Dean Beadle Motivational Speaker Obsessing About Obsessions
	Meningitis - Know the symptoms
	The Calvert Trust
	LDA Learning
	15% Discount First Aid Courses
	Manchester United Disabled Supporters' Association
	Marathon Mum Update!
	Megan Baker House
	CRB - New On-line Tracking

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this newsletter. A special thanks goes to Dean Beadle who writes a regular column for us. Dean is an autistic sixth-former who is currently giving motivational speeches across the UK on the subject.

Also thanks to Des Turner (MUDSA) and Kirstie Lee (Megan Baker House) who provided articles at very short notice!

If you would like to send an article relating to special needs for the next issue, just send an e-mail or call 020 7729 2200

SNAP Childcare 91-93 Great Eastern St. London EC2A 3HZ Tel: 020 7729 2200 Fax: 020 7729 0022 E-mail: info@snapchildcare.co.uk

Obsessing About Obsessions….

Obsessions. A much maligned and hidden part of life. People with obsessions are often viewed as unsociable and slightly frightening characters that are on the outskirts of society. As a teenager with Asperger's syndrome, I know different.

Obsession is very often part and parcel of Asperger's life. Often it can serve as a form of salvation. For me it provided an element of control to my life in a very unsettled time. My obsessions gave me the chance to lock myself away from the rest of the world and indulge in a passion which I could control; I chose when I enjoyed it.

I think obsessions are incredibly important for this reason. So you can imagine my disdain when a member of the audience at my last speech told me that she knew of a lady who"destroyed" her autistic child's obsessions before they grew into anything unmanageable. Instead of viewing obsessions as a setback, parents should view them as a incredibly useful tool.

Dean Beadle March 2007
(Photo by Luke Carter)

The focus of a child's obsession should give a parent a really good insight into how the child is mentally. For example, I was obsessed with Doctor Who; this told my parents that I was desperate to be free like the doctor.

I believe that obsessions are invaluable to parents for this very reason- they can give an invaluable insight into a child that you may not get from anything else.

So lets embrace obsessions and see them for what they are: a salvation for the sufferer. Moreover, if you get involved with the obsession perhaps it'll be a salvation for you too, because you'll get to know your child better than ever.

SNAP has just placed a special needs nanny (well done Alisa!) with a family who have a daughter Ellie . Ellie contracted Meningitis at the age of 16m. She has her own website which tells her story and progress.

Meningitis is thankfully a rare condition, but if not treated quickly, can have devastating consequences. Meningitis causes a swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, while septicaemia is the blood poisoning and more life threatening form of the disease. Meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise at first. Symptoms can appear in any order, but the first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell, just like in many mild illnesses.

The Tumbler Test

The Meningitis Research Foundation has clear guidelines about how to spot the symptoms set out in three clear sections, babies, toddlers and young people. Anyone can be affected by meningitis, but the three groups above are most susceptible, especially babies.

Symptoms (Not everyone gets all these symptoms - septicaemia can occur with or without meningitis)

Septicaemia
 Fever/vomiting
 Limb / joint / muscle pain
 Cold hands and feet / shivering
 Pale or mottled skin
 Breathing fast / breathless
 Rash (anywhere on the body)
 Very sleepy / vacant / difficult to     wake
 Confused / delirious

Meningitis
 Fever/vomiting
 Severe headache
 Stiff neck(Less common in young     children)
 Dislike of bright lights (Less common     in young children)
 Very sleepy / vacant / difficult to     wake
 Confused / delirious
 Rash (anywhere on the body -not     present in all cases)
 Seizures

See The Meningitis Research Foundation for more details

One of our families took their son here for a weeks holiday - they had a fantastic time and told us about the Calvert Trust..

We provide residential outdoor adventure for people with disabilities, together with their families and friends. Situated in beautiful North Devon, we offer a wide range of activities such as climbing, abseiling, kayaking, canoeing, zipwire, riding, archery and orienteering. The benefits are well documented and include raised self-esteem, team interaction, personal development and respite - not to mention fun!

