A space to settle

Raising an energetic, curious eight-year-old with complex needs is no small feat. For Jillian and her son Hayden, a little extra support from Satan’s Little Helper has brought big changes — from calmer nights to safer days, and a growing sense of independence and joy. 

Hayden is eight years old, full of energy, curiosity and questions that he can’t always put into words. He has a moderate intellectual disability and ADHD and, while he loves being at school, having fun outdoors, and getting involved in just about everything, life comes with more than its fair share of challenges – for both him and his mum. 

“Hayden has some special needs,” says Jillian. “He has sleeping difficulties and is often awake until the early hours of the morning. It’s difficult for him to express his emotions, which can lead to frustrated outbursts, and he has had problems with compulsively pulling out his lashes and eyebrows.” 

Hayden also loves to run, which means he needs eyes on him 24/7. He has been known to disappear down driveways and is “obsessed” with water. Jillian will often come down in the morning to find him playing with the taps turned on and inadvertently soaking the floors, kitchen bench and window sills. 

What a little help can do 

Support from Satan’s Little Helper came in the form of a sensory-focused ‘plip kit’ – tools that give Hayden something to focus his energy on in safer, more productive ways. A plip kit uses silicone arches, sticks, and 'Xs' that connect via ball-and-socket ends, allowing for endless creative structures and games.  

“It has been a great distraction for him,” says Jillian. “He doesn’t play with the water as much or get the house as messy. I’ve noticed that he’s not running off as much either.” 

Sleep support 

Hayden’s also sleeping better – something that once felt like an impossible dream. Bedtime is still 8pm but, with a new weighted blanket that was also supplied by Satan’s Little Helper, the nights are calmer. 

“He loves the weighted blanket. It’s on his bed full time and, when I put him to bed at night, he’s telling me how much safer he feels,” Jillian says. “He still gets out of bed a bit but he settles quicker and stays there longer. I think he’s getting better sleep as a result.” 

When the stars align 

Hayden’s developmental age is around three or four and, while he loves watching Peppa Pig and YouTube science experiments with exploding fizzy drinks, he also loves to help out – especially in the kitchen at breakfast time. 

“Hayden and his brother Ethan have toasties for breakfast and he likes to help get ingredients out of the fridge and put them all away,” says Jillian. 

At school, Hayden is ORS-funded and supported by a teacher aide, though his classmates often struggle to understand the way he experiences the world. But there are signs of progress. 

“They had to come up with an idea for Matariki and he came up with a cool one all by himself, which his teacher loved. That was a nice moment.”  

A brighter way forward 

Hayden still has a lot going on but he’s calmer, more settled and sleeping better.  

“He’s a real busy kid,” says Jillian, “but things are definitely improving.” 

And for Hayden, that’s a win worth celebrating.