schedules

  • 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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    Autism mom support, what happens when being a hands on doesn’t stop at 18?

    This is my mom, the woman who taught me how to be a mom.
    The woman who taught me how to be a mom!

    Hands on Mom

    What happens when you’re an autism mom? Well, the adventure doesn’t always end at 18—it’s a lifelong journey! 🌟

    In our family, everyone’s career paths took a detour. Mom pursued a Master’s in special education, Dad became a firefighter after Jacob’s seizure scare, and big brother Nicholas shifted to a more family-centered career path. Talk about a family affair! 🚒📚

    Being a hands on mom is a 24/7 gig, no doubt. But for autism parents, the journey doesn’t always follow the typical script.

    While other people’s children may pursue a  job, or first apartment, our reality can look a bit different. What happens when the 24/7 doesn’t stop at 18? Let’s navigate this unique path together. 🌟

     

    Autism Mom Coach

    C onsistant Action forward A lways Celebrate Wins L earning to Create Schedules M indset
    C.A.L.M.-Frameworks for my coaching.

    Entering a new season, I’m transitioning into the role of an Autism Mom Coach. But what does that mean exactly? Think of a coach as someone who helps you improve and learn more. With 26 years of experience raising a child diagnosed with moderate autism, coupled with my background as a public school teacher, I bringing a wealth of knowledge to the table.🧩

    Jacob of course being my best teacher. The whole family pivoted in careers after his diagnosis because we wanted to help him to be the best he could be. We’ve had many years of struggle but we’ve got most of the kinks worked out now. Every season of life is different and we are still learning.

     

    Educating Jacob

    As the founder of Educating Jacob, my mission is clear: to educate, mentor, and coach moms and parents of children with autism. I aim to guide them toward a life with less frustration and chaos than I experienced as a new mom navigating the complexities of autism. I’m an advocate for children and want to spread Autism Awareness. Click here for my free Guide: https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/o01di34gwl

     

    Autism meltdowns in public

    But what does it really mean to be an autism mom? On a day like Mother’s Day, while others are being celebrated and showered with hugs, some autism moms are facing another day of chaos and frustration. Instead of enjoying family gatherings, they may be dealing with meltdowns and tantrums, unable to partake in simple activities like dining out due to the fear of emotional outbursts.💔😔

     

    Autism Mom Stress

    Ah, the life of an autism mom—it’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I’m thinking of moms this week because today is Mother’s Day.  We had a family vote and opted for picking up dinner and bringing it home. None of us wanted to deal with crowds and wanted to enjoy each other and relax.

    Stress is no stranger to motherhood, but for autism moms, it can be especially intense. The sleepless nights and constant worry take a toll, requiring an extra dose of kindness and grace. It’s a journey that demands strength and perseverance, one that often goes unrecognized.💔😔

     

    Parent Tag Team

    In this tag team match called Parenthood, my husband David and I have become like tag teammates in the WWE. When one of us is on the brink of losing our cool, the other swoops in to offer support and relief. It’s a dance of understanding and empathy, giving each other the space to regroup and recharge, even if it’s just for a few precious moments alone.

    Discover the power of teamwork and empathy as we navigate the ups and downs of raising a child with autism. 🤝💕

     

    Raising a child with autism
    Smiles_family_fun
    Autism is not easy for the child or the family.

    Raising a child with autism involves similar aspirations as raising any child: happiness, independence, and confidence. Each child, including those with autism like Jacob, may navigate different levels of independence, happiness, and confidence.

    While Jacob may not reach the same level of independence as some other children, he still experiences independence, joy and confidence in his own way. As parents, our aim is to support him in developing life skills that enhance his independence to the best of his ability. Every day presents an opportunity to empower him further on his journey.

    Raising a child with autism involves nurturing happiness, independence, and confidence tailored to their unique abilities. We empower our son Jacob to thrive, embracing his strengths and providing structure and support along the way. 🌈💪

    Creating an Environment for Success

    You need to understand your child and create an environment that sets him up for success. Consider the child’s strengths and weaknesses.Jacob’s  biggest weaknesses are in communication and sensory stimulation. We use very little spoken language to redirect behaviors and communicate his work and schedule.

    We use schedules as a way to communicate with him. He needs structure and routine to have less anxiety and we need to tell him our expectations as his parents and family. So visual schedules have been used  since he was young. 

    Unlock your child’s potential by creating environments tailored to their needs.🎨🗓️

     

    Educator Insights

    As a teacher, I use routines and structure to allow my students to feel safe and learn in my classroom. The main goal is to create a safe space and show children they can learn and become independent. We want them to crave independence and become confident!

