schedules

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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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    Teaching my son with autism to read was a huge accomplishment!

    Jacob completing a writing assignment on his chalkboard wall in his room.
    Jacob doing a writing assignment!

    A Surprising Start to Our Autism Journey

    When autism hit our family, it hit like a ton of bewildering bricks. Teaching my son to read, speak or just about anything was a challenge. We were as clueless as clueless could be, armed with nothing more than our viewing of “Rain Man” as our crash course in autism. No mentors, no guidebooks, just us, trying to make sense of it all. Our teaching that worked with our first son did not work. Teaching Nicholas to do almost anything including reading was a breeze! https://www.beginlearning.com/parent-resources/how-to-teach-a-child-to-read/

    Teaching My Son to Read

    But, hey, we did have a friend who homeschooled her own kids. And that, my friends, was our ticket to the wild world of homeschooling. Jacob had done a stint in public school for preschool and kindergarten. As those crucial early years came to a close, we decided to take the plunge and bring him home for homeschooling. I researched and bought materials for schooling my children and got started.

    Diving into the Deep End of Homeschooling

    So, there I was, diving headfirst into this ocean of uncertainty. I read books, surfed websites, and clung to my homeschooling guru friend like a lifebuoy. I ordered curriculum for two kids because my older son, Nicholas, wanted in on the action. He became the extracurricular activities and book picker, and off we went, wading into uncharted waters.

    Officially Homeschooling

    We registered ourselves with the state as a homeschool, gave ourselves a name (because why not?), and I became the official administrator. Nicholas was a breeze to teach, but Jacob, oh Jacob, with his autism quirks and speech challenges, was a different story.

    Creative Homeschooling Tactics

    Jacobs-activities-lined-the-couch-with-an-all-done-bin-on-the-floor
    Jacob’s activities lined the couch with an all done bin on the floor, very easy for him to understand!

    Our homeschooling sessions involved singing the ABCs during bath time (foam letters included!), bouncing on a rebounder while tackling flashcards, and counting and word games on the outdoor swing. Movement was Jacob’s magic ingredient for speech, so we embraced it wholeheartedly. It also made learning a lot more fun. This link shows how comprehension is challenging for our children with autism.  https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/autism-spectrum-disorder/articles/reading-comprehension-and-autism-primary-general-education

    The Calm in the Storm

    Nicholas, bless his heart, was the calm amidst our storm. Some days, Jacob and I would wrap up our lessons in tears. It usually ended with Jacob going to his room, me heading to mine, and Nicholas taking charge of soothing his brother. He’d build intricate train tracks and cue up a Thomas the Tank Engine movie. And then, he’d come to me with an offer of popcorn and Dr. Pepper because he knew they were my favorites. Smart kid!

    Not a Teacher Yet

    I wasn’t a teacher when we started this adventure; I decided to become a Special Education teacher later, thinking I needed the qualification to help my son. In reality, I didn’t. Jacob and I tackled the hard part before I ever got that degree. We taught each other.

    The Proud Moment

    I was just a mom, desperate and determined not to give up. I knew Jacob better than anyone, and I used that knowledge to our advantage. We turned every opportunity into a learning moment and incorporated everything he loved.

    Jacob reading, also part of his daily schedule.
    Jacob couldn’t read yet, but it was still part of his daily schedule!

    Teaching Triumph

    Teaching Jacob to read is a greater source of pride for me than my Master’s degree in Special Education. I taught him to read and write before I even had that degree. The Jacob School of Life taught me more than any classroom could.

    Challenges and Rewards

    Teaching any child to read is no walk in the park, and when you add disabilities to the mix, it’s a real uphill climb. You’ve got to connect with your student on a profound level, using every trick in the book to make it easier for them. Find ways to incorporate what they already love into the learning process.

    Celebrating Small Wins

    Jacob loved movies, trains, and video games (like father, like son). He adored movement and water, so we used all these things every single day until that light bulb moment finally happened. We celebrated every tiny milestone like it was the Super Bowl, and let me tell you, the victory dances were legendary.

    Don’t Give Up

    On the tough days, the ones that ended with me retreating to my room, tears streaming, feeling utterly unworthy, I didn’t give up. I’m here to tell you, you’re worthy, and your child needs you. Don’t throw in the towel; don’t give in. Celebrate every single accomplishment, no matter how minuscule. Because when you look back, you’ll see just how far you’ve come, and it’ll be a sight to behold.

