schedules

  • Blog, schedules

    How to stop stressing over Fall season changes? Autism season challenges.

    Autism-parenting-in-a-nutshell-joke
    Living on Autism Island means that when the seasons change, challenges are sure to follow.

    Autism season challenges are real—especially when it comes to navigating seasonal changes. If you are a parent of an autistic child you already know this! Living here on Autism Island means that every shift in weather brings its own set of hurdles, and fall is no exception.

    In North Carolina, the fall season is a time of false starts: one morning it’s chilly enough for a hoodie, and by afternoon, we’re back to T-shirts and shorts. For my son Jacob, these transitions are anything but simple. He’s still clinging to his favorite short-sleeved shirts and shorts, even when it’s time to bundle up. It’s not just about clothes—it’s about the emotional and sensory challenges that come with change. It takes Jacob a while to accept the new reality of cooler weather and swap his comfortable summer clothes for something unfamiliar.

    In this post, we’ll dive into how you can help your child handle these seasonal transitions without stress and make the seasonal shift as smooth as possible. Let’s work together to make these changes more manageable for both you and your child. 🌟

    Autism Season Challenges 🍁

    Living on Autism Island means that when the seasons change, challenges are sure to follow. Here in North Carolina, fall is a time of false starts and unexpected weather shifts. One morning it’s cool, and Jacob might need a hoodie, but by afternoon, he’s back to wanting his short-sleeved shirts and shorts. The transition from summer to fall is particularly tough on Jacob, who has sensory sensitivities and a love for routine. Autism season challenges aren’t just about the weather—they’re about changing routines, sensory struggles, and working to make transitions easier for your child.

    Fall Changes are Tough Autistic kids  🌧️👕

    Children with autism often have rigid and ritualistic behaviors, which can make it hard to tolerate changes in routine. Jacob’s moderate autism makes seasonal transitions a major event. Not only does he have preferences for certain clothes and materials, but he also struggles with sensory issues. Anything he wears must be soft to the touch, with no tags or textured appliqués that might irritate him. He likes what he likes, and he wants to wear it over and over again. Check out this post I found 👉 https://holfamily.com/natural-solutions-for-sensory-processing-in-kids/

    So when it’s time to swap out his favorite summer clothes for warmer fall attire, it’s the start of a season-long negotiation.

    CALM Strategies for Autism Season Challenges 🗓️🍂

    I’ve learned that to successfully navigate these autism season challenges, it’s essential to have a strategy in place—one that combines visual schedules, consistency, and redirection. These strategies are part of the CALM framework I use to guide Jacob through these transitions. Here’s how they break down:

    1. Consistent Action Forward: Visual Schedules are Key 📅

    When it comes to changes in routine, especially seasonal ones, consistency is key. Visual schedules are a game-changer for us. A schedule helps Jacob understand what’s coming next without overwhelming him with a lot of verbal explanations. Visuals allow him to see the sequence of his day and prepare for any changes, reducing anxiety and making him feel more in control.

    For example, when the weather starts to change, I add a visual of a hoodie or pants to his schedule for the morning routine. It’s a gentle nudge that says, “Hey, it’s time to dress a little differently.” If he knows in advance that a change is coming, he’s much more willing to cooperate.

    2. Incentives for Cooperation 🎉

    Whenever Jacob follows his schedule, especially when it involves a change he’s not excited about, we make sure to celebrate. Our incentive system is simple: if Jacob sticks to his schedule for the week, on Fridays he can pick out something he likes on Amazon—a new movie, game, or toy. 🎮📦

    This reward system helps him stay motivated and makes those tough transitions a little more bearable. It’s a win-win because Jacob feels rewarded for his efforts, and I get to see him learning how to manage changes with less stress. 4 Things I Wish I Would Have Known After Getting the Autism Diagnosis

    3. Learning to Redirect: Shifting Focus to What He Loves 🎬🍁

    One of the most effective strategies for handling resistance is redirection. If Jacob is struggling with putting on a hoodie or is upset about changing clothes, I’ll gently redirect his attention to something he enjoys. I might point to his schedule and say, “Look, we’re going to pick out a pumpkin later!” or “After this, we’ll have your favorite snack.” 🍪

    Jacob loves movies, so sometimes I’ll use a movie quote or remind him of something we’re planning to do together. By redirecting his focus to something positive, I can help him move past his discomfort and prepare for the next step in his day. Stop engaging in power struggles! Use redirection for your autistic child.

