Family Autism ADHD Support
Buggies/ Wheelchair
Autism can result in children not understanding instructions, sensory difficulties that result in 'sensory overload' and sometimes, an increased need for movement such as running. This can result in children refusing to move, or running away.
Pushchairs / Wheelchairs
Mj has a Special Tomato buggy. Mj is able to walk short distances with support. He uses his buggy as his safe space. It is brilliant. Features I love are that
-
It reclines
-
You can purchase the rain covers and medical bag
-
It can be controlled with one hand
-
Sunshade
-
Folds easily
-
Can be used on all terrains
-
Goes up to 41KG
We bought ours from Moorings Mediquip
​
If your child displays unsafe behaviour, struggles walking distances or finds walking distressing at times it may be worth talking to your OT. If you don't have an OT please talk to your GP or Paediatrician about a referral. As a parent you can also request a referral yourself. You may be entitled to a pushchair or wheelchair through the OT.
Other pushchairs popular with children with SEN include:
​
Wheelchairs and Buggies - Children in need of a wheelchair or specialist buggy are referred by their therapist to the NHS Mobility Service. The child's clinical needs are assessed and an NHS chair recommended. This will usually be a basic chair and may not meet environmental needs, (ie: parents' own physical limitations may make the chair too heavy to push or the chair may not be collapsible to transport in a car, meaning that visits to family are made difficult, if not impossible).
If parents, with the help of their child's therapist, identify a specific type a chair/buggy frame to meet environmental needs, the NHS will provide a voucher (equivalent to the cost of an NHS chair) that can be used towards the cost of the chair of choice. The shortfall will need to be met by the parents. Help the Child can assist parents with a 'top up' towards the chair of their choice.