    Tired and frustrated shows up for all moms
    Tired and frustrated? Try something new, create a schedule“How to create a personalized schedule for children with autism”!

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    How I made it through the holidays without chaos and anxiety on autism island.

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    Surviving the Holidays on Autism Island will require a plan my friend. The holidays, a time of joy, laughter, and… chaos? If you’re a parent navigating the festive season with a child on the autism spectrum, you probably know that the holiday script often comes with some unexpected twists. But fear not, fellow parents! I’m here to share my hilarious escapades and top tips on how I made it through the holidays without succumbing to chaos and anxiety on what I lovingly call ‘Autism Island.’ Who knew there was a real place, other than the homes of families who have a child with autism! Check this place out 👉 https://islandautism.org/about-us/island-autism-center/

    Surviving the Holidays on Autism Island

    Travel during the holidays can be a nightmare for anyone, let alone when you have a child with autism. But this year, I decided to take the road less traveled, literally. We stayed home. No packing, no planning, and definitely no airport meltdowns. It was a laid-back Thanksgiving and Christmas, and boy, did it take a load off everyone’s plate (pun intended). Jacob, my autism superhero, still followed his trusty schedule, but everything was decked out in holiday glory, making it extra fun.

    Now, if you do need to venture beyond Autism Island, a visual schedule is your golden ticket. It’s like a roadmap for your child, helping them understand what’s coming up ahead of time. Remember, familiarity reduces anxiety, and that’s the secret sauce for a meltdown-free journey. And don’t forget to pack a travel kit with all of your child’s favorite things, from activities to a bit of schoolwork. Hey, it’s a comfort thing, and it’s on the schedule, so it’s all good.

    Where Routine Meets Relatives on Autism Island

    Staying home for the holidays? Fantastic, right? Well, not according to Jacob. The moment I was off work for two weeks due to school break, he decided he wanted me back at work during week one! I mean, I do a lot for Jacob, but family being home when they’re supposed to be at work? That’s a plot twist he wasn’t prepared for. So, cue the calendar again to gently warn him of these schedule shake-ups.

    Surprisingly, he never tries to send his brother off to work or back home. Clearly we need strategy and planning to guide “Surviving the Holidays on Autism Island”. I guess his brother doesn’t mess with the schedule like I do! (Or maybe he’s just way cooler; who knows?)

    Surviving the Holidays on Autism Island. Jake's brother Nick never gets sent back to work
    The ‘cool’ brother! He is always asking for his brother to come home.

    Making the Holiday Fun: When You’re Running on Holiday Fumes

    Foot pain, Morton's neuroma
    Electrical Stimulation to relieve pain and swelling!

    Let’s talk about making the holiday fun on Autism Island. I confess; I could’ve done better this year. With a bum foot and exhaustion levels that could rival a hibernating bear, my enthusiasm didn’t quite match Jacob’s holiday energy. But fear not, all the traditional holiday activities were in play. Jacob had his favorite holiday movies, cookies, and more, so we were good to go.

    Jacob gets a say in decorating and picking out holiday treats because having choices makes the holiday experience more enjoyable for him. Involving him in these decisions also helps him feel in control and engaged with the family.

    Sensory Sensibility: Navigating the Tides of Sensory Overload

    A-little-planning-goes-a-long-way
    Pack the sensory friendly clothes, work and headphones!

    Sensory overload? It’s the iceberg to our holiday Titanic. Always think of sensory issues and plan ahead. Comfortable clothes, noise-canceling headphones for those anticipated loud visitors—anything to keep sensory overload at bay is a winner.

    I’ve learned not to force Jacob into activities if he’s showing signs of anxiety. Instead, I steer him toward something more comfortable, letting him rejoin when he’s ready. Pushing him to stay at the Christmas tree opening presents isn’t a good idea if it leads to a meltdown. He can take a break and return when he’s calm.

    Every holiday doesn’t have to be a mirror image of the last. We’ve learned to set boundaries, keep things fun, and be open to schedule changes and regrouping.

    So, here’s to surviving the holidays on Autism Island with humor, love, and a pinch of flexibility. It might not always go according to plan, but when has that ever stopped us? Cheers to holiday adventures, Autism Island-style! 🎄😄

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