Protective footwear

[Lonnie]

Hi everyone,
I wasn't too sure where to ask this question, so this sites as good as any.

My daughter, (Autistic and twentythree), does not, and will not wear any kind of footwear indoors,In her mind, putting footwear on her feet, denotes going out, and try as we might, we can't get her to keep anything on her feet.

The problem is, if she gets agitated over something, she bangs her foot, repeatedly, toes first, on the floor, and lately, its getting harder, so we need something over her feet as protection.

The sort of thing i'm looking for, is perhaps a slipper or thick sock that does up over the ankles, she would get used to it after a time.

If anyone can come up with any ideas, that would be most welcome.

Thanks very much.

[josie48]

Hi Lonnie, How about those "slipper boots"? They're usually for the elderly or infirm and they fasten with velcro.

[josie48]

http://www.veganline.com/comfylux.htm

[daffy654]

Hi Lonnie,have you tried speaking to the practice nurse at your GP surgery,they may be able to get something that would work. Other than that,what about those Totes Toasties socks? They are quite thick and have little non slip pads on the sole so you don't slide about in them.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=to tes+toasties&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&ref=pd_ sl_2yudc0o3hq_e

She would just think she had socks on with these,I know they might not offer much protection but it may discourage her from doing it if she has fabric on her toes.

[cruella]

Hi Lonnie
What about Totes slipper socks. You can get them at most department stores.
She may wear them as they are light on the feet.
Give her a hug from me anyway.
Hope you and your Wife are well. xx

[cruella]

Apologies daffy, as I posted the same answer.
I did not see your thread.

[cazzz1975]

could be worth buying some special needs slippers and treating them not as shoes, have her going out shoes in one place and her indoors shoes in another, so she doesnt get confused.

http://www.widefittingshoesdirect.co.uk/index. php?product_id=713845&option=Prod_detail&image _id=364417

there are also socks with toe protectors that may be worth a try

http://www.winwood-outdoor.co.uk/acatalog/X-So cks_Technical_Walking_socks.html

[beanebabe]

Sounds a bit silly, but what about Croc wellies. They are very soft and light weight and wouldn't do any damage in the house if they were knocked against things. They come in a range of bright colours so your daughter might like them. They are quite pricy (�25 ish) but she could have an indoor pair and an outdoor pair.

[Info Bank]

I work with special needs people and have come across this many times an I am aware there is no easy responce to this.

If your Daughter as many 20+ yrs tend to spend time in there own Room/ Enironment. Then maybe floor covering is the only answer to this.

Autistic Folks see the world (as you Know in more of a black and White Situ)..

Leaving Shoes at the door = No shoes indoors .

Should you have outdoor shoes outside the house and as you enter Slippers as you enter.

Becomes very strange/Difficult when you have visitors to your home.

[Ice.Maiden]

I'd go with cazzz on this one. First of all, has she got any specially-made shoes to wear outdoors? My son's recently had some more made, and he was very excited because we've had leather tags added, to make them look "cool". It's possible that your daughter's feet hurt her, as many autistic people get pains in their limbs, which can also be in their feet. I'd make sure that the floor's well covered with a nice thick carpet, and then try Totes, or some of the specially-made slippers that you can buy. Best of luck x.

[Lonnie]

I'd like to thank you all for your replies and ideas/links, our main problem is that she should not be able to pull them off, at all,
At least, until she gets used to wearing something indoors, then, i'll make full use of the various items that you have come up with. (i've put this post in 'my favourites, so I can come back to it)
One or two of them, it looks like we may be able to adapt.

Info Bank,
The problems with floor coverings we've had, at present, in her room, she has laminated, because whenever we put carpet or rugs, she uses it as a toilet, (ones and twos), Laminate was the only thing that stopped her,
As for the shoes by the door, we've tried that, unfortunately, she'd always pick them up and take them to the cupboard where they normally go, and got quite agitated, although sometimes, in order to get her to learn, it has to be.

Ice.Maiden,
That wouldn't work with our daughter, she's only got (approx) mentally in months, what she has in years, with a couple of other little things thrown in, as well as being (non violent) at the exteme end of the spectrum, but thanks anyway.

Cruella,
Bless you, with all your own problems, you always send her hugs, she's got it.

[Info Bank]

I wish you and your family all the very best and hope. Everything gets better soon.

Hugs for the full family on this one.

InfoBank

[Lonnie]

Thanks Info Bank,
Thats really nice of you,
Thankyou.