Jodie explains how our Library has helped her to discover what her son Ezra enjoys and what toys help him.
“Our son Ezra is three years old. Ezra loves Julia Donaldson’s stories and he also enjoys puzzles and bubbles. He doesn’t like busy environments or noise. Ezra has Autism and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). He’s nonverbal, which can cause him a lot of frustration if he can’t communicate what he wants to. He also struggles with eating and sleeping, which causes the whole family a lot of difficulties.
Ezra has a younger sister, and their relationship can be difficult as she just wants to play with him, whilst he likes his space and independence. Due to his inability to communicate this to her, it often results in him pushing, hitting or kicking and getting in trouble for hurting his sister.
I was spending a lot of money trying to find the right sensory toys and equipment to help my son to regulate. Some worked but others didn’t. When I heard about Cerebra’s Library Service, I saw it as an opportunity to trial things before I bought them myself, to save money and learn what he does and doesn’t like. I borrow both books and toys from the library, which both my kids enjoy.
Learning what my son finds useful, and not, has enabled me to spend my money on things I know he will enjoy and will help him wind down or focus on certain activities / regulate himself. I’ve also read some books about feeding difficulties that have helped me to understand my son and what I can do to help him.
I’ve been very grateful for this service and recommend it to all my friends with children with special needs”.
Our toy library has a variety of sensory toys for all sorts of different needs. Whether your child is sensory seeking or sensory sensitive we have a kit that’s suitable. If they’re learning about cause and effect or have limited mobility, one of our switch toys could be just the thing for them. We also have soft play toys and communication aids. Your child could discover a new favourite sound, sight, smell or way to play with one of our toys.
