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Trampoline Update

Cover1W's picture

YSD15 has been using it almost every day.  Sometimes in a break in her school day and usually always after her online classes get out.  Unfortunately DH has mixed feelings because they aren't going for watks or a bike ride as often (you know, because he cannot insist on anything)...but that's not my problem.

I had a brain wave last night while watching YSD for a little while yesterday. She does the same series of movements over and over.  Jump up and down for a bit, then bounce-sit, jump a bit, handstand (which thank god she's not doing over and over in the house any longer) then repeat after a series of flops on her back.  I think she's stimming!

We all know I have my suspicions of at least a mild case of autism, I found this info and it totally fits her:

Because autistic kids have limited communication, they often aren’t able to express their stress or anxiety. Jumping on a trampoline helps autistic kids control their anxiety and stop that build-up of stress. This is especially good for those that have more destructive forms of self-stimulation.

Trampolines are what special needs kids are encouraged to use as a means to wind down after a day at school or kindergarten, or after a day of socializing, which can be very overwhelming for them.

The sensations generated throughout the body when they are jumping, is often what autistic kids crave! This is due to the imbalances they experience in their sensory systems. This is also why they can rock, sway, fidget or tap. These repetitive actions are also known as stims and they are what soothes and calms an anxious autistic child.

Comments

Cover1W's picture

Yes - she actually likes doing physical things so her sitting around isn't an issue like it was with OSD.

Jcksjj's picture

Yep, jumping on a trampoline can help kids with sensory issues. Which is common in autism but can occur outside of it too.

ESMOD's picture

lots of people find comfort in routine.. or certain activities.. 

I guess normal is a spectrum

Jcksjj's picture

*

Jcksjj's picture

Huh? 

Yeah thats true but what does that have to do with it being a common thing for kids with autism or sensory needs?

ESMOD's picture

See Bananaseedo's comment below. Sometimes we are quick to want to categorize people.. and just because a child with autism may benefit from using a trampoline.. doesn't mean that all children who use one are autistic.. or that a child without that issue could benefit from the exercise and coordination that the trampoline can help children develop.

If there is a real concern that this child needs to be evaluated.. a professional should see the child.  But I wouldn't necessarily go to the mat over a diagnosis conclusion reached by someone who may have a bias regarding the individual.

And.. as a step-parent.. I think we often can be biased towards the kids because they personify a lot of the struggles we experience as someone married to a person with children from a prior relationship.. the financial stress.. the stress of the EX... the stress of an unrelated to us child.. 

Jcksjj's picture

Agreed. But my comment wasn't about that. Just stating the fact that yes it helps with sensory issues which are common in autism 

FarmerStepMama's picture

You may also want to look into sensory processing disorder

Cover1W's picture

yeah I looked that up and it just doesn't seem to fit. 

Some do but the autism onset/recognition in girls is absolutely fits.

* notice I'm not a doctor

Smile

bananaseedo's picture

We are as humans quick to try and diagnose.  Her doing this doesn't mean she's autistic as a lot of people do routine things and aren't on any spectrum though. 

Cover1W's picture

Yeah, I know. But I've lived with her 50% of the time since she was 7.

I see the issues and read about them and forwarded info to DH and suggested a counselor.  DH sees the issues, ignores the information, doesn't talk with the BM and does nothing. So there we are. 

My firends who know her too suspect this as well as she's 'different' than the other teens her age.  I don't treat her any differently tho. Same standards, just you know, concerned and removed since I can do nothing about it.