Electrical Stimulation to relieve pain and swelling!
Ah, the holiday season – a time of merriment, joy, and usually, a whole lot of hustle and bustle. But this year, as the carolers started singing and the twinkling lights adorned our neighborhood, I found myself facing an unexpected challenge – a hurt back and a throbbing foot. Now, for most people, this might just be an inconvenience. But for me, it was terrifying. Why? Because I have a son named Jacob, and he depends on me like a ship depends on its anchor.
There I was, limping around like a wounded penguin, with my foot throbbing in protest and sciatica making me feel like a character from a sci-fi movie. And all I could think of was, “I’m getting older.” It’s a harsh reality we all eventually face, but as a parent of a child with autism, it hits a little differently. It’s a reminder that I will always have a child who relies on me, no matter how many candles are on my birthday cake.
The Ominous “What Ifs”:
For any parent, the thought of hurting yourself and being unable to care for your child is terrifying. But when your child depends on you for almost everything, it’s a whole new level of scary. The “what if” scenarios played on a loop in my mind. What if I couldn’t work? What if I couldn’t take care of Jacob? It was like a suspenseful thriller, and I was anxiously awaiting the next plot twist.
Jacob to the Rescue:
#schedulessavedtheday
But here’s the silver lining in this unexpected cloud – Jacob has been incredibly helpful. It turns out my meticulous planning and our well-oiled routines paid off. Jacob’s schedule for our daily activities has been a savior. He knows what to expect, and he’s adapted like a champ.
Grocery Shopping Adventures:
Picture this: I’m hobbling around like an extra from a zombie movie, clutching onto a shopping cart for dear life. Jacob, my trusty sidekick, doesn’t mind my slower pace. He even helps pick out the perfect cart. It’s teamwork at its finest, and it warms my heart.
Adjustments and Understanding:
On days when I’ve been less patient and more like the Grinch, Jacob’s been understanding. I’ve had to make adjustments in his schedule, like moving his haircut and shave day to Saturdays when I have more energy. And guess what? He handled it like a pro. No meltdowns, no tantrums. It’s like he knew that sometimes, life throws us curveballs, and you have to adjust your swing.
The Reassurance:
So here’s the thing – it’s still frustrating for me as a mom. My foot isn’t magically healed, and my back still aches. But you know what? It’s not as scary anymore. I’ve realized that all the hard work we put into creating routines and schedules has paid off. Jacob can adapt. He can handle change. He’s stronger and more resilient than I sometimes give him credit for. For more tips on parenting check out last weeks blog, Why buying Christmas presents can be hard when the child has autism.
A Merry Christmas Indeed:
As I reflect on this holiday season, I feel blessed. My foot might be hurting, but my heart is full. Jacob and I have weathered this unexpected storm together. So, to all the moms out there facing similar challenges with their amazing kids, know that you’re not alone. May your Christmas be filled with peace, joy, and the unwavering love that only a parent can understand.
Parenting is filled with triumphs. When your child learns a skill, it’s a win.
But here’s the twist: we don’t want these skills to stay home. We want them to travel, to work anywhere, anytime.
Welcome to skill generalization, where we teach your child’s skills to be flexible world travelers.
Skills That Roam: Making Your Child a Skillful Globetrotter
Imagine your child’s skill as a globetrotter with a passport. They’ve mastered it at home, but can they use it confidently at school or with friends and family?
In this section, we’re exploring how to ensure skills don’t become homebodies. We’ll give you tips to help your child use their skills wherever they are. It’s like preparing them for a world tour, but instead of landmarks, they’ll showcase their abilities.
Teamwork: School, Home, and Beyond
When Jacob was in school, we became a team. It wasn’t just about his teachers; it was a group effort. We teamed up to help him learn and apply new skills, and it worked wonders.
We borrowed a page from Jacob’s school schedule playbook. After school, it was time for our version of “homework.” Dinner, cleaning up, tackling homework, getting that room cleaned (which, let’s face it, was a skill in itself), and, of course, brushing those teeth to dazzle the tooth fairy.
Our family and friends became invaluable allies. They understood that Jacob needed support not just with speech and academics but also in play and social interactions.🤝
So, when we visited or had gatherings, they joined the cause. They used schedules, they engaged with him, they ensured he felt included and supported. It wasn’t just us; it was a village effort. 👨👩👦👦
Generalization: The Magic of Everywhere Learning
The magic here is in “generalization.” It’s not enough for a child to learn something in one setting; they need to apply it everywhere. That’s what we achieved by creating a unified front.✨
At school, at home, and with family and friends, Jacob was learning and using skills consistently. It wasn’t about different rules or routines in different places; it was about one set of skills that applied everywhere.
The result? Jacob became a skillful globetrotter. He could navigate various situations with confidence because he had practiced those skills in different settings using his schedule.
