Why our radio aid is great for a day out

We decided we wanted to go to London for a day out recently. When planning our day, we also have to think how we’re going to manage Isaac when he’s so excited, firstly to be going on a train but also to London with the 'big buildings'! Top of Isaac's list was visiting Big Ben, although I warned him there would be no bongs and fireworks like he’s seen on YouTube.

Isaac has access to a radio aid at school and, although it tends to 'live' at school, I had requested we bring it home for summer to use for days like this. I prepared Isaac before we left, explaining what we were going to do and what to expect, for example lots of people and noises and making sure he knew that he had to stay close!

The radio aid was really helpful on the day, cutting through the background hustle and bustle of London to give him clear instructions and make sure he stayed safe. On numerous occasions when he was distracted by something, I was able to communicate clearly with him through the environmental noise and he was able to hear me well. When we got to Covent Garden and he was invited to go and sit with children to watch the street performance, I could reassure him where we were, without shouting or waving across the crowd. Although Isaac loves anything music, dance or theatre-based, he’s wary when he isn’t sure what's coming, for example an alarm sounding or an unexpected bang. Again, the radio aid came in handy to discreetly reassure him.

Although the radio aid is definitely our most useful tool for a day out, it does come with its downfalls, such as me forgetting to turn the mic off when in conversation with someone else, usually leading to Isaac being very confused and pulling confused faces at me! I also have to remember to keep the mic clear of clothing or zips. It's still a work-in-progress from my end on that one.

Now the radio aid is back ‘living’ at school, I just need to remember to request it should we go out anywhere during term time.