    As both an autism mom and educator, I leverage routines and structure to empower students in my classroom. Explore how these strategies create safe, supportive environments where children can thrive and become confident, independent learners. 🏫💡

    Go sign up for a free discovery call with me: https://educatingjacob.com/contact/

    Download my free guide!: https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/o01di34gwl

     

     

     

     

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  • Blog, schedules

    How Jacob has success daily without anxiety. #autismchallenges

    Welcome to Educating Jacob, where we embark on a journey filled with success daily without anxiety. Instead, there’s laughter, love, and the occasional bad day—because let’s face it, life with Jacob is anything but ordinary! 🌟

    In a world where chaos reigns supreme, finding moments of peace and success can feel like a distant dream. Grab your coffee, fellow parents and teachers of children with disabilities, for Jacob is here to show us the way.

    Success Daily without Anxiety

     

    From the early days of meltdowns and confusion to his present-day triumphs, Jacob’s story is a testament to resilience, routine, and remarkable progress. Here at Educating Jacob, we delve into the heart of his daily victories, navigating through the ups and downs with humor and grace. Above is a clip from a facebook live I did if you want to see more go here: https://fb.me/e/hGJWEyzFg

    Join us as we explore how Jacob conquers his challenges, finding solace in schedules and routines that bring him calm and understanding. It’s a tale of laughter, tears, and endless possibilities—a journey that reminds us all of the power of structure and support in the face of adversity.

    Success without anxiety daily

    So grab your favorite mug of coffee (or tea, if that’s more your style!), settle in, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Jacob’s success without anxiety. Together, we’ll laugh, we’ll learn, and we’ll celebrate the beautifully unique journey of parenting and teaching children with disabilities. 🚀

    Chaos and Confusion

    Ah, the early days of Jacob’s journey—a time marked by meltdowns, chaos, and more than a few raised eyebrows from well-meaning bystanders. 😅 It’s a story familiar to many parents of children with autism, filled with uncertainty and a desperate search for answers. Here is post with an example of an early schedule that started us on a journey of calm: Teaching my Son With Autism to Read.

     

    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!

    The Power of Schedules

    You see, when Jacob was younger, the mere mention of autism sent our world into a tailspin. The meltdowns were relentless, triggered by the overwhelming confusion of a world he struggled to comprehend. Conversations became a minefield, with Jacob either tuning out, walking away, or erupting into tears.

    But amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged—a beacon of light in the darkness of uncertainty. It was the realization that schedules held the key to unlocking Jacob’s potential for success. 🗝️ Check out this post for more info: No Schedule for Jacob to Use This Week? No Peace! Autism Challenges 🧩

    Celebrating Every Victory

    Celebrate all accomplishments of your special needs child, no matter how small!
    Celebrate all Accomplishments!

     

    And so, we learned to cherish every small triumph along the way, recognizing the hard work and determination that went into each milestone. From mastering a new skill to simply getting through the day without a meltdown, every achievement was a cause for celebration. Need more support and live in NC check out the Autism Society of NC. https://www.spectrumlife.org/raleigh/community-and-support/autism-society-of-north-carolina

    Simplifying the Classroom Environment

    Now, teachers, listen up!  If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this wild ride called parenting a child with autism, it’s this: structure and routine are your best friends. In the classroom too. Trust me, when your students understand what’s expected of them and can rely on the comforting sameness of a well-established routine, magic happens. 🎩✨

    Think about it like this: imagine trying to follow a complicated set of directions in a language you barely understand. Sounds pretty stressful, right? Well, that’s exactly how it feels for students with autism when faced with a barrage of verbal instructions and constantly changing expectations.

    Simple Visuals

    But fear not, dear teachers, for I come bearing the gift of simplicity! 🎁 By learning to streamline your communication and incorporating simple visuals into your schedules, you can create an environment where every student can have success daily without anxiety. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

    So, next time you’re tempted to unleash a torrent of words upon your students, take a step back and ask yourself: “How can I simplify this?” Whether it’s breaking tasks down into manageable steps or using visual aids to reinforce concepts, remember: less is more.

    Celebrate Successes no matter how small

    And above all else, remember to set everyone up for success. By creating a classroom that values structure, and routine  you’ll not only reduce anxiety but also empower your students to thrive. After all, isn’t that what teaching is all about? 📚🌟

    So here’s to embracing the power of schedules. By simplifying our approach, and setting our students on the path to success—one structured day at a time. You’ve got this, teachers!🍎

    Go download my free guide for more:https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/o01di34gwl

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    3 Top Challenges of having an adult son with autism.#autismchallenges🧩

    3-Top-Challenges-of-Having-an-Adult-Child-with-Autism
    #autismchallenges

    I’m diving into the  3 top challenges I’ve faced having an adult son with autism. To my fellow parents, I know you feel my pain! 🌟 Ever feel like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle? 🤹‍♂️ Welcome to the wild world of parenting an adult child with autism! So grab your coffee, take a seat, and let’s navigate this adventure together! 💙 #autismchallenges🧩

     

    Challenge #1: Keeping Reliable Care for Jacob While We Work

     

    Top 3 Challenges blog
    Challenge #1: Keeping Reliable Care for Jacob While We Work!

