By Kevin Millar on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 10:58 am:

Hi Everyone, My son Jacob (aged 4) has just been diagnosed with EDS Type III and is soon to start school, with even primary schools having PCs these days i was wondering if there were any keyboards/mice that would benefit a young child with EDS

By Clarabel on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 07:14 am:

I don't know of anything specific, but make sure that he gets properly lined up with the PC - schools normally have lower standards than offices, etc. for chair quality, height of chairs, back support, etc. which is silly because kids are even softer in the spine.
I find that if I don't sit close enough to the keyboard or if it is too high or too low then my shoulders are at an odd angle and they either pop out or misalign. Before he goes off to school, show him how to sit up properly, get close to the keyboard, not to reach his hands out but to pull the keyboard to him.

With so many people having problems due to long periods spent at a PC, most physiotherapists these days have specialist training in PC posture and special adaptations that might help individuals - perhaps you can get a referral to one.

By Kevin Millar on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 01:05 pm:

Thank you very much, im going to see if Jacob's Physio will visit the school and show the entire class how they should sit and work, as im sure it will help them as well as my son.

again many thanks
kevin millar

By SallyJollow on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 03:11 pm:

Hi Kevin

Just saw your message re computers for kids with HMS/EDS. We live in the UK and my son who was diagnosed with HMS two years ago now uses an Alphasmart word processor for all of his extended written work. He received it following a visit to the school by the occupational therapist who assessed his needs. He has gone from being ungraded in Year One to being in the top 3% of the class as a result. He also uses a sloping board and a special cushion to correct seating in the classroom. Maybe you could see if these are a possibility for your son. Good luck.

Sally Jollow