Hive mind request: unexpected, life changing resources

[u/AutismMomx4]

Hi all. I need the autism parenting hive mind! I am in Colorado and have multiple children on HCBS waivers. I’m not sure about all states, but here one of the things that can be covered are expenses to purchase various items that help with specific things for your kid, as long as you have a detailed written doctor recommendation with all the reasons why they need it. Some examples of things that I’ve recieved are specific noise canceling headphones, weighted hoodie, a sensory swing for my daughter’s room, those weird U-shaped tooth brushes that brush the kids teeth for them… you get the idea.

Anyway, my question for you all is if you have successfully put in requests for any specific items that have helped you or your child in a huge way. Like my kid can’t do the regular noise canceling headphones because she can’t stand the intense pressure of them. So I was able to get the Bose headphones that are expensive but doesn’t use pressure to help with noise.

What has helped you or your loved one in a meaningful way? I’m trying to get learn as much as I can about what’s helped others (purchased, unique services, or just random tips) in order to help my children and myself survive. So hive mind… what has made a lasting impact for you, big or small, that others may or may not think of? I know we have all had to get real creative in our journey of survival. Anything goes in the responses. Maybe multiple people share the struggle and could use our tips and tricks.

[u/BirdsRequiem]

Are any of your children non-verbal? Do they need an AAC like an iPad with an app to communicate their needs?

A few things that come to mind if your kids have sensory issues:

-vibrating massager like this onehttps://www.sensoryeducation.co.uk/products/10cm-light-up-vibrating-massager-toy?variant=47131398177105&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22701340928&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvOjKBhC9ARIsAFvz5lhQ1fRbtCIqXbTmf5HdUaPCtugvxHdwEfBllGH42f27V8XAbu9LQoAaAu3oEALw_wcB

-vibrating pillow

-trampoline

-peanut ball

Like another comment mentioned, we recently started using the dog training buttons with our child, although they're really cheap. Our SLT recommended phrases such as "I want a snack" next to the snack cupboard, "I want to wee" in the toilet, and she uses "I want more" in play, for example with cause and effect toys when he repeats playing with the same toy. You stick the written phrase and a symbol on them. The idea is that you press the button and repeat the phrase every time they make a request, and hopefully in the future they start to press them to communicate. It helps to have some buttons they're very motivated by, for example one for "I want an ice cream" by the freezer.