    4. Mindset Matters: Stay Calm and Consistent 💙🧠

    One of the most important pieces of the CALM framework is mindset. If I get frustrated or let my tone become negative, Jacob’s attitude escalates right along with mine. I have to remind myself that Jacob isn’t purposely resisting change; he’s struggling to cope with it. By staying calm and consistent in my approach, I set the tone for the day and help guide him through those challenging moments.

    CALM-frameworks-for-educatingjacob.com
    CALM over Chaos and frustration! Mindset is key!

    Creating Strategies for a Smooth Transition 🧣🧦

    Whenever possible, planning ahead is your best defense against autism season challenges. A schedule that includes not only the day’s activities but also clothing choices can help prepare your child for the shift in seasons. For the first few days of any change—whether it’s needing to wear a hoodie in the morning or switching to long pants—it’s going to be tough. But if you stay consistent with the schedule and maintain a calm, patient approach, those challenges will start to ease up.

    Here are some practical strategies that work for us:

    • Add clothing changes to the visual schedule: Make sure your child can see that there’s a new item of clothing expected for the day.
    • Celebrate small wins: Every time they follow the schedule, reinforce that behavior with a reward or praise.
    • Plan for redirection: When frustration starts to show, redirect their focus to something fun or comforting—like a favorite snack, a trip to pick out a pumpkin, or even a movie quote that makes them laugh.
    • Stay calm and be consistent: Your mood can set the tone for theirs, so keep calm, and stick to your plan.
    Facing Season Changes with Confidence 🌟

    Season changes are never easy for children with autism, but with the right strategies, you can help your child feel more in control and less anxious. The first few days of any new routine will always be a little challenging, but with consistency, redirection, and visual schedules, you can make the transition smoother for everyone in the family.

    Don’t be afraid to try new methods and tailor these tips to fit your child’s needs. Remember, every small step toward making these transitions easier is a big step forward for your family. Let’s face these autism season challenges together and create a season full of comfort, routine, and happiness. 🍁🌞

    Benefits-of-a-visual-schedule-for-my-autistic-son
    Want Coffee in peace? Use Visual Schedules and strategies from my CALM frameworks.😉
    Today’s Tips and Strategies for Autism Season Challenges 🍁🧣

    1. Use Visual Schedules 📅
    Add clothing changes and seasonal activities to your child’s visual schedule. Seeing it ahead of time helps them prepare for what’s coming and reduces anxiety over transitions.

    2. Be Consistent with Routines 🔄
    Stick to your plan! Consistency builds trust and confidence. When you introduce new fall clothes or routines, keep them consistent each day until they become part of the norm.

    3. Celebrate Small Wins 🎉
    Praise your child for any cooperation with the new routine. Even if they wear that hoodie for just five minutes, it’s progress! A reward or positive reinforcement can go a long way.

    4. Redirect and Stay Positive 🌟
    When resistance happens, shift their attention to something fun or exciting. Bring up a favorite snack, a planned fall activity like picking out a pumpkin, or use movie quotes they love to lighten the mood.

    5. Stay Calm and Breathe 🧘‍♀️
    Your energy sets the tone. If you stay calm and patient during those tough moments, it’s easier for your child to do the same. Remember, change is hard for them, and your calmness is their anchor.

