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    How do children with autism do better with a personalized schedule?

    How to Create a Personalized Schedule for Children with Autism 🗓️

    Hello, my name is Melissa, and I create schedules to help my son with autism achieve some independence and decrease anxiety! Today, I want to share with you how to create a personalized schedule for children with autism. Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, a well-structured schedule can make a world of difference in helping your child navigate their day with confidence and calm.

     

    My Journey as an Autism Parent

    I’ve been on this “boy mom” journey for 31 years and an autism journey for 22 years. While the “boy mom” journey has been the most exciting and joyous experience, the autism journey has been the most challenging, with its fair share of devastating and overwhelming moments.

    My family consists of myself, my husband David, and our two sons, Nicholas and Jacob. Over the years, I’ve earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education, certifications in Reading Foundations, and additional training after years of teaching. However, you don’t need a degree or license to teach your child—what you need is a deep understanding of their needs and a willingness to adapt.

    I believe God has used all of my experiences to bring me to my purpose: sharing my life experiences and solving problems by creating schedules for my son and many others in the classroom. I intend to fulfill this purpose through blogging, teaching courses, and creating content for teachers and parents.

    Why Schedules Matter for Children with Autism

    My purpose is to share how I solve problems by creating schedules for my son. Jacob is 27 years old and was diagnosed with autism between the ages of 3 and 4. Each year has brought different challenges and joys. Jacob was nonverbal until he was 4 years old, and while he has since learned to use simple words and phrases, he still struggles to carry on short conversations.

    Jacob’s moderate autism has made it challenging to teach him vital life skills without overstimulating him and causing a meltdown. One of the ways we’ve managed this is by creating a structured and predictable daily routine. By learning how to create a schedule for children with autism, we’ve been able to make Jacob’s days more manageable and less stressful.

    Building Structure and Predictability 🏠

    I built on his desire to have the days structured and predictable (school, community, chores). Using schedules has allowed Jacob to understand his day better. Everyone is happier when we know what we are doing during the day. I will start where we are now, and we will address earlier years in future blog posts. Moving forward, I will share pictures and videos for those who will find them useful. I create schedules for everyday life, school, doctor visits, or anything else that changes. Autism has caused problems making transitions, sensory issues, and communication, just to name a few. The schedules allow Jacob to feel in control of his day and this makes him happy. Learning how to create, customize, and implement various schedule(s) to communicate more effectively with your child (in my case, a child with autism) will make your family and child happier.

    One problem we solved is cycling laundry.

    Jacob always wants to wear soft t-shirts with no tags (sensory issues) and shorts. He also needs to understand why we wash clothes after each use. He believes it’s ok to wear his favorites over again without putting them in the laundry first. So, he was frustrated and felt we weren’t letting him wear perfectly good clothes.

    Problem: Child wearing the same clothes (even out of the dirty laundry).
    Solution: Laundry Schedule and garment bags.
    Creating Schedules to Improve Daily Life 🌟

     

    Creating a personalized schedule for your child with autism can greatly improve their quality of life by reducing anxiety and increasing their independence. Whether it’s managing daily routines like laundry or preparing for more significant events like doctor visits, a well-thought-out schedule can make all the difference. 4 Things I Wish I Would Have Known After Getting the Autism Diagnosis

     

    As an autism parent, I understand how overwhelming it can be to manage the various challenges that come with the territory. But I also know that with the right tools and strategies—like creating a schedule tailored to your child’s needs—you can create a more peaceful and structured environment for your family.

     

    I hope you find these insights helpful, and I look forward to sharing more of our journey with you. Stay tuned for future posts where I’ll continue to share tips and strategies for navigating life with autism.

    I decided to purchase five garment bags and label each according to its day, Monday-Friday (An excuse to buy vinyl and use my Cricut Maker!). In the first week, he was using them independently. Each garment bag contains clothes for the day, including clean underwear and socks. See the picture below. He likes his new clothes, and we don’t butt heads over his laundry anymore. Before the garment bags, his clothes were not being changed daily. Ugh, there is nothing worse than catching a whiff of a funky child (in this case adult)!