     

    Ah, the eternal quest for trustworthy care for our adult child with autism! 🌟 It’s like searching for a unicorn in a marvel movie, am I right? But fear not, fellow adventurers, for we are armed with perseverance and strength! 🦄

     

    Entrusting Jacob’s care to others feels like sending him off on a grand quest without a map or a guidebook. 🗺️ It’s nerve-wracking, to say the least! But hey, we’re not alone in this journey. We’ve enlisted the help of a company that hires background-checked individuals. Yet, even with this safety net, the anxiety lingers like an unwelcome guest at a party. Try well-known agencies like the Autism Society, https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/#

     

    And let’s talk about the perpetual juggling act of work and caregiving. 🤹‍♂️ It’s like trying to tame a lion while balancing on a tightrope! But fret not, my friends, for there’s a legal safeguard in the form of FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). Just to make sure you are not fired because you have to care for your child. It’s like our superhero cape, offering protection against the evil clutches of employment uncertainty. 💼✨

     

    Check out the government website here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

     

    Alright Autism adventurers, take heart! While the road may be rocky, and the challenges daunting, we shall overcome with resilience, determination, and maybe a dash of caffeine! ☕️ Onward, to victory! 🚀 #AutismAwareness 🧩

    Challenge #2: Navigating the Absence Abyss

    What happens when your adult son with autism has caregivers out sick?

     

    Ah, the dreaded sick days saga!  It’s like a whirlwind of chaos that sweeps through our carefully crafted plans, isn’t it? But fear not, for in the face of adversity, we emerge as champions of resilience and adaptability!🤒

     

    When your child’s caregiver calls in sick, and suddenly, you’re thrust into a frantic scramble to find a replacement. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded! But alas, finding someone who can step into your child’s world at a moment’s notice is like searching for a needle in a haystack. 🧩

     

    In the blink of an eye, FMLA becomes our lifeline, our legal shield against the unpredictability of caregiving. It’s like summoning reinforcements to fortify our defenses in the battle against chaos! 💼

     

    Amidst the challenges, the Autism Society stands as a beacon of hope, striving to bridge the gap between need and accessibility. They have introduced Jacob to other workers so that in a moment of need, someone can step in and help. This works only if there’s enough notice. Let’s not forget the logistical nightmare of living outside city limits.  It’s like being stranded on a desert island with limited resources,#AutismIsland!🚗

     

    So, fellow warriors, take a deep breath and summon your inner zen. 🌟 Though the road may be rocky when you have an adult son with autism. The challenges aplenty, we shall prevail with perseverance, humor, and maybe a splash of “Calgon 🛁 take me away” for good measure!  #AutismAwareness 🧩 Ways to have peace? Creating time for yourself, not just your child with autism.

    Challenge #3: Crafting the Perfect Environment for Success

     

    Challenge#3
    Small zippered bags have school work and clothes in garment bags!

     

    Ah, the noble quest for the holy grail of productivity and success!  It’s like embarking on a grand adventure through the labyrinth of chaos, armed with nothing but schedules and calendars as our trusty companions.🏆

     

    Amidst the whirlwind of life, we forged a sanctuary of learning and tranquility for our adult son with autism.  With schedules as our guiding stars, chaos retreated like a defeated dragon, and productivity flourished like wildflowers in spring.🌟

     

    A Collaborative Journey to Success

     

    But here’s the twist: success wasn’t just for Jacob alone; it was a team effort!  We shared our secrets of structure and success with the brave souls entrusted with Jacob’s care, transforming them into allies in our noble quest.💪

     

    And oh, the sweet relief when chaos was banished from our absence!  With a rock-solid foundation of understanding and structure, Jacob’s days unfolded like a well-rehearsed symphony, each note harmonizing with the next in a blissful melody of productivity.🌪️

     

    But let’s not forget the cardinal rule of parenting: consistency is key! Check out this previous  blog post: Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩 Like master craftsmen, we meticulously crafted a framework of structure and procedures, ensuring that every interaction and every moment was a stepping stone on the path to success. 🔑

     

    So, dear comrades in arms, do not fear the daunting task before you! 🛡️ With a dash of consistency, a sprinkle of structure, and a hearty dose of determination, you too can forge an environment where success blooms like a garden in the sun. 🌷 #ParentingSuccess 🌈

    Want more tips? Download my free guide: https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/o01di34gwl

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