The inclusiveness, encouragement and specialised equipment that define our activity breaks often result in increased independence and confidence. How? By challenging disability through outdoor adventure. A special needs teacher told us last week:

"One pupil who does not often show signs of any concentration used a lot of hand/eye co-ordination in the archery and showed a lot of awareness of cause and effect. He really came to life!"

Our outdoor archery range is a great example of adaptive equipment that makes activities accessible to all. One arm bow stands assist the archer to both hold and draw back the bow. Quick release mechanisms are attached to the bow and allow those with limited grip or hand movements to release the arrow from the bow.

Specially adapted equipment also means that guests of all abilities can sail, kayak or canoe on our reservoir and ride or carriage drive at our on-site stables. Likewise, the climbing wall has a range of different climbs to suit varying abilities. If a guest can't leave their wheelchair to abseil, we abseil them in their wheelchair!

Next month we're installing a new indoor climbing wall to add a whole new range of challenges and somewhere warm and dry to climb in the winter months.

After the day's activities, guests relax in the hydro pool and enjoy the steam room and Jacuzzi. For those needing complete downtime, there's a fantastic sensory room with changeable lighting, sound and visual stimulation.

All accommodation is high quality and accessible while the food is home-cooked and excellent. You'll have challenge and fun regardless of age, ability and even the weather! Here it's not what you can't do but what you can do that counts.

A teacher of a young school group with special needs that visited us earlier this month commented:

"In one week at Calvert Trust students have learnt more than during weeks at school. For many it has been a life changing experience and something they will remember forever."

Calvert Trust Exmoor is a place where things previously thought impossible are made possible. Why not visit us and find out for yourself?

Lisa Young
Calvert Trust Exmoor Tel. 01598 763221
www.calvert-trust.org.uk



Young Carers and Siblings Weekends at Calvert Trust Exmoor

In November we're giving siblings and young carers the opportunity to come together and get actively involved in outdoor adventure, away from their usual responsibilities. Activities include climbing, abseiling, zip wire, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, orienteering, archery and horse riding.

The weekends are just £120 and run from Friday 9th - Sunday 11th and Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th November. This includes all accommodation, activities and meals, together with a Saturday night disco.
Please click here for flyer.

We haven't used this company, but came across their website which has a very good special needs section for educational resources.

Please let us know if you have a favourite company which supplies special needs toys, equipment, clothing or other goods, so we can let others know.
See LSA Learning

St John's Ambulance have offered a discount for their Early Years First Aid Course for nannies/carers who come via SNAP.

"When your nannies book the Early Years first Aid course quoting the following reference number:
SNA220 we will give them a 15% discount (this offer excludes
courses at our Marylebone training centre). There are also group discounts
(for more than 10 people, on your own premises) available, as well as an additional 5% discount for full-time students (proof required).

St. John Ambulance is the UK's leading provider of first aid training. We are a well established organisation with many years experience in providing high quality training, and our Early

Years first aid course focuses on
emergency scenarios that nannies, childminders and au pairs may face when looking after young children.

This includes:

resuscitation techniques
treatment of choking
bleeding
burns
childhood conditions (e.g. measles, meningitis, croup, thrush).

Anyone working with younger children - those up to eight years old - or working towards an NVQ in Childcare and Education should attend this course.
It meets Ofsted's requirements and the requirements for nannies under the DfES Approved Carers Scheme.

We have 13 training centres across Greater London, making it easy to find a course near you.

If you have anymore questions, please do not hesitate to contact me".

Linda Hamstig

Marketing Assistant
St John Ambulance London District
Edwina Mountbatten House
63 York Street London W1H 1PS

T 020 7258 7069 / F 020 7258 7047

www.sja.org.uk or click on logo below:

Formed in 1989, Manchester United Disabled Supporters' Association sprang from an idea discussed by several friends at a Christmas party. In the intervening years, it has grown dramatically and now has over one and a half thousand members.

MUDSA is administered by a committee of nine elected volunteer members who each has a specific role. The committee itself is spearheaded by our secretary Phil Downs MBE who manages the disabled facilities for Manchester United FC.

These facilities have evolved into the best for disabled people in British football. Old Trafford now boasts in excess of one hundred wheelchair (& helper) places, as well as facilities for the visually impaired,and parking for wheelchair users. All of which is provided free-of-charge by Manchester United.

We have our own dedicated lounge (The Ability Suite) which has plasma screen TVs and a refreshments bar - all of which is great for those freezing mid-winter games!

The MUDSA committee is responsible for various items of merchandise, including key rings, pens and specially designed pin-badges.

We organise family social events such as ten-pin bowling, days out at a horse race meeting and a much sought-after visit and tour of United's training complex - expect a long waiting list for this one!

Our flagship event is the annual dinner, normally held in late October/early November and where in the past we have welcomed esteemed guests such as Sir Alex Ferguson and the late great legend George Best.

And as if all this wasn't enough! We also have a very special Christmas party, to which all the Manchester United players come and are happy to sign autographs/pose for photographs etc.

As you will imagine, demand for this particular event is high whilst guest numbers are strictly limited. Manchester United FC looks after us very well indeed.

For my own part, I am the editor of the MUDSA magazine 'Rollin' Reds'. We produce four editions per season and feature football related articles, items from committee members, letters from readers, an interview with a United player and much, much more!

We print five hundred copies each time and all are distributed to MUDSA members on match days - free of charge. The cost of production is borne by fund-raising activities by the MUDSA committee.

And last, but by no means least, regardless of disability, we are supporters (fanatics?) of the famous Manchester United. The current Barclays Premier League Champions and best football team in the world!

Congratulations to Erica Marks who completed the Marathon in aid of Whizz Kidz charity. Erica is mum to four children including Benji who is physically disabled.

Erica completed the Marathon in 6 hours 13 minutes. Erica said "Every mile hurt but it was an amazing experience, though, and the hardest thing I will ever do (apart from childbirth).

Erica has definitely got the bug - her next run will be the London 10k on the 1st July and then will be training for the London Triathlon 2008!

Erica said it was a truly amazing experience- and would recommend it to any lunatic! (her words, not ours!) Although Erica's target was £1,500, to date she has raised over £2,500! (Click on image below for more details)

MEGAN BAKER HOUSE SEEKS TO HELP MORE CHILDREN WITH FUN, FREE SESSIONS.

A Herefordshire based children's charity is looking for rising new stars from all over the country.

They are seeking children with Cerebral Palsy to participate in Conductive Education sessions at their centre near Leominster. They would join the ranks of children who are already aiming high and achieving great things.

Megan Baker House is located in a beautiful rural setting and provides specialist services free of charge; teaching children and teenagers with disabilities the everyday skills that many people take for granted.

Simple skills such as eating; drinking; personal hygiene; getting dressed; sitting and standing unaided and social skills that are 'automatic' for most people, have to be consciously learned.

Through Conductive Education, Megan Baker House provides a pathway that allows the children and teenagers to reach their full potential, achieve their aspirations and live a more independent life.

Currently, the search is on for children age 3-5 with Cerebral Palsy to take part in an intensive block placement for 4 weeks from September 17th until the 12th of October.

"These intensive block placements have become very popular, particularly with those having to travel a distance to the centre", explains the course co-ordinator, Becky Dodds.

"Families can come and stay in local accommodation and bring the children to the centre every day. We've been running these courses for over a year now and it's wonderful to see what the children can achieve during those four weeks."

The intensive course will include age appropriate activities to promote learning and independence. There will also be observation days for parents and carers, as well as advice sessions on various topics.

" We're also looking to recruit children with mild cerebral palsy aged 4 to 8 years for weekly sessions from September, " continues Becky. " These children would ideally be walking independently and would be taking part in sessions every Monday from 10.45 - 1.45 that will teach them independence and aid inclusion."

Places and assessments for the Cerebral Palsy block placement are free of charge but a small refundable booking fee is required to secure a place. The weekly sessions are free. For information on these placements and other services offered by the charity, please call Becky at Megan Baker House on 01568 616 179 or go to www.meganbakerhouse.org.uk and fill out an online application form.

Kirstie Lee

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) have a new service which allows customers to track the progress of their police check applications.

This service is available to the applicant, employer, Umbrella or registered body. To be able to check the progress of applications, you will need to provide the reference number which the CRB give upon initial application and date of birth.

Please click on logo below to be taken to the relevant page: