduce digital media, should choose high-quality programming, and watch it with their children to help them understand what they’re seeing.
3. For children ages 2 to 5 years, limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programs.
4. For children ages 6 and older, place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and the types of media, and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity and other behaviors essential to health.

Just a reminder that too much screen time can lead to negative effects on our health. Especially for our kids who are learning and growing. The best thing you can do is limit the amount they are exposed to and keep it educational for the younger kids.

04/07/2022

What an opportunity

17/06/2022

I know these will be absolutely loved by some!!!

We still have a couple of our nerf tennis ball launchers left. They're perfect for children who want to play fetch with their beloved pet, but find throwing a ball difficult. Contact cic@cerebra.org.uk for more info.

16/03/2022

I’m so sorry I only found out about this today. Hopefully more accessible Events will be run in the future if you can’t get on tomorrows

Accessible Coastal Foraging and the Beach Wheelchair Scheme at Coppet Hall and Saundersfoot beaches, Thu 17 Mar 2022 - Join us for a coastal foraging day with Craig Evans and find out about the Beach Wheelchair scheme with Sarah Beauclerk. Background information With his knowledge and experience of....

03/12/2021

04/10/2021

We would like your views and experiences of the opportunities, support, and services for autistic* children and young people (0-25years) and their families, with or without a diagnosis. This survey is for families living in Pembrokeshire. Your feedback will be used to

11/08/2021

My youngest is having a few wobbles with his morning routine and leaving the house to go to nursery while his big brother and sister are able to stay home through the summer.

All meaning I end up going to work incredibly guilty and upset plus with additional stress.

Yesterday I decided finally to be pragmatic and rather than see the rest of the holidays through with tricky mornings (I know it will just be a phase) I asked a lovely friend to make a couple of visuals for us.

One for morning routine and one a symbol representation of the week and where everyone is. The thought being it would help his understanding of passage of time through the week and that he also has ‘home’ time.

This morning we were all smiles, proving once again that visuals are not just for children with additional needs but are a generically useful tool to back up understanding and communication.

27/07/2021

Sharing for anyone who may be interested

23/07/2021

I recently carried out an assessment using one of the national coasts chairs and was told about the online booking scheme. Hoping it allows many more beach trips for people locally without fear of turning up and there not being one available.
The lady we met was unbelievably helpful and is keen to hear from users of the chairs of any feedback in order to continue to improve the service.

A fleet of 14 specially designed beach wheelchairs has been rolled out across several of Pembrokeshire's accessible beaches in time for the summer season.

15/07/2021

It’s the end of term here. My goodness it’s been a busy and challenging year for everyone. The children have found their way through, homeschooling, hwb, schooling at a childminders (wow) and then back to a different type of normal school.
This is a thanks to all the schools, teachers, support staff, families who have let me come in and work with them in whatever form that took.
Have a lovely summer

I’m still working through the summer if anyone needs support.

12/07/2021

Get £125 to buy school uniform, equipment, sports kit and kit for activities outside of school for your child.

17/06/2021

20/05/2021

04/04/2021

My eldest boy LOVES climbing. It would be so easy to say no or please be careful each time but honestly I’d be saying no to him all the time. So I allow him to use his body in a way he feels safe and he’s learnt to move and explore within his own limits. His body awareness is spectacular because of this.

Next time you’re child wants to push themselves why not try some of these phrases instead.

Have children who love adventures and challenging themselves when playing? Try these supportive word ideas

22/03/2021

Carrying on from my post on Saturday. This evening my eldest (7) came into the car sullen and quiet after school.
When we got home he hid in the car footwell and refused to come in the house.
He thought he was angry with me and wasn’t ‘listening to any of your ideas’. So instead I took his lead. It wasn’t safe to leave him in the car footwell but he obviously needed some quiet time in a safe space to process his day.

I replicated the small space he was seeking inside and he was allowed to stay there as long as he needed. (Didn’t actually take that long after a snack was snuck under the blanket).

Showing that a ‘sensory’ space needn’t cost the earth can be put up in a matter of seconds and positioned anywhere it’s necessary. Just make sure it feels safe for your child and it’s not too bright or over stimulating.

He came round and was then able to start to articulate his thoughts to me and accept a cuddle.

20/03/2021

I’ve had quite a few ‘crisis’ phone calls this week. Parents who don’t know what to do with their child who is refusing to go to school or screaming or behaving differently at home or just being plain hard work.
Most parenting blogs I read are highlighting the exciting prospect of children going back to school and wohoo all the peace we’ll have!! When in reality for a lot of parents we’re worried about our children’s mental well-being and the few hours peace doesn’t appease the guilt we feel about the battles we’ve had to get them in.
I’d like to remind parents who read this page that every child is different (life would be boring if they weren’t) therefore if your child is one of those who isn’t jumping for joy at the prospect of being back with their friends then that’s ok.
Schools are working really hard to think about wellbeing but they are also tied up with trying to get children back on track academically. So if you feel a slightly slower transistion back to ‘normal’ and some adjustments to your child’s timetable would in the long run aid your child don’t be afraid to have that conversation.
And if like me you’re someone who needs your child to go to school as you’re working then make sure home life is still as stable as it can be, that you’ve got your supports in place to ensure the children can unwind when they get home and that in whatever form they communicate they get chance to do that.

04/03/2021

Nothing else I need to say.....super idea

03/03/2021

A reminder for parents who have children with ALN, home-learning or returning to school- The Early Help and Support team in Pembrokeshire are advisory specialists for: autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia, complex needs, and, communication.

Poster below has information on who they are, how they are working, and a contact number for the Team Lead