Recently a fellow blogger was writing about how her daughter could benefit from more vestibular stimulation.When a child's ability to create their own vestibular stimulation is limited we have to look to other ways for them to get that. This is important for kids with Cerebellar Hypoplasia and is the primary reason that we installed a hammock swing in our TV room back in 2012, since in rainy Seattle it isn't always enjoyable to use the one we have outside. Putting a swing inside our house was one of the best things we've done. In addition to swinging Ainsley very quickly started putting her arms over the hammock so that she could spin herself in circles. Any busy special needs mom knows that the best "therapies" are fun and if the child can do it without assistance then that is even better!
Here is a link to where you can purchase the SouthPaw rotational device. The carabiners I got at REI. Here is a link to where you can purchase the same handmade hammock swing we have, from HangLoose Hammocks. Or here is a swing chair that could be used for a child that needs more enclosure, or this one for a child that needs even more support. There are no doubt countless options to suit your needs if you look around. The bonus for us is that it solved a seating issue in our TV room. The big kids sometimes fight over who gets to sit there. Every kid who comes to visit loves it too.
It's fun, it's a place for anyone to sit, it's therapeutic, it's awesome!
Ainsley is now seventeen years old! She is one of a kind and has navigated this world in her own special way. She's been through more than most people ever will in their entire life but that doesn't get her down. If she likes you she just might flash you a smile that will melt your heart.
I am Ainsley's mom and the author of this blog. I am also mom to Ainsley's big sister Evie and brother Adrian. Normal life seemed busy and challenging enough before Ainsley came around in 2006. Managing the care of a medically complex special needs child is something I never imaged yet together as a family somehow we do and life is good.
Ainsley's blog was created in March 2008 in preparation for a medical trip to Cincinnati, OH. At that time it was a great way to help friends and families stay up to date on happenings. In addition it has served as a sort of diary of our experiences. There are many times that I refer back to it for information or dates of a surgery or procedure, and am reminded of forgotten details about something that happened. I've posted less in recent years and wish I had posts for some important experiences.
Over the years I've had parents contact me to say that the blog has been helpful to them in one way or another and that meant a lot to me. Like me, many parents of medically complex kids are looking for information on how best to help their child, especially in the early years. Sharing our stories helps. Although blogs are less popular these days I still find it useful. If you still enjoy blog posts I'd love it if you'd leave a comment and let me know.
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