    🧐 Struggling with daily routines and meltdowns?
    🌟 As an autism parent coach, I help you transform chaos into calm by creating strategies that work for your family. 🌟

    📅 Schedule a discovery call
    👉🏼 Visit my contact page to get started: https://educatingjacob.com/contact/

    #autismcoach #autismparentcoaching #autismandepilepsy #autismfamily💙#autismmom😎 #autismboymom😎 #autismchallenges🧩 #AutismParenting #DoctorVisitSuccess #EducatingJacob #AutismSupport #CalmParenting

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  • Blog, schedules

    Stop engaging in power struggles! Use redirection for your autistic child.

    Stop-getting-into-battles-with-your-autistic-child
    We can choose to use “redirection” to help guide our children through their emotions.

    Stop Getting into Battles with Your Autistic Child🛑

    As an autism parent, using redirection for your autistic child can save the day. I know firsthand how hard it can be to keep your cool when things aren’t going smoothly. This morning was one of those moments for me. Jacob was having a rough time, and I had to make a choice: engage in a battle of emotions, or try something different to turn things around. I chose the latter.

     

    I’ve spoken before about how my husband and Jacob’s brother are great at redirecting him using music or movie quotes (they love doing voices of his favorite characters!). My strength, though, is a bit different. I may not know if Jacob has a headache or if sensory overload is making things worse, but I’ve learned to take a deep breath, shift his focus, and remind him of something good that’s coming up in his day. How my husband changes Jacob’s bad mood with music! #musicandautism.

     

    When the frustration is building, the key is not to react negatively—even when emotions run high. If I lose my cool, Jacob’s emotions will escalate, and we’ll both be in for a bad day. Remember, there’s a lot going on beneath the surface. It could be sensory overload, feeling unwell, or just waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Whatever it is, we all have a choice in those moments: to meet our child with patience and kindness or let frustration take over.

     

    Let’s talk about how we can approach these moments differently—how to redirect and refocus your child without getting into battles. Trust me, it can change the whole day for the better!

     

    Using redirection for your autistic child↗️

     

    Mornings with an autistic child can be unpredictable, and today was no exception. Jacob’s dad, a firefighter, had just left for a 24-hour shift, and I decided I wanted to grab a coffee from Starbucks. It seemed like a simple enough plan, but Jacob had other ideas.

     

    Engage-in-battles-with-my-autistic-son-or-use-redirection
    Engage in battles or Redirection?

    This Morning’s Battle: Coffee vs. Grumpy Mood ☕😡

     

    As I walked through the house, Jacob came out of his room, visibly grumpy. I greeted him with a “Good morning, buddy!” and suggested he get dressed so we could head to Starbucks. His response? “No, thank you,” followed by a quick exit back to his room. 

     

    At this point, I had a choice: I could push back, get frustrated, or find a way to “redirect” Jacob’s emotions. I chose the latter. I calmly stepped to his bedroom door and reminded him, “Go ahead and get dressed, buddy. We’re going to Starbucks, and remember, later today, we’re getting Panera Bread for lunch!” (That’s his favorite on this particular day.)

     

    While he wasn’t thrilled, the reminder of something good coming later in the day made a difference. Though his mood didn’t completely shift, the redirection helped enough to get him in the car. 🚗

     

    How I Use Redirection to Turn Around the Day 🔄

     

    As we drove to Starbucks, I used small opportunities to distract Jacob from his grumpy mood. I pointed out the pumpkins on display for fall (he’s been wanting one) and said, “Maybe next week, we can go pick out a pumpkin to start decorating for fall!” 🎃

     

    Jacob loves movies, so I used “movie quotes” and references to things he enjoys to shift his attention away from whatever was bothering him. This simple strategy of redirecting him to something positive or familiar helps him refocus and allows us both to have a better day. I’m trying to reset and reframe so he’s able to choose a different direction in his thinking and feelings.

     

    Why Redirection is Key for Us 🎯

     

    Jacob can wake up or switch emotions very quickly during the day. Sometimes he’s fine, and then something triggers a mood change. As his family, we try to manage this by focusing on what makes him happy, like discussing things he’s looking forward to. 

