schedules

  • How do children with autism do better with a personalized schedule?

    How to Create a Personalized Schedule for Children with Autism 🗓️

    Hello, my name is Melissa, and I create schedules to help my son with autism achieve some independence and decrease anxiety! Today, I want to share with you how to create a personalized schedule for children with autism. Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, a well-structured schedule can make a world of difference in helping your child navigate their day with confidence and calm.

     

    My Journey as an Autism Parent

    I’ve been on this “boy mom” journey for 31 years and an autism journey for 22 years. While the “boy mom” journey has been the most exciting and joyous experience, the autism journey has been the most challenging, with its fair share of devastating and overwhelming moments.

    My family consists of myself, my husband David, and our two sons, Nicholas and Jacob. Over the years, I’ve earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education, certifications in Reading Foundations, and additional training after years of teaching. However, you don’t need a degree or license to teach your child—what you need is a deep understanding of their needs and a willingness to adapt.

    I believe God has used all of my experiences to bring me to my purpose: sharing my life experiences and solving problems by creating schedules for my son and many others in the classroom. I intend to fulfill this purpose through blogging, teaching courses, and creating content for teachers and parents.

    Why Schedules Matter for Children with Autism

    My purpose is to share how I solve problems by creating schedules for my son. Jacob is 27 years old and was diagnosed with autism between the ages of 3 and 4. Each year has brought different challenges and joys. Jacob was nonverbal until he was 4 years old, and while he has since learned to use simple words and phrases, he still struggles to carry on short conversations.

    Jacob’s moderate autism has made it challenging to teach him vital life skills without overstimulating him and causing a meltdown. One of the ways we’ve managed this is by creating a structured and predictable daily routine. By learning how to create a schedule for children with autism, we’ve been able to make Jacob’s days more manageable and less stressful.

    Building Structure and Predictability 🏠

    I built on his desire to have the days structured and predictable (school, community, chores). Using schedules has allowed Jacob to understand his day better. Everyone is happier when we know what we are doing during the day. I will start where we are now, and we will address earlier years in future blog posts. Moving forward, I will share pictures and videos for those who will find them useful. I create schedules for everyday life, school, doctor visits, or anything else that changes. Autism has caused problems making transitions, sensory issues, and communication, just to name a few. The schedules allow Jacob to feel in control of his day and this makes him happy. Learning how to create, customize, and implement various schedule(s) to communicate more effectively with your child (in my case, a child with autism) will make your family and child happier.

    One problem we solved is cycling laundry.

    Jacob always wants to wear soft t-shirts with no tags (sensory issues) and shorts. He also needs to understand why we wash clothes after each use. He believes it’s ok to wear his favorites over again without putting them in the laundry first. So, he was frustrated and felt we weren’t letting him wear perfectly good clothes.

    Problem: Child wearing the same clothes (even out of the dirty laundry).
    Solution: Laundry Schedule and garment bags.
    Creating Schedules to Improve Daily Life 🌟

     

    Creating a personalized schedule for your child with autism can greatly improve their quality of life by reducing anxiety and increasing their independence. Whether it’s managing daily routines like laundry or preparing for more significant events like doctor visits, a well-thought-out schedule can make all the difference. 4 Things I Wish I Would Have Known After Getting the Autism Diagnosis

     

    As an autism parent, I understand how overwhelming it can be to manage the various challenges that come with the territory. But I also know that with the right tools and strategies—like creating a schedule tailored to your child’s needs—you can create a more peaceful and structured environment for your family.

     

    I hope you find these insights helpful, and I look forward to sharing more of our journey with you. Stay tuned for future posts where I’ll continue to share tips and strategies for navigating life with autism.

    I decided to purchase five garment bags and label each according to its day, Monday-Friday (An excuse to buy vinyl and use my Cricut Maker!). In the first week, he was using them independently. Each garment bag contains clothes for the day, including clean underwear and socks. See the picture below. He likes his new clothes, and we don’t butt heads over his laundry anymore. Before the garment bags, his clothes were not being changed daily. Ugh, there is nothing worse than catching a whiff of a funky child (in this case adult)!

    The laundry schedule has worked to create the daily habit clean clothes.

