How can I help my daughter find "where she is in space"?

Question

My 4 year old daughter has neurological issues and is legally blind. She has been having trouble lately sleeping and wakes up often and flops around a lot while sleeping, sometimes crying out. She had a similar problem as a young baby and the doctors said she had a difficult time figuring our where she was in space and to let her put a lightweight blanket over her head, which she had started doing on her own. Now it seems worse. She does better if she has a lot of contact to her body (like two sides toucing her on the sofa). Has anyone heard of this or have any suggestions? Thanks.

Answer 1

Yes this does make sense, I work in the field of developmental disabilities and weighted blankets, vests, neck wraps and things of that nature help people find their space or also give them a sense of a "boundary" and this provides security. If you need help with this look up weighted blankets on the net and you will find some sights that sell these and if they are too expensive you can see how they are made and make one. People with autism generally use these, but for someone who is blind it is almost the same concept. Just remember that she is looking for security in her surroundings and if the weighted options don't work look into body pillows to put on both sides of her

Answer 2

My own child was Asperger's Syndrome (High Functioning Autistic). One of the things that calmed her was a Crochet Blanket -- she could wrap her little fingers through the holes between stitches and she felt comfortable hugging that around her.

Plus, I did purchase TWO body pillows, and purchased some cute child Printed Fabrics (let the child choose what they want) and make form fit slip covers -- then added FABRIC Paint to them to personalize. I also played in the background some classical music while she slept -- it seemed to keep her calmer.

YOU also need to have another Neurological workup -- because it does sound as if these nighttime symptoms MAY be seizures -- and they CAN be helped ONLY if they are properly diagnosed and treated.

Have you tried soft crib bumpers on such areas as the Edge of the Bed, the Path to the Floor, and some unusual fabrics or shapes on the walls of the room, as well as the wall that is right next to two edges of the bed. A lot of physical contact with these shapes will help her start with understanding of three-dimensional structures.

Answer 3

My guess is try a noise of some type, like a metronome. Blind people ski and play baseball using sound to locate themselves. If it were my daughter I'd give it a shot. It couldn't hurt. Maybe a different sound in each room so she always knows where she is. I wouldn't think it would have to be very loud at all.

Take care, I hope for the best for you and your daughter.

Answer 4

Aawww...God bless your daughter and you. I don't have any experience with anything of the sort but could you possibly get two of those body pillows to lie on each side of her at nite? That way she feels surrounded...I don't know if that will be of any help, but I thought I would offer a suggestion. How about noises? Do they calm her? Maybe one of those teddy bears that you can hear the heartbeat of?? Hope you find a way for her to be comfortable and feel safe.

Answer 5

There are weighted vests and various weighted lap covers that are sold to schools who deal with intellictually disabled students to help calm them. Maybe just a heavy quilt and a rolled towel in a U shape around her head like the car seats have for infants.

Answer 6

You're in a tough situation. Try calming her down, reading her a soft story, giving her warm milk (from cows) and just slow everything down. Is it genetic? Some children go through fades like that and it can be a little nerve-racking at first, but just ease up on her. Make her feel comfortable about the environment he breathes in.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

You should definately speak with her doctor, including her neurologist. You may want to contact a school for the blind. They may have suggestions for you try with her. Here is website with a lot of links. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the links. Good luck to both of you.
Marjorie
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness

Answer 9

let her sleep on the couch if it helps. I would feel insecure too if I woke up and couldnt see and didnt know where I was. I would even leave a TV on low in her room with the cartoon channel on so that she has the comfort of light and noise as well.

Answer 10

This question probably needs to be directed to a Dr