    The laundry schedule has worked to create the daily habit clean clothes.

    The laundry schedule has worked to create the daily habit of clean, nice-looking clothes for going out into the community. Yay! Another win; count them all, even the small ones.

    problem and solution for laundry schedule
    Created a daily Schedule to include a garment bag with clean clothes for the day.

    Jacob’s clothing preferences and re-wearing dirty clothes required a creative solution: Introducing a laundry schedule and utilizing garment bags in turn gave him independence. Jacob’s positive response earned the reward of amazon at the end of a successful week and improved hygiene habits.

    Creating Schedules to Improve Daily Life 🌟

     

    Creating a personalized schedule for your child with autism can greatly improve their quality of life by reducing anxiety and increasing their independence. Whether it’s managing daily routines like laundry or preparing for more significant events like doctor visits, a well-thought-out schedule can make all the difference.

     

    As an autism parent, I understand how overwhelming it can be to manage the various challenges that come with the territory. But I also know that with the right tools and strategies—like creating a schedule tailored to your child’s needs—you can create a more peaceful and structured environment for your family.

     

    I hope you find these insights helpful, and I look forward to sharing more of our journey with you. Stay tuned for future posts where I’ll continue to share tips and strategies for navigating life with autism.

    https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

    The family goal in 2024 is to keep CALM and move forward with purpose!

    Jacob pictured with his nana, brother and his favorite scripture
    Jacob’s favorite people-Nana and Nick- and his favorite scripture!

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  • Blog, schedules

    How Preparing Our Son with Autism for Doctor Visits Gives Success!

    How-Preparing-Our-Son-with-Autism-for-Doctor-Visits-Gives-Success
    Have a plan and prepare days ahead of the doctors appointment!

    Jacob loves going to the doctor now that he’s older, but trust me, it wasn’t always this way. If you’re a parent of a child with autism, you know that new experiences, especially something like a doctor visit, can be incredibly challenging. When Jacob was younger, we quickly realized that we needed a plan to make these visits successful, so we started preparing him by modeling—playing doctor at home—what would probably happen at the doctor’s office. 🎮👨‍⚕️

    As autism parents, we deal with a complex set of behaviors in reaction to an equally complex set of issues, from sensory sensitivities to language processing difficulties, and challenges with expressing feelings. It can feel overwhelming, especially when facing something that doesn’t happen often, like a doctor’s visit. But having a plan, no matter the situation, can make all the difference in the world. 🌍

    In this post, I’ll share how we turned what could have been a stressful experience into a smooth and even enjoyable one for Jacob—and how you can do the same for your child. Let’s dive into the strategies that have worked for us and can work for you too! https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/autism-and-doctor-visits-family-seeks-help-ease-daughters-fears 🩺✨

    Preparing Our Son with Autism for Doctor Visits!🩺✨

    When Jacob was younger, doctor visits were anything but smooth. Meltdowns triggered by sensory issues and anxiety over anything new were a common struggle for us. If you’re an autism parent, you probably know this story all too well. But after Jacob’s diagnosis and learning more about autism, we found ways to make these experiences less stressful and more manageable.

     

    The Power of Visual Schedules 📅

    One of the first tools we introduced was visual schedules. These were a game-changer in helping Jacob understand his day and our expectations. When it was time for something new, like a scary doctor’s appointment, we practiced in the days leading up to it. Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩

    By playing doctor at home—with a toy stethoscope, thermometer, checking ears, and even a pretend shot—Jacob began to understand what to expect. This practice helped reduce his anxiety because he knew what was coming, even if the situation was still unfamiliar.