     

    The truth is, I don’t always understand what’s causing Jacob’s emotional shifts. Is it sensory overload? Is he feeling unwell? Or is he simply feeling the emotions of a character from a movie he’s watching? 🌀 Jacob often mirrors the feelings of the characters in his favorite movies, whether they are happy, sad, or angry.

     

    Our job as his family is to help him navigate these emotions, even when we don’t fully understand them. Living on “Autism Island,” as I often say, requires us to get creative in how we support Jacob. Redirection helps prevent emotional spirals that could lead to a difficult day. Using redirection techniques for autism behaviors keeps all of our emotions in check.

     

    The Reality of Being an Autism Parent 🌟

     

    Stop-getting-into-battles-with-your-autistic-child-2
    Start where you are each day and move forward!

    I’m human, too. There are mornings when I’m just not in the mood to deal with grumpy behavior or negative attitudes. But as much as I may wish for an easier day, Jacob didn’t wake up healed from his autism. So here we are. 

     

    I can choose to escalate the situation by snapping at him or demanding he “get it together,” or I can take a deep breath, find something to redirect his attention, and guide him to a better mood. It might be a “movie quote”, a reminder of something exciting coming up, or even just suggesting we get cookies from Harris Teeter tomorrow. 🍪

     

    Once I get him to exchange a few happy quotes or engage in something positive, I try to build on that momentum. From there, I steer the conversation toward something else I know he’ll enjoy, like a fall pumpkin or planning for the next outing.  

    https://www.speciallearninghouse.com/movies-about-autism/

     

    Setting Boundaries with Love ❤️

     

    While I want to protect and guide my child, I also need to balance that with “setting boundaries”. If Jacob continues in a grumpy mood or begins speaking disrespectfully, there are consequences. I can’t allow him to treat me or others poorly, because that’s not the world we live in. Respect and kindness are essential, even when emotions are running high.

     

    However, I understand that Jacob’s emotions are real and overwhelming for him. While I don’t always know what’s going on inside his mind, I can still offer support through redirection, patience, and a gentle reminder of what’s coming up that he can look forward to.

     

    The Power of Redirection and Patience 💡

     

    Being an autism parent means using redirection techniques for autism can save the day. I’m making decisions every day about how to handle emotional outbursts or mood swings. We can choose to engage in battles, or we can choose to use “redirection” to help guide our children through their emotions. 

     

    For Jacob, redirection helps him focus on the positive, whether it’s a favorite movie quote, a reminder of an upcoming treat, or even a pumpkin for fall. These small, thoughtful moments make a world of difference in his day—and in mine.

     

    As parents, we can’t always control the emotions our children feel, but we can help them navigate through them. With patience, redirection, and love, we can make each day a little brighter for our children and for ourselves.

    Today’s Tip and Strategy

    Try using redirection instead! 🙌✨


    In today’s blog, I’m sharing real-life tips on how to handle meltdowns and manage emotional outbursts with love, patience, and even movie quotes! 🎬💙 Redirection can shift your child’s focus, helping create a calmer day for everyone.

     

    🧐 Struggling with daily routines and meltdowns?


    🌟 As an autism parent coach, I help you transform chaos into calm by creating strategies that work for your family. 🌟

     

    📅 Schedule a discovery call


    👉🏼 Visit my contact page to get started: Book a coaching session today and start seeing real, positive changes in your family’s life! 💙

    https://educatingjacob.com/contact/

     

    Let’s work together to create a structured, peaceful home where your child can thrive.📚

     

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  • Blog, schedules

    How I take a Target $3 find and use for my autistic childs schedule!

    You-do-not-need-a-degree-to-teach-your-child
    You do not need a degree to teach your child with autism!

