Chew proof headphones

[SnowontheBeach]

Hello - Our child (6, adhd, sensory integration disorder) needs corded headphones for school. They chew through the cord. Last year we didn't know until the end of the year and we're pretty sure the headphones didn't work 100% of the time and our child said nothing. 😞 This year their teacher sent their new pair of headphones home after 2 months for replacement. I have searched for solutions online and see a cord cover - we will try it. Our child also has chew necklaces, but they get little use.

Has anyone else had this issue and found a good solution? Thank you.

[Onthemove1971]

Sorry you guys are dealing with this.. if it's not the jacket sleeve, sock, shoes, etc getting shredded. Here are 2 thoughts:

Use a cord cover ( there are all different types of material- fabric, plastic,etc) here is an example of the fabric, but search plastic if you don't like fabric:

amazon.com/Cordinate-Fixtur...

2. Get him to fidget with something else to avoid the chewing: remind him use the fidget, then it "may" help him focus on the task at hand.

I find our son needs to have 2 things going on to function: music during home work, rubics cube during TV time, videos/airpod during chores, etc..

In the past I thought he only needs one thing to focus on, that is not the case, when I stopped saying NO, he became more successful and happy.

Hope this helps

[SnowontheBeach in reply to Onthemove1971]

Thank you! "2 things going on to focus" totally makes sense. I think our child will like that explanation too. I just ordered a plastic spiral cord cover for a new set of headphones. I also bought some new chew necklaces and bracelets that are a different style than anything we have. Our child told us their teacher won't let them use a chew necklace in class (it may or may not be a true story). Teachers have previously taken fidget "toys" due to disruption/distraction. We don't have an IEP or 504 and have been waiting to see how things go this new school year. Now we're ready to pursue that path due to some academic issues (not doing work they are more than capable of doing on time and then losing recess and other privileges). If it's true that they're not being allowed to use their chew necklace I'm assuming this accommodation could be required once we have a plan in place. The chewing (sleeves, hair, paper, headphone cords) bothers their teachers because it's gross and unhygienic. I don't think they understand the compulsion or that my husband and I can't make it stop.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to SnowontheBeach]

I really encourage you to get a 504 plan. You should write in the plan, no penalty of lack of recess. But it would be nice to have the plan so each year you are not "reinventing" his needs. Yes, you can write in fidet tools. You could also ask for a discussion with the OT to see what they recommended Ile he is seated..I have seen a lot of tool used for foot movement when may help.

I describe my son as " a Ferrari on roller skates". He always wants to go over 100miles per hour, especially his mind.

It sounds like most of his teachers are NOT special education teachers, so they would have little to no understanding about ADHD and why kids do certain things.

Hope these tips help.

[SnowontheBeach in reply to Onthemove1971]

Reinventing every year has definitely been a concern, especially since the only resource at the school who recognized the situation for what it is (and didn't think it was a bad parenting issue) has left. The two homeroom teachers we've had both have 10+ years of teaching experience, but our child either doesn't present adhd traits they are familiar with or they don't recognize them in a girl so it's been confusing for us as we've tried to figure out what's going on. In-class observation by a social worker helped fill in some of the puzzle pieces. We're waiting for OT and further assessment. My husband and I will be researching IEP/504 options to better understand qualifications. We also have request letters from our pediatrician for both for the school. Your examples of what to include in a 504 and other tips are very helpful - thank you!

[Onthemove1971 in reply to SnowontheBeach]

Hope you decide to go forward with the 504 plan. It helps a lot to bring a letter from your child's doctor with the diagnosis. This plan will be the road map year after year. Especially for things like state testing. Having someone familiar with your child to educate the next teacher will be a game changer.

We are here to guide you along this process.

[SnowontheBeach in reply to Onthemove1971]

Thank you!

[Mamamichl]

Sorry you have this issue. I see a lot of my students chew on the chewie cords, and don’t mind. However, after searching Amazon for cord protectors, this came up… it’s technically for pets who chew, but if it’s safe for them, it should be safe for humans, right 🤷🏻‍♀️? Just 5inking outside the box, since that’s what my adhd does 😊

PETCORDS Heavy Duty, Extra Strength Dog and Cat Cord Protector- Protects Your Pets from Chewing Through Insulated Cables up to 10 ft, for Tough chewers - Unscented, Odorless a.co/d/8E2UvdZ

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Mamamichl]

This is perfect! Thanks team.

[SnowontheBeach in reply to Mamamichl]

Thank you - we'll try it!

[MaudQ]

I’m glad to see you are pursuing the 504/IEP. Your kid has a right to the appropriate materials which may include fidgets, but I’m also concerned that last year’s teacher didn’t check to see if your child was actually receiving the information via the headphones. When you get your 504/IEP you can request that the teacher check for understanding, and also that the information be delivered in more than one modality. So written in addition to verbal and vice versa. You might also be able to get them to upgrade the tech a bit so your kid can use wireless headphones.

[Mamamichl in reply to MaudQ]

What a great idea to do wireless headphones for your kid!

[SnowontheBeach]

My child's teacher last year told us they allowed (even though they're not supposed to) our child to retake computer testing because the score was so low they knew something was wrong and when asked our child said they couldn't hear. We didn't know it was because their headphones weren't working (that's what we've deduced) or how often that happened. 😞

Now that our child is 6.5 we can coach them a bit more to make sure they have what they need or ask for help, but they may not even know themselves. Putting a request in the 504/IEP for the teacher to check for understanding and adapt delivery modality is a great suggestion - thank you!

[Onthemove1971]

Please let us know if your new solutions work. Best of luck