Ummmm...you're kidding, right??

[luvscowznh]

If you have any doubts, call the manufacturer. There is usually a phone number on the back of the packaging.
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[Gus's Mama]

Great! Thank you.
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Deb
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SPD Little Boy, Gus: Getting better by the day! Improved digestion, skin issues clearing, able to focus and follow instructions, talking (the boy is TALKING!!!)

[Gus's Mama]

grrrr......boy am I glad we only have this group once a week.

The same lady is really pushing me to let Gus use the play dough. She says as long as he doesn't ingest it directly, he'll be fine. Yeah, okay, for arguement's sake, let's say this actually IS true. So what happens when he rubs his eyes, sticks his fingers in in nose, and tries to stuff both of his hands in his mouth at the same time? (He's borderline special needs, and these three things are typical compulsive behaviors for him; he can't stop himself, and from a practical standpoint, neither can I.) This will get gluten into his system. She has seen him in action since January, and knows about his "oral obsessions" (EVERYTHING has to be tried out in his mouth).

During the same conversation, she tried to convince me that letting him have a little bit sometimes is fine, really. It isn't like having a cupcake now and then is actually going to make him sick or anything!

What? WHAT?? I'm sorry, could you repeat that? It really sounded like you said letting him have seriously gluteney things once in a while is okay.

Oy. Vey.
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Deb
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SPD Little Boy, Gus: Getting better by the day! Improved digestion, skin issues clearing, able to focus and follow instructions, talking (the boy is TALKING!!!)

[cruelshoes]

The issue at hand (pun intended) is not really one of skin absorption. It is that the play dough gets all over under the fingernails, in their clothes, in their hair, on their face. One simply cannot clean under the fingernails well enough to keep it from getting in the mouth. Maybe you would be interested in getting him some latex gloves? That would make it a little safer.

Maybe if she saw it in print from some reputable sources, she might come around. I bumped a thread that you might find useful, and here is a link.
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-Colleen

Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handcart?

[Gus's Mama]

Thanks, Colleen; I'll check that out.

I think I also may just be expecting too much....Once she said she had a child on the GF diet, I assumed that she'd understand the restrictions, and help me adhere to them in the classroom. Or not...

I'm also working on perfecting that Argo play clay recipe so I can bring some in next week and offer to make it for the class for as long as he's there. He really likes play dough, and I hate to take it away from him. Once I get that recipe downpat, he'll be able to play til his heart's content!

[beckyhiker]

Hi Gus's Mama. You can also try the Crayola Model Magic. That is gf, but I'm not sure if it dries out too fast for what you want. My son really likes it, but he wants to make "models" with it to keep anyway.

[Gus's Mama]

I don't object to using model magic at home, but the policy at this place is to make the play dough on the premises using the "approved recipe" to ensure that there are no toxic ingredients (an attempt to avoid anything ingestable that is made in China...). I can absolutely understand where they are coming from, but gluten IS toxic to some kids.

I've gotten a pretty good result from my latest attempt with the corn-starch based recipe, and I'll bring a sample with me next week. Hopefully they'll adopt my recipe as the new one. Personally, I think it came out better than what they use, and it smells a whole lot nicer!
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Deb
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SPD Little Boy, Gus: Getting better by the day! Improved digestion, skin issues clearing, able to focus and follow instructions, talking (the boy is TALKING!!!)