    Budget-Friendly Educational Tools

    Finding affordable and effective educational tools for autistic children can be a challenge, but as a special education teacher, I know where to look! The first few rows of products inside the door have super cute and cheap educational and fun items—puzzles, coloring books, sensory items, etc. As a broke teacher, I utilize many different shopping strategies to fill my classroom with fun and engaging items. 🛒📚

    The Hunt for Affordable Materials

    I’m always on the lookout for something that can be turned into an educational tool for Jacob’s daily/weekly schedule. This week, I found some amazing items that can be used for younger children. Since the prices for these items were only $3, I purchased more than one to make them into something more hands-on and engaging. 🎯🧩

    Budget-Friendly Finds

    Transforming these budget-friendly finds into effective educational tools for Jacob’s schedule is not only cost-efficient but also incredibly rewarding. It allows me to create personalized learning aids that cater specifically to Jacob’s needs and interests. 🛠️🌟

    Turning Budget Finds into Educational Activities

    I bought two sets of  Level 1 Readers that were a 2-book set and used one set to cut up and use pictures and sight words to be laminated. The laminated pieces can now be matched to the book the child is reading. This creates an interactive experience while reading the book! 📚✨

    See the video below: link to watch 👇 on YouTube https://youtu.be/YxBFpxHMumo?si=3Vab0VP4q2Xmse5i

    Interactive ABC Puzzles

    I also purchased some ABC puzzles that are plastic interlocking building blocks. You can purchase an upper case and lower case of the ABCs and match the lower to upper case in the schedule. 🧩🔤

    Watch the video: link to watch 👇 on YouTube https://youtu.be/HJm3xbfpIP0?si=HNAtSDGMRFiVPYcx

    Start Where Your Child Is

    These activities are used for younger children, and I used similar activities when Jacob was younger. Always start where your child is, no matter the age. Once your child has done the activity and understands what you are looking for, it can be added to the child’s daily independent work. 🌟🧒

    Visual Schedules and Consistency

    Creating schedules and activities that are easy to understand without a lot of language is crucial for the success of children with autism. Visual schedules provide a clear, predictable routine that helps reduce anxiety and build independence. When Jacob was younger, we relied heavily on visual aids and consistent routines to help him understand his day-to-day activities. Create an autism friendly summer schedule for your child!

    Benefits of Visual Schedules:

    – Reduces Anxiety: Knowing what to expect helps children with autism feel more secure and less anxious. Visual schedules provide a roadmap of their day, which can be incredibly calming. 🗓️✨

    – Builds Independence: Visual schedules enable children to follow routines on their own, fostering a sense of independence. Jacob learned to manage his tasks without constant verbal reminders, which boosted his confidence. Why teach chores for children with autism, how a schedule helps! 🌟🧩

    – Enhances Understanding: Many children with autism are visual learners. By using pictures and symbols, visual schedules cater to their strengths and improve their ability to grasp and follow routines. 📸🧠

    – Improves Communication: Visual schedules can bridge the communication gap for non-verbal or minimally verbal children. They offer a way for children to understand and express their daily activities without relying solely on spoken language. 🗣️🔇

    The Power of Consistency
    Jacob has a zippered work bag labeled for each day of the week.
    Jacob has a zippered work bag labeled for each day of the week.

    Consistency is key when implementing visual schedules and activities for children with autism. It helps create a stable environment where children know what to expect, reducing the likelihood of meltdowns and behavioral issues.

    – Routine: Stick to a regular routine as much as possible. Using educational tools for autistic children creates engaging activities. Jacob thrived when his days followed a predictable pattern, allowing him to anticipate what was coming next. Something for teachers: https://www.kodable.com/learn/free-technology-tools-for-elementary-teachers🔄🕒

    – Repetition: Repeated exposure to the same activities and tasks helps reinforce learning. Over time, Jacob became proficient in his chores and daily activities because they were consistently part of his routine. 🔁📚

    – Clear Expectations: Consistency in rules and expectations helps children understand what is required of them. When Jacob knew exactly what was expected, he could complete his tasks with confidence. ✅🏅

    Today’s Tip and Strategy

    Utilizing budget-friendly educational tools for autistic children creates activities that do not need a lot of language. Incorporating them into visual schedules can significantly impact a child with autism’s ability to learn and thrive. The easy-to-understand activities, combined with consistency, allow parents to help their children develop essential life skills, reduce anxiety, and foster independence, which is our main goal.

    🧐Struggling with daily routines and meltdowns? 🌟 As an autism parent coach, I help you transform chaos into calm.🌟

    📅Schedule a discovery call👉🏼 go to my contact page on the website https://educatingjacob.com/contact/

    Let’s work together to create a structured, peaceful home where your child can thrive.📚

    Book a coaching session today and start seeing real, positive changes in your family’s life! 💙 

    #autismcoach #autismparentcoaching #autismandepilepsy #autismfamily💙#autismmom😎 #autismchallenges🧩 #AutismParenting #DoctorVisitSuccess #EducatingJacob #AutismSupport #CalmParenting

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    How are using schedules improving our autistic child’s daily life?

    Using schedules for our autistic child has been a game-changer in improving daily life. As parents, we constantly seek ways to help our children manage their emotions, transitions, and activities more smoothly. For Jacob, our journey began with countless meltdowns and a struggle to communicate his needs. But through the implementation of structured schedules, we discovered a powerful tool that not only brought calm to our home but also fostered independence and confidence in Jacob. In this blog post, we’ll share how using schedules has transformed our daily lives and offer practical tips to help other families navigate the complexities of autism. 🌟📅

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

    The pictures in this blog post  are Jacob through the years, Jacob doing a writing assignment above. After his writing, was his reading and both were on his schedule for the day. The last picture is when he was born, pictured here with his big brother Nick. At the very bottom of this blog post is a picture from his  21st birthday.

    Using Schedules for the Autistic Child

    Aren’t schedules easy? I’ll just write down a checklist, and boom, I’m done, right? Why do I even need a schedule? In all my years as a “boy mom,” “autism mom,” and special education teacher, I’m begging you: HAVE A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT SCHEDULE. Some key elements of a good schedule are:

    1. Easy to maintain.
    2. Understandable at a glance.
    3. Simple enough to change daily (if needed).

    Above is Jacob completing a writing assignment from his schedule when he was 8 yrs old. His schedule was simple then with maybe 4 things on a list (or a row of pictures showing the activity) with something fun following actual work or chores.

    Let me help you avoid some common pitfalls:

    Once your child understands the concept of following a schedule, you can add to it slowly.  Don’t expect things to go  well the first couple of attempts. With Jacob he was very resistant to anything new and that continues to present day but the next time you ask him to do the task it’s no longer new. Yay!

    Using schedules for autistic child gives success!

    Problem: Controlling Emotions During Changes in Routine or Life Transitions

     

    Unstructured downtime for children who struggle with change and emotions is not a good idea. You may be thinking, “My child shouldn’t have downtime?” Of course, they should! It’s unstructured downtime that can be the problem. Life is full of transitions. When transitions = meltdowns, try the following: No Schedule for Jacob to Use This Week? No Peace! Autism Challenges 🧩

     

    – Use a Schedule: Help your child understand their day.

    – Be Consistent: Using the schedule so it becomes a routine.

    – Plan Ahead: You can add or remove things in the schedule (doctor appt., therapy, etc.).

     

    I’ve found that my son, and my students, do better when they see what’s coming in their day. Be proactive and set everyone up for success! 🌟

     

    Solution: Create a Simple Weekly Schedule

     

    The goal is to set the child up for success. It doesn’t need to be an elaborate, time-consuming schedule. If you overdo it, then your schedule is just going to do more harm than good. It should be simple enough that they understand what to do and you can be consistent in how you use it.

     

    How Can a Schedule Change Your Child’s Life?

