UK Disability Resource of Disabled Needs

Snowdrop provides programmes of neuro-cognitive therapy for children who have suffered brain injury. Those problems may express themselves as more global difficulties such as cerebral palsy or autism, or more specific difficulties such as dyslexia or specific language impairment. Treatment is carried out by the family in the child's own home. we place a strong emphasis on learning through play. We believe that the best environment for development to have a chance of taking place is one where both child and family are happily motivated and jointly focused on the same objectives.

the link is http://www.snowdrop.cc

Thanks for the link. There is a lot of info on there.

Can you give some more info such as how a parent would go about using the services and how those services would be funded? I can't seem to find anything about this on the website.

Many thanks

The guy who has set up Snowdrop is himself the parent of a profoundly brain injured child and whilst it is still in its infancy, the amount of interest his work is generating is growing.

We took our son to Devon for his initial assessment in early August. We saw the founder of Snowdrop who took a full developmental history, asked us lots and lots of questions,(it was nice to be actually listened to for a change!), gave Gary a full developmental assessment and devised a series of activities, which we carry out at home on a daily basis. We go back to see him every four months and we are due to see him again in a couple of weeks.

The improvement we have seen in the short time we have been doing this, although it may seem small beer to some people, is tremendous. Gary was cortically blind, - his eyes work perfectly, but his brain does not decode the visual signals from his eyes. Since we have been on the Snowdrop programme, he now visually tacks us accross the room. I can't wait to go back and see what Andrew, (the founder) thinks of his progress.

Snowdrop charges £250 ($550) for a two day evaluation and prescription of a programme.

Hope this answers your questions

Regards.

Simon

Thanks Simon, yes it does answer my questions.

It sounds like Gary has made wonderful progress.

The price is not extortionate either as I always despair because a parent will do all they can for their child and some of the programmes on offer charge a great deal.

I assume the £250 is a one off or is there ongoing fees?

I don't see that as a problem when parents can see such progress as you are seeing with your son.

I am mainly asking as other parents may want to look into this programme and it's always nice to know some of the costs involved before they get too excited about it.

I am so glad Gary is doing so well.

Please keep us updated on his progress.

Simon - that sounds fantastic - every little (or big) thing that happens through someone using their skills for another is - well makes me emotional for you. I hope that the founder is over the moon when he sees Gary again. He should be.

Pixie.

The initial £250 is for an initial assessment and suggested programme of activities.

We should go back there every four months to update Gary's programme. (He is asleep now, so I can spend a few minutes at the keyboard).

The subsequent charge is £200 for every reassessment and new programme.

I know what you mean about other organisations, we have taken Gary to two clinics in the UK and IAHP in the US. The latter costs a fortune and had no effect, whilst the clinics in the UK seemed to not be able to cope with his profound difficulties.

The guy in charge of Snowdrop instantly understood. It is the first place where I did not feel that we as paents were judged ! I suppose being a parent yourself gives a certain insight. Gary's level of awareness has certainly improved, as has his hearing and his epilepsy. I just can't wait to see what Andrew, the founder of Snowdrop, thinks of his progress and where we go from here. Life is suddenely positive!

I certainly will keep you posted.

From a Dad whose little boy can now see him!!!!!

Simon

Simon I am so pleased for you and your family but mostly for Gary.

I am made up that you have found someone who will treat you with respect in what you want for your son and that the treatment is making a big difference to Gary.

How old is Gary? Getting treatment at a young age can make the world of difference to the future outlook and quality of life.

I can't wait to find out the result of your next meeting with Andrew.
xx

Hi Pixie.

Thanks for the warm thoughts.

Gary is ten. We have tried to turn every stone in order to help him. We took him to a couple of clinics in the UK and to IAHP in the States, but they had little effect upon him, - in fact their programmes actually drove him further into himself.

This programme is based upon the premise that all children are capable of learning and that if the information is presented at the correct level for the child and the correct intensity (usually through a 'play' situation), then learning becomes possible. Combined with their approach of creating the correct sensory environment to combat Gary's hypersensitivity, it all seems to be having an effect.

Thanks for you support. I will indeed keep you updated.

simon

how exciting to hear of the progress your son is making, i am so pleased for you and look forward to hearing how he is getting on. i am sure there will be other parents who will be most interested to hear about this. like all parents we hear of many treatments and as you have said some that charge extortionate fees for very little progress. its wonderful that you have found something that is affordable and is working for your son. may his progress continue i wish you all well.

thankyou for sharing your story.

barb

Many thanks barbsy.

I know what you mean about costs. We took Gary to clinics both here in the UK and in the States and it cost us a fortune, with very little progress to see at the end of it.

I am also now very wary of the qualifications of people who treat my child. At one clinic we attended, the qualifications of the guy who was treating our son consisted of a degree in economics!

What I like about Snowdrop is that Andrew is up front and approachable about everything. He is very highly qualified and has twenty years experience in working with children. He also doesn't expect miracles from parents, understanding the constraints and the pressures they face. We are both really happy with the programme which consists of two and a half hours a day. We have sensory stimulation exercises and we are working on the initial skills which are necessary for language development. Gary enjoys it immensly because it is done through play.

Thanks for your good wishes.

Regards

Simon