Happy 2025!.. what a month! All types of weather was thrown at us… but it didn’t deter our residents, they still managed to get out and about 😊
I smell snow!
For many people with autism, Winter can be a challenging time. The air can smell different, the light is lower in the sky… and then there’s the snow. It’s cold, it feels strange, and you have to wear more clothes, including the dreaded hats and gloves – this all means that there are a lot of adjustments to make.
To support our residents, we introduce the clothing gradually, checking the textures, the fit, and ensuring that each item feels comfortable and appropriate for them, ready for experiencing the snow… if that’s what they want to do. Harry certainly made the most of it this month… he spent the afternoon in the gardens of Jemini Place 😊
Out and about…
As we’ve said before, eating out is an important part of our residents’ lives – supporting them to be comfortable enough to visit a restaurant with all the noise, people, lights… it can be a real assault on the senses… and then there’s the food, the textures, the smells, the look, the taste…
You can order your favourite meal, snack or drink, and it may not taste or look the same the next time you get it, so we take frequent trips with our residents to help with their familiarisation… and of course, it’s always about ensuring they’re happy and enjoying life.
Ellie and Stephen eating out…
Adam at Subway – keeping things familiar with the same menus, no matter the location, and the same décor, really helps.
Fun at home…
Crafty times for Sam and Stephen this month.
Sam has been colouring a picture of Wallace and Gromit, a firm favourite, while Stephen has made a ‘Wheel of Emotions’.
This ‘wheel’ is a simple tool that helps residents to identify their feelings, providing a visual indication of sadness, happiness, confusion…
Sammy spent time in the sensory room – it’s a dedicated space with soft lighting, furnishings and equipment, all designed to provide sensory stimulation in a controlled environment. Depending on the resident, there could be calming music playing, therapeutic essential oils, or mini trampolines or exercise balls to balance on.
Sammy with the bubble tubes
– the moving colours and bubbles can be soothing as well as eye-catching, which helps develop visual skills.
And Ellie has had fun chilling out on her computer with Lauren.
Whatever our residents have been doing this month, they’ve had lots of fun! What a great start to the year!