schedules

  • Blog, schedules

    3 ways American Sign Language helped my son with autism speak in short sentences?

    Jacob struggled with speaking and communication, but learning sign language helped and made communication and talking fun! Jacob’s language delays often meant frustration and meltdowns because he couldn’t tell us what he wanted. The added sensory and movement of sign language was just what Jake needed to learn and increase his vocabulary.

     

    As a parent, watching your child struggle to communicate can be heart-wrenching. We’ve been there. Our journey with Jacob has had its ups and downs, but introducing American Sign Language (ASL) into his routine was a game-changer. Not only did it provide him with a new way to express himself, but it also bridged the gap between his thoughts and words, reducing his frustration and boosting his confidence.

     

    In this blog post, I want to share how ASL helped Jacob speak in short sentences and how it can benefit your child too. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for new strategies to support your child’s communication, I hope our story can offer some helpful insights and encouragement.

    Below is a snippet of a Facebook Live I did talking about using ASL with Jacob. If you want to watch the whole thing (not long) go to: https://fb.me/e/4uUE8RRw5

    The Challenge of Expressive and Receptive Language

     

    Jacob had a hard time with expressive and receptive language, so telling us what he wanted was difficult. This communication barrier often led to frustration and meltdowns because he couldn’t express his needs clearly.

     

    The Fun of Learning with Signing Time

     

    Learning sign language with the Signing Time videos for kids was fun. We were able to learn together, and Jacob enjoyed being able to show off his new skills. It was also a way to get new videos and books from Signing Time! 📚

     

    Reducing Frustration and Meltdowns

     

    Jacob wasn’t very successful at getting us to understand what he wanted beyond putting our hand on something. This often led to a lot of meltdowns on his end because he was frustrated. It was very upsetting for the rest of the family too. Once he started learning sign language, the frustration lessened because he was able to communicate. 🙌

     

    Building Vocabulary and Language Skills

    Should you use sign language with your child with autism?
    Using Sign Language helped to build Jacob’s vocabulary!

    Learning sign language helped build Jacob’s vocabulary and recall of words he wanted to use. The added sensory input and movement when using sign language was just what Jacob needed to start building short sentences and increase his language skills.

     

    Using Schedules for Predictability and Structure

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

    Using schedules also helps Jacob because he needs predictability and structure in his day. Before he started reading and learning sign language, we used visual schedules. Visual supports provide a clear and consistent way for Jacob to understand what is expected of him each day.

     

    For those interested in learning more about using visuals to create predictable systems, here is an interesting podcast episode that you can check out: SLP Coffee Talk: Visual Supports Can Create Predictable Systems with Tara Tuchel https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/7bfbbd30-594a-4cce-a4cf-1eb7145aaed4/episodes/3c6dde90-afb4-4154-999f-9ac408c468bc/slp-coffee-talk-visual-supports-can-create-predictable-systems-with-tara-tuchel)

     

    Enhancing Verbal Communication 🗣️

     

    Learning sign language did not decrease Jacob’s speaking to us with his voice; it increased it dramatically. Here is an article I found that supports what we experienced with Jacob. How Sign Language Can Help Your AutisticChild https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autistic-child-sign-language/. 

    If your child is nonverbal and doesn’t increase their vocalization and speaking with their voice, so what! Speaking with sign language is still speaking and communicating your wants and needs. 🤟

     

    Your child will do whatever is easiest for them, and that should be good enough for anyone! Every form of communication is valid, and the goal is to reduce frustration and increase understanding. Celebrate their progress, no matter the form it takes.

     

    Engaging with Signing Time

     

    Jacob had fun learning language with the Signing Time videos. You can explore their resources here: Signing Time https://www.signingtime.com. It looks like they have digital downloads now, but you can also buy DVDs from Amazon. 📺

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  • Blog, schedules

    Why does my child with autism love weekly trips to Harris Teeter?

    My Child With Autism Loves Harris Teeter

    Why does my child with autism love weekly trips? Well, first of all, Harris Teeter makes the best chocolate chip cookies. 🍪 Okay, maybe not better than mine, but I’m working full time, so they are the BOMB! Our weekly trips to Harris Teeter on Saturday are all about Jacob. He waits all week for us to make our Saturday morning trip.

    Jacob gets to choose his favorite items for the week, and it’s just me and him. 🛒 It’s a special time for us, and he thrives on the routine. I get my Saturday morning cold brew from Starbucks (I love my Harris Teeter ☕), and Jacob gets all his snacks for the week plus some one-on-one time with Mom.

    Children with autism love weekly trips because they love routine! Finding routines and special activities that your child enjoys can make a world of difference. It helps them feel secure and gives them something to look forward to. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to bond and create happy memories together. 🌟

    Helping Your Child with Autism 🧩

    schedules over the years
    Jacob as a child with autism loves weekly trips!

    Does taking Jacob to Harris Teeter as part of our schedules/routines help him? Yes! He loves getting the attention and the freedom to choose snacks and fun items he wants during his week while we are all working and doing this thing together called “life.” 🛒❤️

    Teaching a child with autism to follow schedules is communicating with them. It’s also teaching independence and removing chaos.

    The Importance of Routine and Simple Choices

     

    Simple choices, attention, and a plan for the next week are my goals for Jacob. He is engaged with me and planning out his next week (okay, it’s snacks, but it’s also money management and understanding how his day will go while we are away at work).🗓️

    Creating the schedules and procedures in Jacob’s day/week keeps him happy, decreases anxiety, and allows him to live more independently as an adult. It also helps me keep things straight.💡

    Discover the benefits of routines for children with autism.

    Simple choices can reduce anxiety and foster independence. 🌟  Jacob loves his independence and does not want someone giving him things to do all the time. I don’t blame him I don’t want anyone micromanaging my day either. If a schedule can fix that, why not create one?

    When Jacob’s schedule gets behind, anxiety creeps in for him, and things will start falling apart for the rest of the family too. Hello, CHAOS! 😱 Keeping a structured routine not only benefits Jacob but also brings a sense of order and calm to our entire family. No Schedule for Jacob to Use This Week? No Peace! Autism Challenges 🧩

    Children with autism love having established and regular routines. This can be a game-changer for the child and the family. It provides a predictable environment where your child feels secure and empowered. 🌟 By involving your child in planning their week, you are teaching them valuable life skills and fostering their independence.

     

    Planning and Independence

    Jacob plans for his workers; he knows what they like and what he does with each of them. This planning helps him feel in control and prepares him for the week ahead. He enjoys doing different activities with different people and wants to know what his day and week will be like.📝✨

    Anytime there are changes that need to be added, like a doctor’s appointment, it’s easy to do because he’s used to seeing a schedule. For a child with autism, a calendar and schedule are their lifeline to a chaos-free day. 📅✅

     

    Seeking Reassurance and Stability
    CALM framework
    C.A.L.M.
    Consistent Action, Always Celebrate, Learn to Create Schedules, Mindset

    As soon as someone leaves for the day, he’s asking when they will be back. Even if he knows and it’s on his schedule, he wants reassurance that nothing has changed! This need for reassurance is common among children with autism, as it helps them feel secure and stable.

    If something needs to be changed like the weekly trip to Harris Teeter, we are saved because he can see it on the calendar!🔄🔍

     

    Connection and Practical Tips for Autism Parents

     

    Creating routines and involving your child in simple planning can significantly impact their sense of security and independence. The weekly trips, like our visits to Harris Teeter, can become meaningful rituals that provide structure and joy for the child with autism. 🌟

    When teaching a child with autism engage your child in activities they love. Give them choices. This shows them that you care about how they feel. These small steps help build their confidence and skills in managing their own lives. How I added games to my son Jacob’s schedule to promote socialization.

    Remember, it’s not just about the snacks; it’s about teaching a child with autism valuable life skills and creating special moments together. 🤗🛍️

    #autismcoach #autismsupport #autismchallenges #autismfamily

    Here is a link to the free guide:

    https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/o01di34gwl

     

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  • Blog, schedules

    What if you have a plan for your child with autism? A Great Life.

    A Great life begins with a plan!
    Our son Jacob has great days when there is a plan!

    Have A Plan For Your Child With Autism

    Have a plan for your child with autism, or they will have a plan for you!

    So, if you have watched any of the Facebook Lives I’ve done for Autism Awareness Month or just FYI’s I’ve posted on autism strategies and tips, you know that I’ve said, “being a 24/7 mom when the full-time hands-on part doesn’t stop at 18 it’s quite challenging.” 💪

    Being a mom is challenging, but when you are still responsible for someone else’s haircut, manicure/pedicure, food/clothes shopping, it can get overwhelming very quickly. 🛒✂️👗 So, let’s stick together and get a plan and put some routines/structures in place. 🗓️

    Life can be great, friends, and I want to help show you how. 🌟 Follow my Facebook and Instagram pages as I will share more autism parenting strategies. 📲 Also, you can check previous blog: Autism mom, what happens when being a hands on mom doesn’t stop at 18?

