My son has a box filled with colorful letters of the alphabet. He spells out the movie titles from a book he put together. This has helped him to read. He spends most of his day in his room doing this. He has at least a dozen books with written movie titles. Some were written by me and some he has written himself. He likes to read off the titles and I have to write them down. He checks what I write carefully. Many times I purposely leave out a letter or to and he notices and corrects me instantly. Whenever we are out he constantly asks about coming home to do his letters as he calls it. This may not be something that captures your daughters interest but this is what we do.

Think of her interests and expand it. Similar to what sumrae said, the indoor bike. I am working on a converting a room into a gym for us all to enjoy, we all need it for different reasons, jaden will love the bike. Jaden loves music so I have 2 music machines in different parts of house and we play music, dance and at night add a disco light. I know Daphne doesn't like tv, thats difficult. I wouldnt be able to write this if he wasnt watching tv right now...which i had to get a new one this morning for his room since he broke other one..it happens. An indoor hammock swing you can put right into a stud in her room or other place if she likes the swing motion. I have an extra one, if you want to give me your address i will mail to you. Indoor trampoline and basketball. He likes organizing so I just work around him til he joins in (his organizing actually makes more work for me, but he is occupied).

Sensory toys are always a must. Stress balls, orbeez, and sensory pillows. Stuff like that. When I buy a house next year my plan is to make a sensory room, or wall in each of the kids bedrooms. You said she loves to be outside and ride her bike...what about an exercise bike and/or treadmill?

Yes, it seems complicated. Anything to do with the government is complicated. They like to keep their $$$$$. Applying for the S.D.M. is quite the application, however I do not anticipate them turning us down as Kaitlyn's SDM. Is Daphne irritable to weather change? I know my girl is. So sorry to hear she is having many meltdowns and that things are not going so well for you. Do you know what could be causing the meltdowns? It is hard when they can not express their issues and frustrations. Talk care....hope your days get better :-)

Hi Wendy.....I have not connected lately here. Been so busy with the application and getting ready for Kaitlyn's meeting. My husband and I are applying to be Kaitlyn's substitute Decision Makers. Something you may want to start thinking about when Daphne turns 18. I am working now part time. Hope all is well with you and your family. Nice to be in touch again! Have an awesome day :-)