    Role-Playing and Media for Success 🎮👨‍⚕️🎥

    Role-playing was another crucial strategy. It’s one thing to tell your child what will happen, but acting it out makes a world of difference. Jacob got used to the idea of being at the doctor’s office through our pretend play. While it wasn’t easy at first, especially when dealing with the unfamiliar, it laid the groundwork for smoother visits in the future.

    In addition to role-playing, we found that using movies and YouTube videos about doctor visits also helped Jacob understand what was coming. Seeing other children go through similar experiences on screen made the whole process less intimidating for him. We also used books that explained doctor visits in a simple, relatable way. These resources became a part of our preparation routine, helping Jacob feel more prepared and less anxious. 👉 Here is an amazon Melissa and Doug doctor set.

    Each visit became less daunting as he began to associate the routine with something familiar. The early days were tough, but the consistent practice, visual schedules, and media preparation meant that there were fewer major meltdowns. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress, and that’s what mattered most.

    Additional Strategies for Doctor Visit Success 🧸📚

    Over time, we added more strategies to our toolkit to make doctor visits more manageable:

    • Bring a non-messy drink/snack: Keeping Jacob’s hands and mouth busy helped reduce anxiety.
    • Coloring books or favorite books: These were perfect for waiting room distractions.
    • Preferred items: A stuffed animal, blanket, or other comfort item made him feel more secure.
    • iPad/Kindle or learning toy: These were lifesavers during longer waits, offering both distraction and comfort.

    These small, thoughtful additions helped Jacob stay calm and focused, making the entire experience more bearable for him—and for us. Keeping him busy was a way to keep his mind occupied and lessen anxiety.

    The Reward at the End 🎁
    Celebrate-all-small-wins-and-Completion-of-the-schedule
    Celebrating even the small wins, shows your child how to be excited by completing/learning something new!

    Another key component of our approach was adding a treat to Jacob’s visual schedule that would come after the doctor visit. Whether it was a favorite snack, a trip to the park, or watching a favorite movie, this gave him something to look forward to and helped keep his anxiety in check. It was not a bribe given before to try and get him to comply but something to look forward to afterwards.

    Whenever I saw the anxiety start to creep in, I’d remind him of the fun that was waiting for him after the visit. Sometimes, I’d even throw out one of his favorite movie quotes to distract him. Jacob loves quoting movies, so this often turned into a fun exchange, easing his nerves and bringing a smile to his face. “How to create a personalized schedule for children with autism”

    Involving the Doctor and Nurse 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

    What surprised me was how quickly the nurse or doctor would catch on to our little game. They’d join in, using quotes or engaging with Jacob in a way that made the whole experience less intimidating. This team effort made a huge difference, turning what could have been a meltdown into a moment of connection.

    Preparation Leads to Success 🌟

    Preparing your child with autism for something as challenging as a doctor visit is not easy, but it is possible. With visual schedules, role-playing, and thoughtful strategies like bringing comfort items, using movies and videos, and providing rewards, you can help make these experiences smoother and less stressful. Every little bit of preparation helps, turning what could be a scary experience into a more manageable one.

    Remember, it’s all about taking small steps forward and celebrating the progress, no matter how small. Your child’s success is your success, and together, you can navigate these challenges with confidence.

     

    Autism Coach picture for CEO Coaching Directory
    👉  Autism Parent Coaching, part of the CEO Coaching Community.

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    4 Things I Wish I Would Have Known After Getting the Autism Diagnosis

    4-Things-I-Wish-I-Would-Have-Known-After-Getting-the-Autism-Diagnosis
    We all need help and support on this autism journey.

    Autism Diagnosis Tips for Parents

    When I first heard the words “autism diagnosis” for Jacob, my world spun into chaos. I felt like I was fumbling through a fog, unsure of what to do or where to turn. I’m here to share autism diagnosis tips for parents. If you’re reading this, you’re likely on a similar journey, and I want to share four crucial lessons I’ve learned along the way. These strategies have been a beacon of hope and structure for our family, and I hope they can guide you too.

