Need help with special needs 3 year old

[Unregistered]

My son is 3 and has a chromosomal defect which causes behavioral problems/speech delay/mentally a 18month old.We have been battling for 6 months now him unbuckling himself from his carseat while im driving.I've explained to him how unsafe it is and so has a few police officers.I've tried time out/spanking/yelling/velco on the chest clip nothing has worked.Its scarey going 75 on the interstate with a lot of traffic and your child get out his seat and walk up to you.He rides in a Sunshine kids XTSL if that helps any.I just dont know what to do to keep him in his seat.

 

[flipper68]

You tried the Velcro trick. . .

Next "common" suggestion is to use a button front shirt over him AND the harness (put the shirt on him, buckle the harness and then button the shirt over top). After that, I might try a lightweight jacket with a zipper. Put a safety pin across the zipper so he can't pull it down.

Do you have other passengers that can help monitor him and/or interact with him?

It also might be helpful to give him toys or fidgets reserved for the car. Maybe if his hands are busy with something else. . .
http://www.suite101.com/content/fidgets-for-adhd-kids-a119715

http://www.squidoo.com/fidget-toys

Will he watch a video? This would be one time I would "promote" using a DVD player.

HTH

 

[nmb]

Is he RF or FF?

If he's mentally a 1 yr old, most 'typical' recommendations for punishment/discipline are not going to work. He's just not ready for that sort of cause/effect to take hold yet. He'll relate the spanking to Mom hurting him (obviously less than he'd be hurt unrestrained in a wreck) and being scary, but he won't realize that it is a response to his 'misbehavior'.
Add in a speech delay, and he almost certainly doesn't understand the safety explanations either.

I agree w/ the PP's suggestions to try distracting him, with toys or a movie, to keep him content in the seat, as a first step. And then a light jacket or shirt buttoned over the harness.

Does he have any siblings, or is he by himself back there?


Could also try a vest: http://www.ezonpro.com/products/familyVehicle/adjustableVest/103z.shtml

Rated for 2 yrs, 20 lbs and up.

Maybe a SN-certified tech can comment on whether that is safe for such a young kid?

 

[ketchupqueen]

I would rather see a 3 year old properly secured in a vest than improperly in a seat, if properly in a seat is not possible.