schedules

  • Blog, schedules

    Autism and the Holidays: Shaping the Season with a Positive Mindset

    autism and holidays, Relax with a date night to kick off the holiday month!
    Date Night! #ZachWilliams

    Ah, the early years of dealing with autism, how to have autism and holidays? The days were a rollercoaster of emotions – anxiety, stress, depression, and yes, let’s not forget the ever-present financial strain from therapies not covered by insurance. But hey, welcome to the world of parenting a child with autism, right? https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/home-holidays-ways-make-sure-your-autistic-child-enjoys-their-break

    Rolling in the Memories 🎢

    family and christmas time
    Jacob’s dad David and Older brother Nicholas!

    Fast forward a couple of decades, and I’ve not only survived numerous family holidays but also successfully guided my students through adapting to change and finding joy along the way.

    From those early, challenging years to the present day, I’ve learned that having a plan and setting boundaries for myself and my son can turn the holiday season into a time of joy and happiness. I’ve realized that, just like my son, I need structure during this bustling time of year. It’s all about keeping my own days from falling apart, because when they do, well, let’s just say it’s like inviting old pals Anxiety, Stress, and Depression back into my life. And we’re not on speaking terms anymore! Let’s make a plan for autism and holidays. Why these 3 boundaries are desperately needed for my autistic son?

    The Jolly Watchlist 📺

    autism and holidays, Movies we watch in December!
    Movies we watch in December!

    I absolutely adore the holidays, but I’ll be the first to admit that my decorations don’t rival a winter wonderland anymore. My mental bandwidth sometimes resembles a traffic jam, and I don’t always have the time and energy for elaborate decor. But I’m working on it! I do cherish those twinkling lights, and I’m the first one to set up the Christmas tree, queue up the holiday movies, and plan Advent activities to teach Jacob about the birth of Christ.

    Movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “While You Were Sleeping,” “Heat Miser, Snow Miser,” “The Grinch,” and “Home Alone” are like little parcels of joy. They infuse the holiday spirit into our hearts and remind us that this season is about warmth, love, and laughter.

    Set Boundaries, Savor Moments 🎁

    So, what’s the secret to keeping your holiday spirits high? Have a plan, and set boundaries. Not everything that comes your way needs a ‘yes.’ For instance, I’ve learned that taking Jake to bustling, noisy places or disrupting his routine doesn’t bring me joy; it brings stress. So, as much as I’d love to say yes to every invite, I have to prioritize his needs and have a caregiver in place when I can’t be there.

    Don’t feel guilty about your boundaries; embrace them, and savor the moments. Inside, I decorate to create a festive atmosphere, watch heartwarming movies, bake cookies, and sip hot cocoa.

    Self-Care Is the Best Gift 🌟

    I’ve also learned the importance of self-care, not just professional development. I indulge in reading for pleasure, especially action-packed books – a brief escape from the daily challenges of being a boy mom. Long baths are a luxury I occasionally treat myself to. Finding time for exercise is a goal I’m still working on. After a day filled with special needs at home and school, I often suffer from decision fatigue and every other kind of fatigue imaginable. But I’m learning to plan better, particularly for meals and exercise.

    In the end, it’s all about maintaining that positive mindset. With a plan, boundaries, a touch of self-care, and a sprinkle of holiday joy, the holiday season can be a time of joy, even for parents of children with autism. So here’s to embracing where you are and enjoying life, one festive moment at a time! 🎄🧡 #positivemindset How Jacob has success daily without anxiety. #autismchallenges

    Holiday Mindset 🎄
    autism and holidays, Advent activities for Jacob!
    Advent activities for Jacob!

    So, as we dive headfirst into the holiday season, remember, don’t compare your life or your child’s journey to anyone else’s. Celebrate where you are, and how far you’ve come. Life is a unique journey, and no two paths are the same. Keep a journal if it helps; it’s a wonderful way to witness the progress you and your child have made over the years. Here’s a previous blog post if you want more tips: 5 ways to regain my calm when my special needs child is dancing on my last nerve!

    Through all the highs and lows, the challenges, and the laughter, we’re moving forward. We’re blessed with the opportunity to love, learn, and grow with our extraordinary children. 🌟📖💪 #movingforward #blessed

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  • Blog, schedules

    Why Hurting My Back and Foot Was So Scary: A Parent’s Journey with Autism

     

    Foot pain, Morton's neuroma
    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.

    The Aging Realization:

    Sciatica, Mortons neuroma a week before Christmas Break! Sciatica and Mortons Neuroma

    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:

    Schedules for autism saved the day
    #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.

    Merry Christmas, everyone! 🌟🎄🎁

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  • Blog, schedules

    Beyond the Chaos: Scheduling 101 Class for Special Needs Children

    Jacob_reading_when_he_first_started_using_schedules
    This is Jacob reading a story book that was in his first_then work schedule!

    Beyond the chaos:

    Hold on Tight: The Rollercoaster Begins .  My son Jacob, bless his heart, decides it’s time for an emotional rollercoaster ride, and I’m just here, trying not to fall off the emotional rollercoaster myself. 🎢

    You see, our home, thanks to Jacob’s autism, resembles something like a tornado hit it regularly. Remember that joke about the first child being an angel, and then the second child coming along to prove that theory wrong? Well, autism walked into our lives and said, “Hold my juice box!” Chaos, storms, and frustration, anyone? 🌀 🤪

    Need help regaining your calm? Check out this previous blog post: https://educatingjacob.com/5-ways-to-regain-my-calm-when-my-special-needs-child-is-dancing-on-my-last-nerve/

    The Colossal Challenges

    These challenges are colossal, like trying to fit a giraffe into a Mini Cooper. 🦒 Feeling isolated, drowning in paperwork, and dealing with doctors and insurance companies become a daily sport.

