You'll enjoy the Rifton, make sure you get the right adaptations to it.
Most of the folks with kids with CP who use them are very happy.  Love the
tease part, it's a tough job but, someone in the family has got to do
it.<grin>
As far as Respite goes, the ability to find it depends  a lot on where you
are and what is already avaiable in the area. If you've already tried any of
these I apologize.  You can try be calling the local developmental services
office, Easter Seal's, ARC, etc.  Also, try finding a local support group,
they often have good leads.  Sometimes you get lucky if you have a local
special education or allied health services education program in the area.

Have you had Lauren checked for possible seizure activity?  It's one of
those things to get ruled out in kids with cp and PDD, can sometimes cause
some of the symptoms she has.  Some antiseizure meds can also help with the
moodiness and attentional problems.  Something to talk to a good neurologist
or neuropsych person with.

Beth t the ot

-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jason Kruse
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 12:15 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Need some advice


Thanks everyone for the tips on tricycles a ways back. We are going to look
at getting a rifton tricycle for Lauren.  It seem like it will be the best
for her,,we'll see.

As the years have gone on with her she has slowly mastered most ADL's,,,,she
is slower at them and occasionally makes some mistakes ie. 2feet one hole:-)
but she is wanting to do things more by herself. Im glad to see this type of
independance shine through.

She still is quirkey,,,,she talks in jibberish sometimes, is lound
sometimes, is giddy sometimes, invades personal spaces sometimes, doesnt
recipricate or initiate normal communications with other kids. She is less
fussy than she was a year ago,,,thank god,,,. She has tempered that down.
She does seem to have a period of real emotional lability for a couple days
every 3-4 weeks.

We long for babysitters or services that would allow my wife and I to
regularly go out. We haven't in about 2 months and its getting us down.  Im
not sure how many parents are on this list but I would appreciate some
advice on how to find and organize this. It takes ALL of our patience and
tolerance to deal with her most days,,,,I just am very skeptical or
reluctant to just pick any ole babysitter

Looking for some help,

Jason dad
Lauren-6 in June, going to 1st grade, mild left hemi, hypotonia, PDD,
ADHD(unresponsive to traditionals), receptive language weakness. Teaser to
sister!