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help for child with downs syndrome who is biting


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We have a boy with downs who has just turned 3. He has been randomly biting children and staff for some time now.

We have observed him and there are definitely no triggers that we can see - we also believe that he doesnt really understand the pain he is causing others.

The issue we have is this - 2 parents have withdrawn their children after being badly bitten more than once and this is obviously having an effect on the business. We are monitoring the boy on a 1-1 basis but we cannot sustain the cost of this indefinitely. This child claims nursery grant but are we allowed to ask the parents to contribute towards the cost of supporting him 1-1?

We really want to be inclusive and his parents want to keep him with us but we are struggling with what to do next - this has been going on for around 6 months now with no sign of improvement

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Hi as your little one should already be known to the Area Senco team, you could be able to access funding at a higher rate to enable you to provide one on one support.

I would contact them as a matter of urgency to call a meeting (team around the child) or the (one plan ) or whatever you use in your neck of the woods for children with additional needs.

Does he have any input already from a multi-agency team, does anyone come into observe him, support you etc.

I think we can all empathise with parents of the children that have been hurt by him, and they need to know you take this very seriously and are doing all you can to protect everybody in your care.

On a practical immediate suggestion can you give him a chewy like rubber toy, ring, that he could use to bite on.

Does he sign, have any visual cues, to support him.

Take care of yourselves too, as it can be very draining on all involved.

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Hi we had a little boy with Downs who used to bite. Same issues your facing with other parents being very unhappy with the situation.

 

We got the downs team to come in and work with us, this proved to be fantastic and all was sorted.

 

The little boy was given a sensory chew bar, which we gave him at set times of the day to work his mouth muscles and releive and tension of his mouth. He also had a jumper tied around his waist to add to his sensory experience. We learnt sign language, and taught all the children to sign stop when they needed.

The stop sign worked really well.

 

It was set times that the biting happened, so we ensured a member of staff supported him at these times.

Hope this helps you alittle, let me know if you need anything more

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we do receive around £300 per term but he comes 20 hrs per week so that is a drop in the ocean to be honest.

we do get some support from portage but nothing on a day to day basis

I will look into a chew toy but the biting happens so quickly for no apparent reason how could we ensure he has the toy at all times?

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I will look into a chew toy but the biting happens so quickly for no apparent reason how could we ensure he has the toy at all times?

 

The idea is that the chew toy meets his need for oral sensory input throughout the session or a times you have identified when the biting is more likely to happen. Having been chewing the toy should reduce his drive to bite other children.

 

 

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Forgive me if this comes across the wrong way but in my opinion the issue you have is not supporting the child not the children who have left. This child should have a 332 in place and assigned a specialist preschool teacher who can assist you in his care and education and help with any issues you are experiencing? Does this child have good communication skills ? What do his parents say , is this behaviour prominent at home ? Do they have an understanding of why he does this? Have you made an application for sen funding in order. To support this child appropriately. He may have sensory issues therefore a chewy may be needed. I understand the difficulties but when taking on a child with additional needs the support required should be discussed initially with parents and team and any other professionals working with the family.

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Hi Rachael1820, in answer to your question, " how can we ensure he has the chewy ring, toy with him at all times". What about having it attached to a clip similar to those used by some for dummies. The ring does not necessarily have to be large, it could almost be the size of a teething ring. That way it is with him for early intervention when needed.

Not sure where you are but your Area Senco team should be able to suggest resources.

You could also search in oral sensory toys for children with additional needs, there are many resources out there.

Hope this helps.:)

Edited by Fredbear
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oh lashes please can i come and work in your world! I have two children with DS starting in september...i will be very unlikely to get any additional support either financially or otherwise!

BTW what is a 332 ?

Fm a 332 is a health referral to education , basically if a child has a disability or health issues from birth or early on , a 332 referral will be made by health professional , could be a slt, Hv or other to education to make them aware of child's needs .

 

My background was working with adults and children with severe learning disabilities and I maybe just push and aim for as much assistance as possible whilst maintaining good relationships with parents and professionals and accepting and searching for every possible route of support whether financial or otherwise. My area senco is fab and I won't take no for an answer

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Fm a 332 is a health referral to education , basically if a child has a disability or health issues from birth or early on , a 332 referral will be made by health professional , could be a slt, Hv or other to education to make them aware of child's needs .

 

My background was working with adults and children with severe learning disabilities and I maybe just push and aim for as much assistance as possible whilst maintaining good relationships with parents and professionals and accepting and searching for every possible route of support whether financial or otherwise. My area senco is fab and I won't take no for an answer

Is a 332 a nationally identified system? i support many children with identified (and not!) needs but have never heard of this ...i have googled it and can't find any reference to it?

I am not shy of pushing either but am finding only brick walls at the moment!

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These are lovely ...but the website does say not for the under 3's ...and i suspect they probably wouldn't be suitable for this little one would they upsy?

The first post does say he has turned 3 and they are designed for use by children with additional needs.The bangles and tubes are pretty chunky.

I think it's the cords that are the issue for younger children. Maybe it's something to look at in cooperation with his parents.

 

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332 is called by another name too , but can't remember as always use 332 as it refers to section 332 of Ed act 1996

I think this maybe a marf (?) in our area....have never seen one but know they exist! xD bit like an alien!! :P

sorry Rachel have taken your post off track a bit!

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