     

    Notice the smiles in the pictures where Jacob is completing his daily work. The schedules turned the chaos into calm. When he was allowed to just play and watch TV or movies, he did not transition well from one activity to another. When I would ask him to transition to something else or even ask a question, there would be attitude. He was unable to hold conversations and process the speech as people are speaking. Between sensory and processing issues, he also hyper-focused on whatever he was doing and didn’t like being interrupted. 📅

     

    Tips for Creating Effective Schedules

     

    Schedules can start off as simple as two pictures stuck on paper with Velcro. The first picture shows an activity for your child (like brushing teeth), and the second is something your child loves to do (like a favorite movie or TV show).

     

    Once your child understands the give and take of the schedule, you can increase expectations and add more tasks. Jacob just turned 26, and he still loves the predictability of schedules, using them daily to have successful days. Currently, when Jacob completes his daily activities and chores for the week, he gets to order movies or something of his choosing from Amazon or eBay (his favorites). 📦

     

    Overcoming Challenges for a Child with Autism

     

    The initial challenges of creating and using schedules for autistic child are substantial. These kids tend to dislike change, and you’re essentially trying to change not only their way of communicating but also their daily habits.

     

    While introducing schedules, you’ll mix in activities they love (like playdough or swimming) between activities that might be new or less appealing. But don’t worry—this phase doesn’t last long. Once they realize how predictable and fun schedules can be, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy peaceful moments watching a happy child work. 🎨💧

     

    Consistency is Key

     

    However, one crucial piece of advice to avoid meltdowns or setbacks: consistency. Do not reward your child unless they follow the schedule. Consistency is the key to success in this journey. ✔️

     

    Why Schedules Matter

     

    A schedule can give a sense of control and success. Children who have difficulty with transitions and emotion regulation need our help. The schedule can give a sense of control and anticipation to face the day better. Success! 🌟

     

    Practical Tips for Parents

     

    – Keep it Simple: Once your child understands the concept of following a schedule, you can add to it slowly. Don’t expect things to go well the first couple of attempts. With Jacob, he was very resistant to anything new, but the next time you ask him to do the task, it’s no longer new. Yay!

    – Use Visual Reminders: Sandwich the things your child dislikes between the things they like. If they give you push-back on an item, just point to the schedule. Use it as a visual reminder, and tell them, “If you want what comes next on the schedule then do this [task/chore/homework].”

     

    Autism Schedule Example:

     

    – Breakfast

    – School work

    – Chore

    – Movie or break item

     

    Let’s say the above is the start of Jake’s schedule. Breakfast is finished, and he’s asking for a movie. I point to the schedule without words showing the school work. Model what is next and refuse moving to the next item. Redirect without language showing the fun item is coming soon! The schedule isn’t negotiable, hold your ground, in the beginning, it’s tough but the payoff is worth it! 

     

    Using the Schedule for a Child with Autism

     

    The schedule needs to be easy to follow. Have clear expectations. You need to be consistent when using a schedule. You can’t put things on your child’s schedule they don’t know how to do on their own. My classroom schedule was so well-modeled that my students could guide my substitute teacher any day of the week. I wanted the substitute and my kids to have a great day if I had to be out. So, I put in the time and created schedules that they enjoyed using even in my absence. How Jacob has success daily without anxiety. #autismchallenges

     

    The Purpose of Schedules

     

    – Independence: Have the child understand their place and expectations within the family.

    – Reduced Anxiety: In school, the student needs to understand their place within the classroom and the expectations of the teacher.

    – Simple and Clear: The schedules need to be simple and easy to look at and understand at a glance.

    – Easy Instructions: You need simple instructions for small children or anyone who has a learning disability.

     

    By focusing on creating structured, easy-to-follow schedules for the autistic child.  Parents can help their children with autism navigate their days more smoothly, reduce meltdowns, and foster a sense of independence and success. 💪🌈

    • 4-things-about-jacob
      Jacob on his 21st bday with his favorite person, Mrs. Gwen!

       

      Autism Coach picture for CEO Coaching Directory
      Autism Coaching, part of the CEO Coaching Community. Click here for a free discovery call to see if you would benefit from coaching sessions with me! https://educatingjacob.com/contact/

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