(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best special education school supplies

I have two fidget toys (not spinners like this) and have found them very useful. When I'm thinking, I instinctively reach for something I can play around with. I've broken paperclips, pens, cables, and other things within reach. By getting something like this, my office supplies are safe again.

Spending more than about $20 on such a thing would be totally insane, though.

I took Gabapentin - it helped a bit, but it was most certainly NOT a solution. Frankly - now that I am off of it for pregnancy, I kinda feel like it was dulling the nerve problems during the day - but by the end of the day they were excruciating because I was "doing too much". However, now that I am off - I am more cautious about my movement and control of the arm, so I am less apt to overdo it - therefore, while I have minor to medium nerve pain more frequently - I seem to get less spikes in unreal pain without the medication. It's kind of a wash - pain more often at a lower number on my scale.

Yes, I think the brace would have helped the inflammation and to keep the flaring up from being significant. Couple that with working toward strengthening your body (in an EDS safe way) - it may help you get through it.

I also use these pen grippers to help reduce my grip (which is shit anyhow) and got a handshake (Evoluent) mouse. I tend to swap between the Evoluent mouse and a regular mouse throughout the day as my arm and hand fatigue/feel worse.

I looooove the Evoluent, tho - been a big help for me as I spend a lot of my time at my computer and it helps to change the way my arm is straining.

I also occasionally use compression gloves.
Honestly - I don't know that they are doing anything, but it does help "dull" some of that nerve pain noise that I get in my hand. So overall I consider it a win.

What about a weighted stuffed animal dog like this? https://www.amazon.com/Abilitations-Small-Weighted-Bulldog-Pounds/dp/B01MCS79K8/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2JAZWDJWRZUDH&keywords=abilitations+weighted+animal&qid=1567976594&s=gateway&sprefix=abilitations+weighted%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-5

I don't see why not. The only version of these I've seen state-side are air mattress-like for special education applications for kids so I suspect those are smaller. Source

On a related note about being surprised, I have found visual schedules can make a difference. Each task in the day has a picture in order and the kid can check mark or put a clothes pin on the activity she is currently doing. https://www.amazon.com/SEN-Support-Visual-Schedule-Home/dp/B01N327AAY#immersive-view_1554852627722

I Personally don't like spinners. They don't appeal to my tactile habit. Instead I found on Amazon alternate 'fidgets' or sensory toys that are more for my habit of pinching and pulling. See link below.

gel fidget for pinching & flicking

Another thing... If you know twisting and snapping hair is your habit, have you ever thought about making your own 'hair' toys? I've made fake hair pieces before and it's pretty cheap to buy a lot of hair. You could make your own set up to twist and break instead of your own hair.

bam

This https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W8Y98EU

or even colorful this, would have helped quell that concern

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0776WT68Q

Fidget toy.

https://www.amazon.com/Kick-Bands-Bouncy-Chair-Kids/dp/B06Y63BLBR

Just listing a product page

these should work

Fidget Bands for Classroom Chairs School Desks, Chair Bands for Kids with Fidgety Feet Students with Autism, ADHD, ADD Sensory Needs (6 Pack)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H7ZNBXZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bsQyDbZASJP3K

You are an extremely kind co worker. Seriously. We don't realize how fucking annoying we are unless people point it out.



When you do talk to him, male sure it is just the two of you (good coworker advice in general). Explain that his pen tapping/clicking finger tapping/foot tapping distracts you. Ask if he can look into an alternate, such as a stress ball. An alternative is also a "silent fidget toy".




For his foot tapping, he can use an exercise band across the back legs of his desk. I will try and find a link.


You can find examples these on amazon or similar with the key words I wrote above.
https://www.amazon.com/Kick-Bands-Bouncy-Desk-Fidget/dp/B073VBC1JW


We all wait way too long to tell each other when we are bugged by things. Thank you for being willing to do something about it.

Fidgetland Rizzle - As Seen on Shark Tank - Adult Stress & Anxiety toy for ADD/ADHD, Bike Chain Fidget (Solid Rings) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXXG7VK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_p0-9AbZ52GC8B