BiographyAmberley was premature by about three weeks because of complications and had to be induced. She was born with a heart murmur and, as heart problems run in our family, she had to undergo many tests but the doctor thought that Amberley should have no action taken then, but to have more checks as she gets older.
She has been delayed in walking and has to wear Piedro boots, yet she still has a tendency to race and trip over things, trying to climb over things instead of walking around them. Balance is a problem as she can go upstairs but not come back down safely.
Amberley is a lovely three and a half year old little girl who is non-verbal, with delays in her communication, her interaction skills and her attention in play skills. Activities have been recommended by the occupational therapist to support her sensory processing disorder. She uses picture exchange system cards to help her communication from her speech therapist.
She is completely reliant on adults for all dressing and toiletry needs and has little understanding for keeping herself safe with respect to common environmental hazards. She has a very short attention span and likes to follow her own agenda. This includes chewing non-edible items, which she does sometimes to help her concentrate.
Mealtimes are difficult as Amberley cannot use cutlery and mainly eats crispy finger food while constantly being made to sit to eat. Even though she may eat well one day we find that she will refuse it next time. She continues to get very upset whilst having a bath despite efforts to overcome this, yet she enjoys playing with water as long as she is not in it.
Amberley has to have one to one at all times whilst in nursery. She has suspected autism which is currently under diagnosis and her educational psychologist is starting to organise for Amberley to go to a special school in 2020.
Throughout all this Amberley laughs and giggles lots, liking to be tickled and told nursery rhymes. She jumps up and down clapping her hands when she is happy or excited. She doesn't sit still long, even to watch television.
She has always enjoyed looking through books herself but she cannot role play or copy. She does enjoy emptying a box full of toys to investigate, playing with anything noisy or with flashing lights.
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