    Autism Tips for Parents Visual Schedules

    What I Wish I Knew:
    Visual schedules are a game-changer for children with autism. This is my big tip for parents getting an autism diagnosis.They provide structure and predictability, helping your child understand what to expect and when.📅 

    Why It’s Important:

    – Reduces Anxiety: Knowing what comes next helps your child feel more secure. For Jacob, having a clear visual schedule transformed his daily experience from chaos to calm. 🧘‍♂️

    – Improves Transition: Visual schedules make it easier for your child to move from one activity to another without meltdowns. Transitions became smoother for Jacob once we implemented this strategy. 🚦

    – Encourages Independence: Your child can learn to follow routines independently. Jacob learned to manage his own day, which boosted his confidence and autonomy. 🏆

    How to Implement:

    – Use images, symbols, or photos to create a daily schedule.
    – Keep it simple and consistent, especially at the beginning.
    – Gradually introduce more complex tasks as your child becomes comfortable.

    Tip: Start with a morning routine and build from there. Consistency is key!

     

    Build a Strong Support Network 👪

    What I Wish I Knew:
    You’re not in this alone! My next autism diagnosis tip for parents! Building a support network can make a huge difference for you and your child.

    Why It’s Important:

    – Emotional Support: Connect with other parents who understand your journey. This sense of community can be incredibly comforting. 🤝

    – Resource Sharing: Learn from others’ experiences and get advice on therapies and services. Other parents often have insights and tips that can be invaluable. 💡

    – Community Connection: Create a sense of belonging for your child and family. Having a support network helps everyone feel less isolated. 🌍

    How to Implement:

    – Join local and online autism support groups.
    – Connect with professionals who specialize in autism.
    – Reach out to family and friends for support.

    Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Support is a powerful tool!

     

    Prioritize Sensory-Friendly Environments 🧩

    What I Wish I Knew:
    Next, on my list of autism diagnosis tips for parents that battle sensory issues. Children with autism often have unique sensory needs. Creating a sensory-friendly environment can enhance your child’s comfort and ability to learn.

    Why It’s Important:

    – Enhances Focus: Reduces sensory overload, allowing your child to concentrate better. This was crucial for Jacob, who could become overwhelmed by certain stimuli. 🎯

    – Promotes Calmness: A calming environment helps regulate emotions and behavior. A peaceful setting can prevent or de-escalate potential meltdowns. 🌿

    – Supports Development: Sensory-friendly spaces can aid in learning and growth. Jacob thrived in an environment tailored to his sensory needs. 🌱

    How to Implement:

    – Identify your child’s sensory triggers and preferences.
    – Adjust lighting, noise, and textures in your home to suit your child’s needs.
    – Create a designated calm-down area with sensory tools and toys.

    Tip: A simple sensory bin or fidget toy can work wonders for self-regulation!

     

    Learn and Adapt with Your Child 📚
    Finding-your-rhythm-after-an-autism-diagnosis-is-possible
    Consistency and confidence will come with action! Always learning.

    What I Wish I Knew:
    Every child with autism is unique, and so is their journey. Be prepared to learn and adapt as you discover what works best for your child. Read  👉🏼Autism Diagnosis: My Home Was in Chaos and I Felt Like a Terrible Mom!

    Why It’s Important:

    – Individualized Learning: No one-size-fits-all approach exists. Each child’s needs and strengths are different. Jacob taught us that flexibility and adaptation were key. 🔍

    – Continuous Growth: Your child will change and grow, and your strategies should evolve too. Stay open to new methods and insights. 🌈

    – Parental Empowerment: As you learn alongside your child, you’ll become more empowered and confident in your parenting skills. 💪

    How to Implement:

    – Stay informed about autism research and therapies.
    – Be open to trying new strategies and tools.
    – Embrace the journey and celebrate the unique qualities of your child.

    Tip: Keep a journal to track your child’s progress and reflect on your own growth as a parent. Celebrate your wins too!