So, if you want your child’s skills to be versatile and work seamlessly in all areas of life, remember this: teamwork makes the dream work, no matter where you are. If you need social stories to help with family friends here is another place to look: [Link to Social Stories](https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/children-disabilities/article/social-stories) 📚
Get Your Special Needs Child Thriving Without a Superhero Cape!
Hey there, I’m Melissa! If you’re a parent or teacher, you’ve probably faced the wild rollercoaster that is helping a special needs child conquer a world designed for “typical” learners. I’ve been right there in the trenches with you, and trust me, it’s one wild ride! Jacob had schoolwork jobs and schedules both at school and home. They helped him tremendously!
No Degree? No Problem!
But hey, here’s the scoop: you don’t need a PhD in Special Education or a secret stash of superpowers to make a real difference in your child’s life.
The Quest Begins: Finding Direction
Now, let me whisk you back to the beginning of my adventure. Picture this: my son, Jacob, gets the autism diagnosis, and I’m left feeling like a confused squirrel in a maze.
The Search for Answers
So what did I do? Well, what any modern parent would do – I went on a deep dive into the early 2000s internet. And guess what? It left me more befuddled than ever! There were plenty of articles about what led to the diagnosis, but no one handed me a neat, step-by-step guide on how to actually help my kiddo.
The Power of Support
Cue the desperate prayers for a superhero to swoop in and save the day. While I didn’t get Thor or Wonder Woman, I was gifted something even better: a superhero squad of family and friends who had my back. They were my rock, my guiding lights on this unexpected journey.
Educating Jacob: More Than Just a Business
And out of this chaos, “Educating Jacob” was born. It’s not just a business; it’s a mission to share what worked for us and help you navigate this labyrinth more easily.
You’re the Hero Too
You don’t need a fancy degree to be your child’s hero and guide. We’re here to help you turn daily chaos into moments of zen, self-doubt into confidence, and meltdowns into triumphs. You too, can be a part of the schoolwork jobs and schedules for students at home club!
Schedules are a way to communicate, set routines and change routines!
They’ve been a game-changer for us, and I’m here to spill the beans on how they can be your secret weapon too. Get ready to take back your space, ditch the chaos, and let the learning extravaganza begin!
Schoolwork Jobs: The Confidence Builders
Now, let’s dive into the good stuff: schoolwork jobs. Think of these as mini superpowers that not only teach responsibility but also make your child feel like a rockstar.
The ‘Line Leader’ – The Maestro of Marching
Picture your kiddo confidently leading their classmates in a merry parade through the classroom, setting the pace, and ensuring the smoothest transitions ever.
The ‘Door Holder’ – The Courteous Captain
In the classroom, this champ holds the door open for pals, showing courtesy and care.
The ‘Pencil Sharpener’ – The Artisan of Order
Meet the unsung hero of classroom readiness! This superstar keeps those pencils sharp and ready for action.
Home Jobs: Where Responsibility Blossoms
Now, let’s bring the school magic to your home:
Trash Taker-Outer’ – The Cleanliness Connoisseur
Just like the Line Leader takes charge in the classroom, the ‘Trash Taker-Outer’ is the cleanliness captain at home.
‘Room Cleaner’ – The Tidiness Titan
At school, the Pencil Sharpener keeps things sharp. At home, the ‘Room Cleaner’ takes on a similar role.
Dirty Clothes Depositor’ – The Laundry Luminary. The room looks so nice when it’s picked up and laundry is ready to carry to the washing machine.
Just like the Door Holder, this superstar exudes consideration.
Home-School Relationships: Schedules to the Rescue. Schedules let the child know exactly what is expected and when they will be done! We all want to know how are day is going to go.
With these tools – schoolwork jobs, home tasks, and the magic of schedules – you’re in for a 2023 full of smooth sailing. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks to make this year a roaring success!
Watching movies, games and his phone had Jacob stuck in a loop.
Screen Time for Autistic Children 📺📱🕹️
Screen time for autistic children in today’s digital age. A waltz of wires, pixels, and the occasional meltdown thrown in for good measure. As parents, we’re all familiar with the perplexing puzzle of balancing our children’s love for games, TV, and cell phones, especially when they come with a side order of learning disabilities. Balancing screen time for autistic children can be a unique challenge, but it’s a necessary one. Here’s an article warning of screen hazards: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10442849/
Screen time, autism, and childhood development!
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Screen time is the nemesis of childhood development!” Trust me; I’ve read the articles, heard the warnings, and contemplated creating a bonfire with every device in the house just to free our kids from their pixelated prisons.
But here’s the twist in our tale: I’ve also stumbled upon studies suggesting that video games can miraculously morph into concentration enhancers for our ADHD champs. Oh, and let’s not forget the cautionary tales of phones, iPads, and games birthing OCD tendencies.
