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  • Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩

    Ever felt like a detective trying to crack the case of your child’s meltdown? You may need to try sensory-friendly schedules. Welcome to the world’s quirkiest puzzle, where flickering lights, itchy shirts, and vacuum cleaner roars can trigger an emotional rollercoaster. Sensory sensitivities team up with communication barriers, leaving us feeling like we need a superhero cape. 🦸‍♀️🕵️‍♂️

    Example of Jacob's schedule
    Here’s and example of things on Jacob’s schedule.

    Sensory-friendly schedules 📅

    The first superhero of parenting: the schedule! When Jacob’s world feels like it’s spinning out of control, a visual schedule swoops in to save the day. With clear expectations and a roadmap for his day, Jacob finds comfort in the chaos. From school work to chores, the schedule guides him through, offering a sense of security and predictability. And when sensory overload strikes, the schedule becomes a lifeline, helping us navigate the storm before it hits. 🌪️⏰

    Empowering Independence: With a sensory-friendly schedule as their trusty guide, children gain independence and confidence in navigating their world. From choosing sensory-friendly clothes to managing their daily routines, the schedule equips them with the tools they need to thrive despite their challenges.🌟🚧 

    Read more about schedules: How can using schedules can change your child’s life?

    Sensory-Friendly Breaks: Keeping Calm  🧩

     Second in our toolkit of sanity savers, sensory breaks reign supreme. Whether it’s fidgets, sensory bins, or noise-canceling headphones, these magical tools turn meltdowns into moments of calm. Jacob’s favorite? His trusty headphones, shielding him from the dreaded vacuum cleaner roar during cleaning sessions. And when it’s playtime, it’s all about hands-on activities like playdoh, legos, and puzzles, offering a welcome escape from the sensory whirlwind. 🧩🎧

    Sensory Sanctuary: A visual sensory-friendly schedule offers a safe harbor amidst sensory storms, providing structure and predictability in a chaotic world. It guides children like Jacob through their day, offering comfort and security when sensory overload strikes.🆘🕒 

    Need more help with sensory? Read here: Tired and Frustrated Mom! Sensory Challenges for the Autism Spectrum

    Mastering the Clothes Conundrum: A Sensory-Friendly Solution 👕

    How-using-schedules-can-change-your-life2
    Using schedules for Jacob to understand his days changed our lives!

    Ah, the age-old battle of clothes selection! With Jacob’s clothes schedule in hand, we’ve cracked the code to stress-free dressing. Planning ahead ensures we have soft, sensory-friendly schedule options ready for action. Weekdays are all about functionality, while weekends offer a chance for Jacob to flex his fashion muscles and choose his own adventure. It’s a win-win for everyone! 👖👚

    If you need more help with a clothes schedule go to this post: “How to create a personalized schedule for children with autism”

    Breaking Down Communication Barriers: The Schedule’s Secret Weapon 🗣️

    But wait, there’s more! Third, the visual schedule doesn’t just tame sensory storms; it also breaks down communication barriers. When Jacob feels overwhelmed and a meltdown looms large, words become scarce. https://autismclassroomresources.com/visual-schedules/ But with the schedule as our trusty guide, we bridge the gap between chaos and clarity. With each routine task and scheduled activity, Jacob finds his voice again, transforming meltdowns into moments of connection. 🗝️💬

    Communication Catalyst: When emotions run high and words fail, the schedule becomes a lifeline, bridging the gap between chaos and clarity. Routine tasks and scheduled activities empower children to find their voice again, transforming meltdowns into moments of connection, allowing them to have independence.👥🗣️

    schedule-fun-jacob-is-the-hulk-barnes-and-noble
    Jacob having fun at Barnes and Noble after a week of completed work!

    So, fellow parent detectives, when the sensory storms hit and the meltdowns loom large, remember: humor is your secret weapon. With a dash of laughter and a sprinkle of patience, we’ll navigate the quirkiest puzzles together, one meltdown at a time. #AutismChallenges🧩

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  • No Schedule for Jacob to Use This Week? No Peace! Autism Challenges 🧩

    The Importance of Managing Autism Routines and Schedules 🧩

    We all have off days or weeks, and I’m no different. At the beginning of this journey, I didn’t have routines or scheduled activities for Jacob. I just didn’t know any better. We have to be able to manage autism routines when our children are not able to manage their day without meltdowns or chaos.

    But now that I do, I understand the importance of always having a schedule and plans for Jacob. With consistent routines, the chaos is gone. 🌟

    managing autism routines with schedules, day by day roadmap
    Roadmap to success! Use a schedule. Be consistent, celebrate all wins!

    The Power of the Schedule

    managing autism routines with schedules, Jacob's clothes need to be on the schedule
    Pack the sensory friendly clothes, work and headphones!

    📅 We know that schedules help keep down anxiety, aid with emotional regulation, and help Jacob enjoy his day, just to name a few of the huge benefits. So, what happens when I’ve had a yucky day, and now it’s time to fill the zipper bags for the weekly work? Or, I didn’t put the haircut, manicure, and pedicure on the monthly schedule, and now it’s needed, and I’m not in the mood to complete these tasks???

    Managing Unplanned Changes

    📆 Well, normally I can just show him the monthly calendar and add the haircut to the following day, and he’s okay with that. But if the nails are too long and bothering him, he will probably pick at them. This can be a big problem because Jacob easily gets ingrown toenails, and he will pick if it’s bothering him. See this previous post:3 ways to help your child on the autism spectrum navigate doctor visits more smoothly

    managing autism routines with schedules, Jakes manicures need to be on the schedule
    Jacob’s big toe became infected due to picking at skin around toenail that was bothering him.

    Managing Autism Routines

    🔧 Now, I just caused a major problem because I didn’t have my act together today. That’s just one example of life falling apart because I just let the schedule go and didn’t do my part. Also, if it’s not done and I’m grumpy because he’s not handling his day well, then I also know it’s partly my fault. Now, if I can fix and get us back on track, then, of course, I do.

    🔄 If, however, he spirals into an emotional meltdown and dances on everyone’s last nerve and gets in trouble before I can course correct, then I have to punish him by taking away his ability to buy his Amazon purchase at the end of the week for completing work and having a great week.

    Consistency Is Key

    🚫 If I’m not consistent in rewarding good behavior and holding back rewards when he hasn’t stayed in check, then the whole system breaks down.

    🤷‍♀️ Now, if I have to punish by not allowing the Amazon purchase he’s supposed to get on Friday, I feel incredibly guilty because I know I could have helped him more by having that schedule and work in place to guide his week.

    📝 Sometimes though, life gets in the way. You start thinking he’s so used to the schedule he’ll be alright for one day. Maybe you just plain forget because you’re tired or sick. Just self-correct as soon as possible and get on track so your child is set up for success. Because you don’t want to carry guilt that you could have possibly prevented the whole scenario!

    Give Yourself Some Grace

    💖 Give yourself some grace. Remember if you don’t have a plan for your child, they will have one for you!

    So, let’s keep those schedules in check and ensure our days are filled with structure and peace.

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  • Want to know how I redirect Jacob when our weekend is different? Autism Challenges 🧩

    autism-weekend-challenges
    #autism-weekend-challenges

    Autism Challenges on Weekends!

    Autism challenges on weekends, transitions! Picture this: Jacob is super excited because his big brother, Nicholas, is coming home for a visit. He’s been chanting “Nicholas home!” with the enthusiasm only a child with autism can muster, multiple times a day for weeks. Now, don’t get me wrong, Nicholas is a grown man, currently neck-deep in a Ph.D. program at NC State. He hasn’t lived at home since 2013. But, in Jacob’s world, none of that matters. His favorite person is coming home, and the excitement is palpable.

    The Weekend Twist: Routine Disarray!

    However, there’s a twist to this tale. While Jacob absolutely adores having his brother home, his well-oiled routine is thrown into a delightful, albeit chaotic, disarray. You see, everyone on the autism train—me, my husband, Nicholas, and even our trusty dog—needs to help Jacob navigate this transition into different routines and family activities.

    Movie Quotes: Our Secret Weapon!

    So, how do we manage these autism challenges on weekends? Well, it turns out that movie quotes are our secret weapon. Jacob is a movie buff, and movie quotes are like nuggets of gold to him. Now, I must admit, my husband and Nicholas are way better at this game than I am. Not only do they recite the lines, but they also throw in character voices to make the quotes come alive. Jacob absolutely loves it, and the power of a well-placed movie quote can turn an impending meltdown into fits of laughter.

    Routine vs. Brother Time: Balancing Act!

    Hashtag Family
    #family, #friends

    Jacob is a creature of habit, and he likes things a certain way, every day. Take, for instance, his TV time. He’s used to having free rein over the big TV in the living room when no one else is using it. But when everyone’s home, that TV becomes a battleground. Jacob wants his brother home, but he also wants his routine, and this can lead to some grumpiness and anxiety.

    The Family Team: Redirection and Smiles!
    schedule-fun-jacob-is-the-hulk-barnes-and-noble
    Jacob having fun at Barnes and Noble after a week of completed work!

    That’s when the whole family jumps into action, taking turns to redirect Jacob’s focus and ensure the weekend stays on a positive note. We know that things can quickly go south when you’re dealing with autism challenges. Children on the spectrum often struggle when their routines are disrupted, and when you throw in sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation difficulties, and perhaps a sprinkle of OCD tendencies, you’ve got yourself a perfect storm. How my husband changes Jacob’s bad mood with music! #musicandautism.

    The Teamwork Tactic: Smiles and Snacks!

    Our secret sauce is teamwork, no autism challenges on weekends. Together, as a family, we brainstorm fun ways to keep the weekend moving along smoothly. If Jacob needs a break from the hubbub, I’ll usually put him in the car, and off we go on a quick errand to the grocery store or, his personal favorite, Chick-fil-A! These little outings provide him with the sensory input and routine he craves.

    Schedules, Calendars, and Celebrations: Our Winning Trio!

    We also rely on his trusty schedule, a calendar that gently introduces the changes coming his way, and a hefty dose of assistance with transitions and redirection. And, of course, we sprinkle in some celebrations—maybe some cookies to bake to mark the occasion of Nicholas being home for a visit. Here is a previous blog post: How Simple Planning Ahead Can Save the Day When Working with Someone Who Has Autism!

    Jacob’s Weekend Adventure: Laughter and Love!

    So, to all my fellow parents navigating the uncharted waters of autism challenges during weekends, take heart. With a bit of humor, a whole lot of love, and a bag of movie quotes, we’re making our way through, one smile at a time. 3 Top Challenges of having an adult son with autism.#autismchallenges🧩🌈✨

    Join the Conversation!

    Here is another article: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication-problems-children

    Stay tuned for more tales from Autism Island! Got any tricks up your sleeve for managing autism challenges on weekends? Share your stories and tips below! 📢💬

    Still more? download my ebook! https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

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  • 3 Ways Jacob’s Monthly Calendar and Daily Schedule Work on Autism Island!

    Jacob’s Monthly Calendar: Autism Island Daily Schedule

    Jacob’s monthly calendar is like a crystal ball, but instead of predicting the future, it prepares him for it. On Autism Island the daily schedule is essential! This calendar isn’t your ordinary one; it’s a lifeline for Jacob, especially when it comes to navigating the twists and turns of daily life on Autism Island.

    The Holiday Countdown:

    Most people use their calendars to mark birthdays and holidays, but for Jacob, it’s a countdown. He eagerly anticipates those special days, and his calendar helps him keep track. When he sees a circled date approaching, he knows it’s time for something exciting.

    Beyond the Week:

    Unlike his weekly schedule, which is all about the here and now, the monthly calendar zooms out. It gives Jacob a glimpse of upcoming events that aren’t part of his daily schedule or weekly routine. Take, for example, doctor’s appointments. With a quick glance, he can see when they’re scheduled, allowing him to prepare for any changes to his regular routine.