    Whack-a-Mole: Battling Behaviors with Pool Noodles

    It’s like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, but the moles are challenging behaviors, and the mallet is a pool noodle. 🏊 Oh, and the ticket to the game is depression. Yeah, fun times.🔨

    Mastering the Schedule: Finding Clarity and Flexibility

    Thankfully, my superhero cape-wearing family and friends have kept me from succumbing to a life of perpetual pool noodle whacking. I still get frustrated and depressed sometimes, but now I have my trusty sidekick, “Jacob’s Daily Schedule,” by my side. 📅

    What I needed was the proper mindset, I needed to know why the schedule was important for Jacob and for our family. Then through trial and error I learned to create the perfect schedules for us. It’s always centered around Jacob and how to help him. This keeps our family moving forward.

    You have to get clear on your challenges and then use a simple schedule to start yourself off and build on that until you’ve mastered what is needed. Life is constantly changing and once you’ve learned how to create schedules it’s not hard to course correct and make small changes when needed!🔄🧠

     

    Roadmap for choices
    Use schedules with built in choice for connection and learning!                                                       

    The Power of Schedules:

    Roadmap to success! Use a schedule, be consistent, and celebrate all wins!

    I used to feel like I was blindfolded, trying to solve a puzzle with shape-shifting pieces. 🧩 Then, I discovered visual schedules, and it was like I found the cheat code to the game of parenting. Schedules are your roadmap!

    Picture this: Jacob and I are now on an epic quest.The sensory challenges are our dragons, and our visual schedules are our treasure maps. And let’s not forget the rewards – stickers, high-fives, maybe even some chocolate. 🍫🛡️ 🗺️

    We’ve turned chores into quests. Jacob, now known as the “Kitchen Crusader,” conquers not just chores, but life itself. As parents, we’re the wizards, guiding our children through the magical world of responsibilities. Let the chore-adventures begin! 🎉✨

    Creating Effective Schedules:

    The zippered bags contain school work and a short book to read.
    Jacob’s daily school bags for the week!

    Visual schedules are like vibrant canvases that promise adventure. It’s like our daily to-do list became a treasure map. For Jacob, chores turned into thrilling quests, and sensory sensitivities were banished like villains from a fairy tale.

    Unlocking the Mysteries of Zippered Bags

    Those zippered bags you see? They’re not just bags; they’re portals to another dimension. One contains school work – the realm of knowledge. Another holds chapter books – the doorway to countless adventures. And the larger garment bags? Well, they’re Jacob’s wardrobe for the week, neatly hung up like a knight’s armor, ready for duty. 🎒 🛡️

    A Week in Advance: Why the Plan Matters

    Everything is planned out a week in advance, and why is that important? Because if Jacob doesn’t have a plan for his day, he will experience anxiety when there are unexpected transitions. Imagine interrupting a grand quest to slay dragons – not a good idea! Plus, with processing language delays, it’s like trying to decipher ancient runes on the fly. 📅 🐉

    Fashion Forward with Clothes Schedules

    The clothes schedule gives him sensory-friendly but decent clothes for the community already picked out. It’s like having a superhero costume ready for action – no fuss, no muss, just heroic flair! 👔 🦸‍♂️

    Ready for Life’s Twists and Turns

    Life gives the unexpected, and our children need to be ready and able to handle the changes. But fear not! With the structure of a schedule, they’re like seasoned adventurers equipped with a map and compass. They can navigate the twists and turns with confidence, knowing that they have a plan in place. 🛤️ 🗺️

    Course Correcting with Ease

    So, when we need to course correct for unexpected transitions, it’s like adjusting the sails on a ship. With the routine of a schedule already in place, it’s not a daunting task; it’s just a gentle nudge in the right direction. Smooth sailing ahead! 🔄 ⛵

    Embracing the Future

    Now, all we need to do is adjust the schedule and let them see what’s coming. It’s a new transition, but easier because it’s within the confines of a routine they’re comfortable with already. With schedules as our trusty guides, the future looks bright, and the adventures ahead are limitless! 🔮 🌟

    If you want to look into some community events that are designed with your children in mind and already set up for success, see if you have an Autism Society locally, If you live in NC, check this out: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/autism-society-of-north-carolina-6867453005

    Remember, in this adventure called life, we’re here to help and support each other. Together, we’re stronger. I’m praying for you, my friends! 🌟 #AutismAwareness

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  • Blog, schedules

    3 ways to Generalize your child’s skills. Include family, friends and school.

    Help your child generalize skills learned.
    Help your child generalize skills learned.

    3 Clever Ways to Help Your Child’s Skills Travel

    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.

    If you have a child on the autism spectrum like I do here is another blog post you may enjoy: https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/he-has-mastered-this-skill-at-home-why-doesnt-he-do-it-anywhere-else/

    Homework Time: Not Just for School

    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.

    If you need help and suggestions for schoolwork motivation and schedules check out my previous blog post: https://educatingjacob.com/slug-boost-homework-motivation-daily-schedules/

    Hashtag Family
    #family, #friends
    Family and Friends: The Support Squad

    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) 📚

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