Enter Jacob, my youngest progeny, who is legally an adult but will stick around with family until heaven is our permanent address. My husband and I, well, let’s just say we’re charter members of the “How Do We Adult When Our Kid Is a Permanent Resident of Autism” club.
It was a sad day but necessary!
The Solution: Saying Goodbye to iGadgets 🚫📱
The solution was as simple as a triumphant exit for the iPhone and iPad – two devices that Jacob clung to with the ferocity of a squirrel protecting its nut stash. Why, you ask? Well, for starters, our beloved iGadgets couldn’t differentiate between age-appropriate entertainment and YouTube’s greatest hits of “Movie Voiceover Catastrophes.”
Snippets of perfectly decent films transformed into bizarre voiceovers that would leave even Darth Vader scratching his helmeted head being consumed by our son on the autism spectrum. After years of tireless monitoring, debates, and the occasional eye roll from our tech-savvy son, we decided to go medieval on those devices.
Screen Time as a Welcomed Guest 🎮📺
Now, before you peg me as a screen time Scrooge, let me clarify – we’re all about balance, folks. Jacob loves the predictability of his games and movies, but like a squirrel fixated on that nut stash, he can get a tad obsessed.
So, we embark on a quest for equilibrium, where balancing screen time for autistic children becomes a welcomed guest in Jacob’s daily schedule, not the puppeteer pulling all the strings.
Let’s dive right into the chaotic realm of screen time, where YouTube voiceovers reign supreme, sarcasm flows like a never-ending river, and emotions take center stage. Picture this: Jacob would merrily parrot inappropriate voiceovers from movie clips he’d stumble upon in the depths of YouTube.
You know, the clips that sneakily infiltrate even the most kid-friendly content. To make matters even more interesting, he’d not only repeat the lines but also wear the emotions like a hat.
Now, this might sound like an amusing party trick for your average teenager, but for Jacob, who grapples with emotion regulation difficulties courtesy of his learning disabilities, it was like a comedy show gone awry.
Sarcasm and emotional mimicry? Well, they don’t quite fit the bill for a kid navigating the complexities of his own emotions. So, we had to bid farewell to YouTube and its unexpected voiceover adventures.
Screen Time and Removing iPhone and iPad
Next up on our journey: Jacob’s affinity for the iPhone. He would rise at the crack of dawn and make a beeline for his cherished device. At first, it was innocent enough – just a little music to set the morning mood. Christian tunes from the Newsboys, classics from the Eagles, and the uplifting melodies of MercyMe filled our home.
But here’s the catch: YouTube was always just a click away, and on his device, we couldn’t effectively filter the content.
In an ideal world, he’d have a dose of music during the day, tackle his schoolwork and chores, and enjoy the iPad, TV, or games during his well-deserved downtime in the evening. However, what ensued was a full-blown obsession with the phone and iPad, and it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
The lack of parental controls, combined with a sudden onset of attitude issues and an unsettling penchant for repeating the aforementioned sarcastic voiceovers, led us to a decision – those devices had to go.
Finding Alternative Devices
With a heavy heart, we waved goodbye to the iPhone and iPad, and in their place, we introduced the Kindle tablet.
Jacob wasn’t exactly thrilled with the switch, but necessity often breeds adaptation. The Kindle offered us better controls and access to Amazon Prime movies and Kindle books – a trade-off that Jacob eventually came to appreciate.
You see, movies and games were more than just entertainment for Jacob. They were a vital part of his life, a means of communication, and a source of shared laughter within our family. We wanted to nurture these positives and, in turn, steer clear of the negatives.
Now, let’s get to the crux of the matter – how do we strike that elusive balance between screen time and the real world?
Monitoring: Jacob might be older, but that doesn’t mean we can let our guard down. His emotional regulation quirks are still very much a part of his daily life. If he immerses himself in a movie or show, he becomes it, quirks and all.
Limiting: By limiting his screen time and offering alternative activities, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation. He’s no longer a device-clinging zealot but a much happier individual with a broader spectrum of interests.
Scheduling: Finally, we integrate screen time into Jacob’s daily schedule, just like any other activity.
Jacob thrives on balance and predictability, and our schedules provide just that.
A Balanced Approach to Screen Time 💖🕹️
Monitoring, limiting, and scheduling screen time have all contributed to our collective success as a family. With vigilant monitoring, we were able to identify and address issues, leading us to bid adieu to the iPhone and iPad in favor of the Kindle tablet.
Limiting screen time curbed obsessive tendencies, helping Jacob understand the importance of a diversified day.
Finally, incorporating it all into a daily schedule bestowed upon him the predictability he so dearly craved, fostering independence and a sense of accomplishment. Want more download the ebook: https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg
