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

    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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  • Blog, schedules

    3 Simple ways to use choices to make connections and learning fun for those on Autism Spectrum!

    Monday_Friday_Work_Schedule_Pouches
    This is a picture of Jacob’s Monday-Friday zippered pouches that hold his school work!

    First, I created schedules for Jacob so that he could choose the order in which they were completed. Second, Jacob could choose what activities he wanted to do once the schedule was done. Third, by using schedules with built-in choices, I gave Jacob the predictability and structure that he needs to keep anxiety and emotional regulation in check. 📅✅

    Choices are like the secret weapons in our arsenal of connection and learning, especially when it comes to navigating the labyrinth of the autism spectrum. If you’re on this roller coaster of a ride, you know that sometimes it’s like having Darth Vader unexpectedly show up in a rom-com movie – a mix of surprises, challenges, and a few laughs along the way. 🎢🧩😄

    Jacob’s Journey: From Chore Dread to Delight

    celebrate all tasks and chores completed by your child on autism spectrum
    Celebrate all tasks and chores completed!

    Enter Jacob, our household hero 🦸‍♂️ who embarked on a chore journey that promised both epic battles and heartwarming victories. Picture this: the first time we floated the idea of chores, I was half-expecting dramatic background music à la Darth Vader’s theme – because, let’s be honest, even chores can feel like an intergalactic quest. 🎶🌌

    Armed with Patience, Creativity, and Humor

    But fear not, fellow adventurers, because we faced this challenge armed with an unshakable combo of patience, creativity, and yes, a touch of humor. With lightsabers… okay, maybe not actual lightsabers, but definitely a light-hearted approach, we ventured to transform Jacob’s perspective on chores from dread to delight. 💡✨😄

    Transforming Mundane Tasks into Cosmic Missions

    At the core of this transformation were three simple yet potent tips that held the power to rewrite the chore playbook. We delved into the world of schedules, weaving choices into Jacob’s day that resonated with his quest for predictability. These choices became more than just checkboxes; they were his way of cracking the code of the world around him, a chance to have his say in the grand cosmic dance. 📅✅🌟

    Empowerment Through Choice: A Path to Connection

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

    Jacob has problems with receptive and expressive language. Having a conversation isn’t happening, and he will shut down because it takes too long to process. He loves movies and quotes from them because they say the same thing every time. Speaking with a person is different every time. 🗣️🤐🎬

    Schedules are short, sweet and easy for Jacob to understand! It eases his anxiety for the day and gives him the predictability he needs to help regulate his emotions. 📅✨😌

    Choices at Home: More Than Chores

    Giving Jacob choices in the form of visuals, or a schedule where he can choose when to complete something during his day makes him empowered and confident. It also makes him happy and connected with me for helping him understand. It also shows I care to include the choices he enjoys along with chores that need to be done as part of the family. 🎨⏰😊👩‍👦‍👦

    movies_drawing_fun
    This is Jacob drawing something from a movie cover after homework is complete!
    Choices at School: Bridging Learning and Connection 🏫

    At school during the day, I’m a special education teacher. I give my students schedules based on their present level in academic areas, and choices after the work are based on their preferences. 📚👩‍🏫

    Creating Independence and Connection 🌟

    If they complete my work, they are allowed to do activities that are more to their liking. They are more willing to do my work and are happy to come to my room for work when they feel they will have a say in what happens there. 🙌😊

    If you are looking for something just for your child on the spectrum you might look into activities like summer camp through the Autism Society. Check out this post: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/embracing-spectrum-12194587/winning-lottery-2729998147

    Jacob’s Journey: Visual Schedules and Independence 🛤️

    In the beginning of Jacob’s journey, in order to get Jacob to understand his day, we used visual schedules. His day was a series of pictures that told him what to do; he also had pictures of activities that he loved to do placed in between work or chores to keep him happy and moving through the day. 🖼️🕒

    Nee help with schedules? Check out this post: Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩

    From Dread to Delight: The Power of Choice 💡

    This allowed me as a mom to take a breath and do my own chores. After all, our job is to create independent humans! The mother bear in me wanted to protect and keep him happy, but the tired, worn-out momma needed him to learn and start becoming independent without being a “me” monster no one wanted to be around. 🐻💤

    Three Simple Strategies for Choices and Connection 🔄

    1. I created schedules with work, and he was able to choose the order in which he completed them. ✅
    2. After the work he chose was completed, Jacob could choose what activities he wanted to do. 🎨🎮
    3. By using schedules and built-in choices, I gave Jacob predictability and structure that he needs to keep anxiety and emotional regulation in check. 🗓️

    Embrace the Adventure of Choices
    So, prepare to embark on a journey where choices light up the path and humor is our trusty sidekick. Life is a series of choices, and each choice has the potential to create ripples of change. So, are you ready to wield your lightsaber of choice and embrace the adventure? Let’s do this! 🌟💫

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