     

    Applying the CALM Framework to Our Journey

    When Jacob was diagnosed, we developed our CALM framework to guide us through the challenges:

    1. Consistent Action Forward (C)
    – Build routines and stick to them. Consistency helps create a stable environment that reduces anxiety.

    2. Always Celebrate Wins (A)
    – Acknowledge every success, no matter how small. Celebrating milestones fosters a positive atmosphere.

    3. Learning to Create Schedules (L)
    – Use visual schedules to bring peace and order. They help your child understand their day and reduce stress.

    4. Mindset Matters (M)
    – Embrace the journey with a positive outlook. Remember, you are your child’s greatest advocate. How does mindset change things when raising a child with autism? 🧩

    CALM-frameworks-for-educatingjacob.com
    CALM over Chaos and frustration!
    Final Thoughts 🌟

    Last, on my list of autism diagnosis tips for parents Raising a child with autism is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. By applying the CALM framework—Consistent Action, Always Celebrate Wins, Learning to Create Schedules, and Mindset—you can create a nurturing environment where your child can thrive. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children. 💙 Here’s a blog post about an adult diagnosis: https://www.duchessofneverland.com/home/autism-diagnosis

    Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s support each other on this journey! 📢💬 Want more info, download the ebook! https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

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    Autism Awareness happened in April? Jacob’s Autism Education and schedule.

    Autism Awareness Happened in April?

    Autism Journey
    Follow our journey so you can learn from our mistakes and success’s!

    In a world where understanding and acceptance are vital, autism awareness isn’t just for April. Autism, a complex neurological condition, affects millions of individuals globally. Education empowers individuals with autism to develop their full potential by providing them with the necessary tools and skills to navigate the world. Parents do not have to have a specialized degree to help their child succeed! 🌟

    By embracing autism awareness and autism education, we create an inclusive society that celebrates diversity and fosters empathy. It enables educators, parents, and communities to provide appropriate support and intervention, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism.🧩

     

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 📚

    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition affecting communication, interaction, and information processing. The spectrum means symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Some may have significant communication challenges, while others excel in specific areas like math or music.

     

    Jacob, my son, has faced significant challenges with communication and social interactions due to his autism. However, through tailored educational strategies, he’s made incredible progress in expressing himself and engaging with others.

    Sensory Processing Differences 🌈

    One of the key features of autism is the way individuals process sensory information. Many individuals with autism are either hyper-sensitive or hypo-sensitive to certain stimuli, such as sounds, textures, or lights. This can lead to sensory overload, which can be overwhelming and distressing. Understanding the sensory processing differences experienced by individuals with autism is crucial in providing them with the support and accommodations they need to thrive.Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩

    Social Interaction and Relationships 🤝
    Create Social Interaction and Relationships for your child with autism🤝
    Create Social Interaction and Relationships for your child with autism🤝

    Another important aspect of autism is the way individuals on the spectrum approach social interactions and relationships. Jacob, for example, struggles with understanding social cues, reading facial expressions, and engaging in back-and-forth conversations. This leads to challenges in forming and maintaining friendships and relationships. However, it’s important to recognize that individuals with autism have a unique perspective on the world and can often offer valuable insights and contributions to their communities.

    Common Misconceptions About Autism ❌

    One of the most common misconceptions about autism is that it is a mental illness or a sign of intellectual disability. In reality, autism is a neurological condition that affects how an individual processes information and interacts with the world. Many individuals with autism have average or above-average intelligence, and their unique way of thinking can be a valuable asset.

     

    The Impact of Education on Autism Awareness 🎓

     

    Education plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of individuals with autism. Accurate information and resources can dispel myths, combat stigma, and empower those with autism to reach their full potential. Educators, parents, and community members can better support individuals with autism by understanding their unique sensory needs, communication styles, and social challenges. The best schoolwork jobs and schedules for students at home in 2023!

    As a teacher who has a son on the autism spectrum, this would rally support to others in school who had difficulties. My students would come and tell me how they helped a student or informed another teacher of a student who was struggling because of their autism. They would then offer help or explain what they thought was wrong and how the teacher could help. It was amazing!

    For Jacob, education has been transformative. His visual schedules and structured routines have helped him understand his daily activities, reducing anxiety and improving his ability to transition between tasks.

    Promoting Autism Awareness in Schools 🏫

    Schools play a critical role in promoting autism awareness and creating inclusive environments for students with autism. By integrating autism education into the curriculum, schools can empower students to understand and appreciate the diversity of human experiences, including those of individuals with autism.

    Autism-Specific Training for Educators 🎓
    Autism-Specific Training for Educators 🎓
    We need trainings that will give hands on activities for students! (think visual schedules and work activites)

    One effective way to promote autism awareness in schools is through the implementation of autism-specific training and professional development programs for educators. These programs can equip teachers with the knowledge and strategies they need to create inclusive classrooms that cater to the unique needs of students with autism. This includes learning about effective teaching methods, such as visual supports, structured schedules, and sensory-friendly environments, as well as strategies for fostering social-emotional learning and positive behavior support. Check out this post: 👉 https://www.healthline.com/health/visual-schedule-autism

    Student-Led Initiatives and Awareness Campaigns 🎉

    In addition to educator training, schools can also promote autism awareness through student-led initiatives and awareness campaigns. This can include hosting autism awareness events, creating inclusive clubs or extracurricular activities, and encouraging students to engage in peer-to-peer mentoring and support programs. By involving students in these initiatives, schools can cultivate a culture of empathy, understanding, and acceptance, where all students feel valued and supported.

    Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Classroom Environment 🌟
    1. Visual Support: Implementing visual aids such as schedules and task lists can help students with autism understand and navigate their day. Jacob thrives with visual schedules that outline his daily tasks, making him feel more secure and in control.

     

    1. Sensory-Friendly Accommodations: Providing tools like noise-cancelling headphones or quiet spaces can help manage sensory input. Jacob uses noise-cancelling headphones to cope with overwhelming environments.

     

    1. Social-Emotional Learning: Teaching social skills and fostering peer support encourages empathy and understanding among students. Jacob has benefited from social stories that help him understand and practice social interactions.
    The Role of Parents in Supporting Autism Education 👪

    Parents play a vital role in supporting the education and development of their children with autism. Parents can work closely with educators and administrators to ensure their child’s educational experience is tailored to their unique strengths and challenges.

    One key responsibility of parents is to provide educators with comprehensive information about their child’s autism, including their communication style, sensory needs, and learning preferences. This information can help educators develop effective strategies and accommodations to support the student’s academic and social-emotional growth. Parents can also work with educators to create individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans that outline the specific supports and services their child requires.

    Parents play a vital role in supporting their children’s education and development. Providing educators information about their child’s autism, such as communication style and sensory needs. This can help tailor effective strategies and accommodations. Collaboration between parents and educators creates a supportive environment that fosters growth and independence for children with autism.

     

    Jacob thrives daily using simple schedules that help him understand his day and our expectations. The schedules are a way to communicate and live independently for Jacob. He is able to have a day where he accomplishes work, chores, and interactions with his family and the community.  What if you have a plan for your child with autism? A Great Life.

    Resources for Autism Education and Awareness 📚

    There are resources available to support autism education and awareness, both for educators and the general public. These resources can provide valuable information, strategies, and tools to help create inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with autism. https://www.autismspeaks.org/

    Autism Society of America, a resource that offers educational materials, and support services for individuals with autism and their families. The organization’s website, https://www.autism-society.org, provides resources on topics such as early intervention, education, employment, and community engagement.

    Additionally, another resource is the National Autism Center,  focuses on evidence-based practices for supporting individuals with autism. The center’s website,

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