Something to keep nervous hands busy
08-29-2012, 06:36 AM
#31
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,644
Maybe he picks at the loose end because it drives him nuts and he can't stand to have the loose thread and he's trying to get rid of it?
(I don't know about him - I just know for myself that a stray dangling thread really bothers me)
(I don't know about him - I just know for myself that a stray dangling thread really bothers me)
08-29-2012, 08:29 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Las Vegas, NV - transplanted from Southeastern PA
Posts: 324
It doesn't make him nervous but is an obsession. I am sure. My DGS has obsessions too. He is autistic and 11.
If this helps your stepson calm himself I think the hotpads with threads to pull out is an excellent idea.
We have to find ways to help them cope with their everyday life. Obsessions are just a part of the package. We learn to channel them so they are manageable and I think you are onto something for your stepson.
fortunately my DGS has left some obsessions behind as in running to whatever catches his attention. And he is no longer obsessed with slides. now he is obsessed with printing off Wiggles pics on You tube and writing stories around them. The laptop and drawing keeps him busy for hours. He is bound and determined to make his own movie! He has always been obessed with movies and tv shows and the behind the scenes info as in what studio makes that program and who the sponsors are and what ads are shown on there. He could one day become a director who knows??
If this helps your stepson calm himself I think the hotpads with threads to pull out is an excellent idea.
We have to find ways to help them cope with their everyday life. Obsessions are just a part of the package. We learn to channel them so they are manageable and I think you are onto something for your stepson.
fortunately my DGS has left some obsessions behind as in running to whatever catches his attention. And he is no longer obsessed with slides. now he is obsessed with printing off Wiggles pics on You tube and writing stories around them. The laptop and drawing keeps him busy for hours. He is bound and determined to make his own movie! He has always been obessed with movies and tv shows and the behind the scenes info as in what studio makes that program and who the sponsors are and what ads are shown on there. He could one day become a director who knows??
08-29-2012, 04:01 PM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Posts: 672
Having worked with many children with similar problems, I think your idea is great. I also think that keeping one of these "fidget bags" made up and in reserve would be a really good idea. You are a wonderful Mom to this special child. Blessings.
Donna
Donna
That would be a very good idea. You could also try this: Sew 2 small squares together like you would if you were making a pillow (felt works well for this). Leave 1 side open and turn to the right side. Tuck about 1/4 of the open side over so you won't have raw edges for the next step. Starting at the open side, sew a curvy line throughout the square. Move over about 7/8 inch or so and sew another curvy line following the path of the line you just sewed. Basically, you are making a track. You can make it as simple or complex as you want. The track should start and end at the open side. Drop a marble into the track. Topstitch the open side closed. Now you have a small "fidget" for your stepson to take with him. To use it, he just moves the marble back and forth along the track. I have seen this work well with many of the autistic kids I work with.
08-29-2012, 06:23 PM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 397
I know nothing about autistic children, but I wonder if something like the "fiddle" quilts I made for Alzheimer's patients at our local nursing hone might be appropriate. I made a lap quilt out of fabrics of different textures and added pockets to put things in, a button that could be buttoned and unbuttened, some velcro, and a zipper to zip and unzip. I even added a string of spools (like beads). I didn't use actual beads because they could be swallowed if the cord broke. Just an idea.
08-29-2012, 06:37 PM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: League City, Texas, USA
Posts: 625
Betty Ruth, I love your idea of fiddle quilts. My good friend just had to place his mother in a nursing home with Alzheimer's. He sold me her like new serger for a very good price and he said he had a lot of fabric he had brought home from her house in Colorado. I intend to purchase any usable fabric from him and had the idea of making some quilts for her and other patients in the nursing home. Your ""fiddle" quilt ideas sound so creative. I can't wait to give it a try.
08-29-2012, 07:41 PM
#40
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,386
I have made fidgety blankets for persons with dimenthia, all it is small blanket made from fleece, you can attach various pieces of fabric, pockets with snaps to open and close the pocket, zippers that they can fiddle with, buttons that he can undo and do up, I have also added wool that has been braided, short ribbons that can be threaded thru like shoe laces, and a variety of other things can be done to his blanket to keep him occupied and engaged for some time. You would clip the edges of the blanket to make a fringe, and then run a stitching line around to keep it from being torn. (You could visit your local second hand shop and pick up shirts with pockets, some with zippers, some with snaps, some with buttons, and just stitch these pockets onto the blanket). Stitch elastic about 3 inches long, and attach a small stuffed animal to the elastic, put a small hole in the blanket and then they can push the stuffy thru the hole from the front and the back of the blanket.....and probably there is a variety of other things you can think of.
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