    The laundry schedule has worked to create the daily habit of clean, nice-looking clothes for going out into the community. Yay! Another win; count them all, even the small ones.

    problem and solution for laundry schedule
    Created a daily Schedule to include a garment bag with clean clothes for the day.

    Jacob’s clothing preferences and re-wearing dirty clothes required a creative solution: Introducing a laundry schedule and utilizing garment bags in turn gave him independence. Jacob’s positive response earned the reward of amazon at the end of a successful week and improved hygiene habits.

    Creating Schedules to Improve Daily Life 🌟

     

    Creating a personalized schedule for your child with autism can greatly improve their quality of life by reducing anxiety and increasing their independence. Whether it’s managing daily routines like laundry or preparing for more significant events like doctor visits, a well-thought-out schedule can make all the difference.

     

    As an autism parent, I understand how overwhelming it can be to manage the various challenges that come with the territory. But I also know that with the right tools and strategies—like creating a schedule tailored to your child’s needs—you can create a more peaceful and structured environment for your family.

     

    I hope you find these insights helpful, and I look forward to sharing more of our journey with you. Stay tuned for future posts where I’ll continue to share tips and strategies for navigating life with autism.

    https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

    The family goal in 2024 is to keep CALM and move forward with purpose!

    Jacob pictured with his nana, brother and his favorite scripture
    Jacob’s favorite people-Nana and Nick- and his favorite scripture!

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  • How Preparing Our Son with Autism for Doctor Visits Gives Success!

    How-Preparing-Our-Son-with-Autism-for-Doctor-Visits-Gives-Success
    Have a plan and prepare days ahead of the doctors appointment!

    Jacob loves going to the doctor now that he’s older, but trust me, it wasn’t always this way. If you’re a parent of a child with autism, you know that new experiences, especially something like a doctor visit, can be incredibly challenging. When Jacob was younger, we quickly realized that we needed a plan to make these visits successful, so we started preparing him by modeling—playing doctor at home—what would probably happen at the doctor’s office. 🎮👨‍⚕️

    As autism parents, we deal with a complex set of behaviors in reaction to an equally complex set of issues, from sensory sensitivities to language processing difficulties, and challenges with expressing feelings. It can feel overwhelming, especially when facing something that doesn’t happen often, like a doctor’s visit. But having a plan, no matter the situation, can make all the difference in the world. 🌍

    In this post, I’ll share how we turned what could have been a stressful experience into a smooth and even enjoyable one for Jacob—and how you can do the same for your child. Let’s dive into the strategies that have worked for us and can work for you too! https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/autism-and-doctor-visits-family-seeks-help-ease-daughters-fears 🩺✨

    Preparing Our Son with Autism for Doctor Visits!🩺✨

    When Jacob was younger, doctor visits were anything but smooth. Meltdowns triggered by sensory issues and anxiety over anything new were a common struggle for us. If you’re an autism parent, you probably know this story all too well. But after Jacob’s diagnosis and learning more about autism, we found ways to make these experiences less stressful and more manageable.

     

    The Power of Visual Schedules 📅

    One of the first tools we introduced was visual schedules. These were a game-changer in helping Jacob understand his day and our expectations. When it was time for something new, like a scary doctor’s appointment, we practiced in the days leading up to it. Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩

    By playing doctor at home—with a toy stethoscope, thermometer, checking ears, and even a pretend shot—Jacob began to understand what to expect. This practice helped reduce his anxiety because he knew what was coming, even if the situation was still unfamiliar.

    Role-Playing and Media for Success 🎮👨‍⚕️🎥

    Role-playing was another crucial strategy. It’s one thing to tell your child what will happen, but acting it out makes a world of difference. Jacob got used to the idea of being at the doctor’s office through our pretend play. While it wasn’t easy at first, especially when dealing with the unfamiliar, it laid the groundwork for smoother visits in the future.

    In addition to role-playing, we found that using movies and YouTube videos about doctor visits also helped Jacob understand what was coming. Seeing other children go through similar experiences on screen made the whole process less intimidating for him. We also used books that explained doctor visits in a simple, relatable way. These resources became a part of our preparation routine, helping Jacob feel more prepared and less anxious. 👉 Here is an amazon Melissa and Doug doctor set.

