Considering cellphone for a 5 year old because it has picture text to help with OCD at school?

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mamato3
S Considering a cell phone for a 5 year old with ocd? It has picture text - could this be useful?
I am considering a cell phone for my son who gets 'stuck' at tasks. He has a hard time sometimes transitioning. He has used a picture schedule at school but is going to be mainstreamed in a Catholic school. I was wonderin if I could set his schedule from home to send him email picture messages to get ready for transition to next major tasks. We use a timer at home and he does GREAT with it but there is me giving him the verbal cues to move on to the next task and I won't be there at school to do this.

Has anyone ever tried this?

Answer 1

I'm not focusing on the cell phone aspect rather the fact that you are looking into some alternative way of communicating to him via picture or text.
Since the school is using picture communication now where are they getting their pictures? I use Writing With Symbols a Mayer-Johnson product. The reason I suggest this is because their catelog offers several types of software usable on a computer and also smaller hand-held devices which might serve the same purpose w/o the hassle of having a phone in class. I'm not sure what you want, that you call him when it is time to change task? As a teacher, I can tell you that even if you do set a schedule, all kinds of event occur which change the schedule, fire drills, someone throwing up in lass etc etc. I would say the new teacher needs to be responsible to creat the schedule and be the one changing it. You did not mention why he needs picture/text but I have used this software with H.I, non-verbal, autistic and MIMR children. The advantage would be to see if the school would purchase the software for a classroom computer and then the teacher could produce the pictures for him. There are several products which might work, I don't know if you have looked at any other AAC (augumentative communication products, I'm just familiar with this one)

Answer 2

I would not give a 5 year old a cell phone at all! It could get lost or broken. Other children will want to play with it and they may try to make calls on it. There are so many things that could go wrong in this situation! Most schools have made rules now that they are not allowed any way. Even if your son has a condition other children will not understand why he is given special privileges. The staff and the schools are trained to handle children with conditions like this. Often times they can even have a teachers aid who can help your child specifically handle classroom transitions. I would start at the beginning of the year by going in and talking to the school counselor and telling them of your concerns and ask what kind of help the school can provide your son and if you are still really considering this idea about the phone I would discuss this with the counselor and find out what they think of the idea. There are all kinds of other gadgets out there that may work instead. Many watches have more then one alarm that can be set. This might work too. I am sure if you work with the school they will be able to come up with a solution. Also if you are sending him messages for transition from home you may end up disrupting the class. Schedules are not always perfect in a class. Something can happen and they could spend 10 extra minutes on a project and you sending a message could only cause more confusion.

Answer 3

Schools are required to provide any assistance that each child needs in order to perform tasks. You might involve the teacher and an OT in setting up a transition schedule with pictures, and any other cues your son needs, such as verbal cues, etc.
This can all be included in his individual educational plan.
There are many transition schedules available online, printable, etc. If you have something that already works for your son, use that, and have pictures available that he is familiar with, that the teacher can use.
Discuss with the teacher what types of activities will occur, and familiarize your son with pictures that relate to those activities.
The verbal cue and advance warning, will be beneficial to your son and to the teacher.
These things are some simple ideas to try.
As the above posters say, a cell phone would most likely get broken and/or lost.
Good luck

Answer 4

Most schools do not allow cell phones. Although your child is special (as they all are), if they make exceptions they will have to be continually explained. Your school should be providing your son with the support he needs for transitions, which it sounds like are a timer and verbal reminders. Make sure that he receives these things at school. It sounds like you're a great parent, and the school staff should be responsible for continuing your great care during the school day since it's a time when you can't be there.

Answer 5

This is the job of the teacher, not you. Cell phones aren't allowed in schools 99% of the time anyway, and a 5 year old won't be able to keep it for long. Meet with the teacher(s) involved to set up schedules and ways to transition with your son. Good Luck.

Answer 6

My recommendation would be to discuss it with the teacher and/or staff first. If having a cell phone is prohibited in the school, he could end up having it confiscated or being in trouble if there was no prior arrangement. The school may have some other helpful suggestions as well. Good luck!

Answer 7

you can push the school to give him additional assistance, albeit a one on one aide,verbal clues/reminders given by the teacher, etc. I really would NOT recommend giving him a cell phone. Chances are virtually 100% it will get lost or stolen and in most schools they are not allowed.

Answer 8

There is a 90% probability that the phone will either be broken, lost, stolen or otherwise just plum dissapeared within the first month. The tykes 5 years old, something will happen to it.

Answer 9

i dont think u shud give a cell to a 5 year old. wait till he's older.

Answer 10

You might consider ASKING the teacher(s) if it is permitted. Their opinions count, since they will ultimately determine whether to allow it.