    Parenting A Child With Autism

    Our top priority is helping Jacob be confident, happy, and independent. The first parenting strategy is setting up schedules. 📅

    Giving Jacob a schedule removes the anxiety of not knowing what his day holds. It also helps because he doesn’t do well with long directions and back-and-forth conversations. He has receptive and expressive language delays, so verbal communication isn’t ideal for keeping him happy and on track.

    He loves to be independent, and schedules give him a way to control his day and have choices while living his best life. 🌟 This keeps us from having to give him verbal reminders all the time, which would be annoying.🧩

    Support For Parents of Autism

    What support do parents need to know about? You can and should have support from family, friends, professionals, and other parents. Surround yourself with people that you feel comfortable with and understand you and the family dynamics.😔

    The complexities of autism can leave you feeling confused, frustrated, and desperate sometimes, depending on what stage of life you and your child are in at the time. 🧩

    C onsistant Action forward A lways Celebrate Wins L earning to Create Schedules M indset
    C.A.L.M.-Our Frameworks!

    Autism Family Support

    When Jacob was little, my mom and I would help each other out. She would watch the boys for me, and I would take the boys and go stay with my dad so she could get out of the house. My dad had COPD in his later years and needed assistance. Family support can be a lifeline, but it can also be challenging to navigate the emotional dynamics.

    Some families of children who have autism feel judged by other family members who think you are just spoiling your child and not trying to train them up in the way they were raised. This judgment can be hurtful and isolating, making it even more important to find supportive and understanding family members who can provide real help and empathy.👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

    Professional Support for Autism
    Smiles_family_fun
    Autism is not easy for the child or the family.#autismfamily

    The professional relationship is probably the easiest to navigate because there’s no emotional attachment. If I don’t like a doctor, I can just get another one. But family and friends are much different because you might feel misunderstood or feel like you can’t say what you really think because you don’t want to upset the family dynamic. 🩺🩻

    Friends and Social Support

    Sometimes friends stop coming around or asking you out because you have to say “no” to invitations due to the lack of regular babysitters for your child. A child with special needs cannot be left with just any babysitter.

    This can be isolating, but finding understanding friends who get your situation can make a big difference.👭

    Autism Community Supports

    Look to organizations like the Autism Society, TEACCH, ABA therapy, and more in your area. Find support groups and agencies that can help you get a plan for your child with autism. Here is one I found interesting: https://epidemicanswers.org/developing-a-biomedical-plan-for-your-child-with-autism/

    These organizations provide invaluable resources and connections to other parents and professionals.🏢

    Check out previous posts on my site because I would like to also like to be a resource for you to turn to: Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩 

    Special Needs Parenting

    A big resource can be other parents of children with autism because they are living the life too. They have experiences that may offer better advice because they’ve already lived it and worked out some solutions. Connecting with other parents can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.🤗

    I hope these insights help you find the support you need and help you understand that you need plan for your child with autism. Here is another post to check out: https://educatingjacob.com/empowering-special-needs-children-with-self-care-skills-our-inspiring-journey/

    Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together, we can create a great life for our children. 💖

     

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  • Blog, schedules

    Memorial Day Weekend Fun but your child with autism doesn’t do transitions!

    Ah, Memorial Day weekend—the promise of family, relaxation, and endless fun! While some are beach-bound, I’m embracing the staycation vibes (thanks, budget!). But here’s the twist: my son Jacob adores the beach, yet transitions? Not his forte. When you have a child with autism who doesn’t do transitions, you need help.

    So, how do we tackle this? Back in the day, it was all about car bags—packed with books, coloring books, and a trusty portable DVD player for those marathon car rides. Let’s dive into how to navigate transitions with humor, practicality, and maybe a sprinkle of beach magic for good measure. 🏖️

    Child With Autism 

    Transition activities can be a real game-changer when it comes to planning outings with your child with autism. Take, for instance, our beach trips. We’d start prepping the day before, chatting excitedly about the sandy shores and gathering up clothes and toys. Jacob used to love the whole packing ordeal—until it morphed into a 5-minute cycle of asking “beach?” on repeat until we actually arrived at the beach house. 🏖️

    Ah, the joys of parenting a child with autism—it’s like being on a rollercoaster ride where you’re never quite sure if you’re going up or down! But hey, every hiccup is a learning experience, right? The first time is always the toughest, so brace yourself for a bit of turbulence. But fear not, fellow parents, because we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves.

    Visual Schedule For Child With Autism

    Visual aids are your new best friend. Seriously, they’re like magic potions that can turn chaos into calm faster than you can say “beach day.” Create simple visuals that signal the transition—whether it’s a picture of the beach, a packed bag, or even just hopping in the car after putting on beach shorts. Anything to give your child a visual roadmap of what’s to come.

    Parents who homeschool might want to checkout my previous posts on schedules:3 Ways Jacob’s Monthly Calendar and Daily Schedule Work on Autism Island!

    Sensory Toys For Autism

    And hey, why not make it fun while you’re at it? Turn packing into a game, complete with silly songs and maybe even a dance-off or two. The more enjoyable you can make the transition, the smoother it’ll be for everyone involved. Plus, who doesn’t love a little impromptu dance party, am I right? 💃

    Children with autism often have sensory needs that fidgets and the right clothes can help calm. Figure out what works best for your child, having a plan and creating a great environment will calm the chaos.

    Social Stories For Autism

    Ah, the power of social stories and videos—the secret weapons in our arsenal of autism parenting hacks! 📚🎥 When it comes to prepping Jake for a big adventure like the beach, these tools are absolute lifesavers. 

    Social stories are great for all children with autism but if you’re homeschooling it is amazing here is an article you might like on homeschooling. https://www.yellowbusaba.com/post/homeschooling-a-child-with-autism

    Storybooks For Teaching

    Jake eagerly flipping through a storybook filled with colorful illustrations of sandy beaches and crashing waves, his excitement building with each turn of the page. 🌊 Or better yet, him glued to the screen, watching a video montage of all the fun activities we have in store for our beach day. Talk about anticipation at its finest!

    But here’s the best part: these social stories and videos aren’t just one-time wonders. Oh no, they’re like the gift that keeps on giving. We can incorporate them into Jake’s schoolwork for the week leading up to our beach trip, turning anticipation into a full-blown educational experience. 📝 And hey, who says learning can’t be fun?

    And let’s not forget about getting creative! Whether it’s crafting our own personalized social stories or shooting a DIY video showcasing all the beach essentials, the possibilities are endless. So grab your phone, gather up some props, and let your imagination run wild! 🎬

    Autism Trip Checklist:

    1: Transition activities- when planning outings with your child who struggles with transitions. Take our beach trips, for example. Starting preparations the day before, we chat excitedly about the sandy shores and gather clothes and toys.  🏖️

    2: Visual Schedules- these guide your child with autism through transitions. Visual aids are essential for smoother transitions. Create simple visuals—a picture of the beach, a packed bag, or hopping in the car—to give your child a visual roadmap of what’s to come.

    3; Sensory Toys- making transitions fun for children with autism.Turn packing into a fun game with silly songs and maybe even a dance-off. The more enjoyable the transition, the smoother it’ll be for everyone involved. 💃

    4: Social Stories for Autism- prepare your child for adventures. Social stories and videos are lifesavers for prepping your child, like Jake, for big adventures like the beach. Incorporate them into your child’s schoolwork for an educational and anticipatory experience. Everyone today video on their phone, use it!

    5: Engage Your Child with Autism- from storybooks for teaching, with colorful illustrations of sandy beaches to videos and fidgets include them all! Social stories and videos are gifts that keep on giving. Incorporate them into your child’s schoolwork for an educational and anticipatory experience. Create Hype!!

    Autism travel checklist
    Grab some transition items and make them fun!
    Tips for Parents Of Children With Autism

    Mastering transitions with creativity! Craft personalized social stories or shoot DIY videos showcasing beach essentials. With creativity and the right tools, daunting transitions can become exciting adventures.

    Finding Joy In Parenting A Child With Autism

    Here’s to embracing the chaos, finding joy in the journey, and making memories that last a lifetime. After all, isn’t that what parenting is all about? Take a moment to assess the chaos, jot down where things are falling apart, and then get scrappy and creative. With a solid plan and structure, you’ll find your way through! 🚀

    So there you have it, folks—our tried and true formula for mastering transitions like a boss. With a little help from social stories, videos, and a healthy dose of creativity, we can turn even the most daunting transitions into exciting adventures. #autismchallenges🧩

    Want more? Download my free guide: https://app.flodesk.com/emails

    Educating Jacob, free guide
    Click the link and download the free guide!

     

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