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Ledger House a haven for traumatized youngsters
David Beagley has a catchy name for the new "sensory self-regulation room" being built at Ledger House. "We're calling it the Crash, Bump and Cave Room," said the occupational therapist with a laugh. "Saying I'm going to the sensory self-regulation room sucks. This is much more user-friendly."
The room will be built at the Gordon Head mental health hospital for children, thanks to a major fundraising effort by organizers of the European Car Picnic on Sunday (details below.) The room with big windows and lots of foam padding gives kids a safe place to burn off their stress.
A lot of the kids we see are stressed out because of chronic exposure to trauma and abuse," Beagley said. "When we adults go into fight, flight or freeze mode we come out of it. Not these kids. Some arrive here with resting heartbeats over 100." He says children have the same physiological and emotional responses as adults, but their coping skills are dependent on what's around them, not what they have developed inside. "When traumatized, stressed or triggered, they go back to the first major trauma and the coping skills they had then. A 15-year-old can behave like a toddler."
When that happens children can't problem-solve. They need hugs and safe touch. "We use movement, rhythmic rocking, and I can proudly say I have a voice that puts people to sleep," Beagley joked. Soft touch or gentle rubbing can distress abused kids. Firm pressure calms. "It's the reason we swaddle a baby or tuck a child firmly into bed. When you hug these kids you hold tight for 10 seconds and don't move your hands."
The Cave Room will have matting they can crawl under, to feel tight and encased, and foam cut-ups to make nests. The room will also have large windows, and most of the floor will be covered in foam matting to challenge balance, make walking harder and increase body awareness. Funds will also pay for a climbing wall to help kids improve motor skill and develop co-operation, as well as build confidence, problem-solving skills, concentration and self-esteem. "And besides, it's novel and fun."
Many kids come to Ledger to deal with anxiety, abuse, neglect, phobias, learning disabilities, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse and complex traumas. Fonda Willis, co-ordinator of in-patient programs, noted the hospital treats children from all over the Island, the Gulf Islands and Powell River. There are 12 special care beds for children aged six to 11, and youth 12 to 17 and a small intensive care unit for kids in acute psychotic states.
"Kids stay four to six weeks and we never release them to shelters. We make sure they have a place to live."
Thirty to 40 per cent are in government care, and treatment is funded by Vancouver Island Health Authority.
Editorial
21 August 2008