    Personal Maintenance:

    doctor's office Jacob's ingrown toenail
    Jacob’s big toe became infected due to picking at skin around toenail that was bothering him.

    We all have those tasks that pop up irregularly but can’t be ignored. For Jacob, it’s the dreaded manicure and pedicure sessions. While it may seem trivial, these appointments are essential. For him, overgrown nails trigger sensory sensitivities, leading to nail and skin picking, which can ultimately result in ingrown toenails. Yikes! So, his calendar reminds us to keep those nails in check.

    I don’t need to put my manicure and pedicure on a calendar because I just take care of it when I feel like taking care of it. But for Jacob, if he starts picking at a nail because it is all of a sudden annoying him we have a big problem. That’s where having a schedule that puts item of regular maintenance down.

    Check out this, our dream residential/day program geared to autism: https://islandautism.org/about-us/island-autism-center /

    Pills and Prevention:

    Managing epilepsy is no small feat. Jacob has a medication regimen that’s crucial for seizure control. His trusty pillbox helps, but it’s his calendar that ensures we never run out of meds. It serves as a reminder to order and refill prescriptions promptly, sparing us any seizure-related adventures. It also reminds me to fill his weekly pill box so it’s ready and accessible to Jacob.

    Jacob’s Weekly Schedule: The Comfort of Routine

    Now, let’s dive into Jacob’s weekly schedule. To many, it might seem monotonous, but for Jacob, it’s a source of comfort and happiness.

    Groundhog Days:
    For Jacob, the consistency of his daily routine brings him a sense of calm.
    For Jacob, the consistency of his daily routine brings him a sense of calm.

    Imagine waking up to a world that’s slightly different every day. Sounds exhausting, right? For Jacob, the consistency of his daily routine brings him a sense of calm. His days follow a structured pattern, from breakfast to meds, schoolwork to chores, and everything in between. Autism mom support, what happens when being a hands on doesn’t stop at 18?

    Mom’s Decision Fatigue:

    As a mom, teacher, and wife, I wear many hats. My daily life can be a juggling act. Jacob’s schedule isn’t just his lifeline; it’s mine too. The more organized I am, the smoother things run for the whole family.

    Autism Island daily schedule, we have so much to keep track of that a schedule is needed to calm the chaos!
    All the different hats we wear!

    So, while Jacob’s calendar and weekly schedule might seem unusual to some, they are the glue that holds our lives together here on Autism Island. They provide predictability, reduce anxiety, and ensure we’re prepared for whatever adventures come our way. Educating Jacob: The Power of Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Jacob’s monthly and daily schedules work for him:

    1.  Long-Range Planning: Jacob’s monthly calendar helps him anticipate and prepare for longer-term changes and events, such as holidays, birthdays, and doctor’s appointments. It provides him with a visual overview of upcoming activities and transitions, reducing anxiety associated with unexpected changes.

    2. Routine and Predictability: Jacob’s weekly schedule maintains a consistent daily routine, including tasks like breakfast, schoolwork, chores, and free time. This routine brings him comfort and stability, reducing stress and anxiety. It also helps his family manage their busy lives effectively.

    3. Support for Medication and Health Needs: The calendars serve as reminders for essential tasks like medication management. They ensure that Jacob’s epilepsy medication is refilled on time, preventing the risk of seizures. Additionally, the schedule helps Jacob with sensory sensitivities, ensuring his nail care, which can be challenging due to his condition, is not overlooked.

    Whether you’re navigating Autism Island or just looking for ways to bring more structure into your family’s life, take a page from Jacob’s book. Embrace the power of planning, and you might find that a well-structured calendar and routine can be your best allies. Tag us on Facebook or Instagram using #AutismParenting, #SpecialNeedsSuccess, or #MonthlyCalendarMagic

    Want more? Download my ebook and follow us on Social Media! https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

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