    Each visit became less daunting as he began to associate the routine with something familiar. The early days were tough, but the consistent practice, visual schedules, and media preparation meant that there were fewer major meltdowns. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress, and that’s what mattered most.

    Additional Strategies for Doctor Visit Success 🧸📚

    Over time, we added more strategies to our toolkit to make doctor visits more manageable:

    • Bring a non-messy drink/snack: Keeping Jacob’s hands and mouth busy helped reduce anxiety.
    • Coloring books or favorite books: These were perfect for waiting room distractions.
    • Preferred items: A stuffed animal, blanket, or other comfort item made him feel more secure.
    • iPad/Kindle or learning toy: These were lifesavers during longer waits, offering both distraction and comfort.

    These small, thoughtful additions helped Jacob stay calm and focused, making the entire experience more bearable for him—and for us. Keeping him busy was a way to keep his mind occupied and lessen anxiety.

    The Reward at the End 🎁
    Celebrate-all-small-wins-and-Completion-of-the-schedule
    Celebrating even the small wins, shows your child how to be excited by completing/learning something new!

    Another key component of our approach was adding a treat to Jacob’s visual schedule that would come after the doctor visit. Whether it was a favorite snack, a trip to the park, or watching a favorite movie, this gave him something to look forward to and helped keep his anxiety in check. It was not a bribe given before to try and get him to comply but something to look forward to afterwards.

    Whenever I saw the anxiety start to creep in, I’d remind him of the fun that was waiting for him after the visit. Sometimes, I’d even throw out one of his favorite movie quotes to distract him. Jacob loves quoting movies, so this often turned into a fun exchange, easing his nerves and bringing a smile to his face. “How to create a personalized schedule for children with autism”

    Involving the Doctor and Nurse 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

    What surprised me was how quickly the nurse or doctor would catch on to our little game. They’d join in, using quotes or engaging with Jacob in a way that made the whole experience less intimidating. This team effort made a huge difference, turning what could have been a meltdown into a moment of connection.

    Preparation Leads to Success 🌟

    Preparing your child with autism for something as challenging as a doctor visit is not easy, but it is possible. With visual schedules, role-playing, and thoughtful strategies like bringing comfort items, using movies and videos, and providing rewards, you can help make these experiences smoother and less stressful. Every little bit of preparation helps, turning what could be a scary experience into a more manageable one.

    Remember, it’s all about taking small steps forward and celebrating the progress, no matter how small. Your child’s success is your success, and together, you can navigate these challenges with confidence.

     

    Autism Coach picture for CEO Coaching Directory
    👉  Autism Parent Coaching, part of the CEO Coaching Community.

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  • How back to school goes with my son Jacob and all things autism!

    How-back-to-school-goes-with-my-son-Jacob-and-all-things-autism
    Back to School Home or at Public School looks different with autism!

    Back to School with All Things Autism!

     

    Back-to-school season is upon us, going back to school and all things autism are my specialty! Going back to school for many parents, it’s a time of excitement mixed with a bit of anxiety. But for those of us with children on the autism spectrum, it’s a whole different ballgame. I’ve been through the trenches, and I’ve learned from the best teacher there is—my son, Jacob.🎒✨

     

    Now, let me let you in on a little secret: Jacob isn’t officially in school anymore because he’s aged out. But shhh…don’t tell him that! Jacob continues to tackle reading, writing, and math assignments every single day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 📝📚

     

    You see, structure and routine are the magical ingredients that keep our days running smoothly. When things go off course, it’s like a storm brewing inside our home. Frustration and anxiety start to creep in, and before we know it, chaos reigns. Over the years, we’ve discovered that the key to Jacob’s success—and our sanity—is maintaining that all-important structure. It’s his anchor, giving him the security of sameness that he craves.

     

    In this post, I’m diving into our back-to-school journey and sharing tips, tricks, and insights for parents who are navigating the world of autism, whether you’re homeschooling or working with public schools. Let’s tackle this together—one structured day at a time! 💪🎒

    Back to School with Jacob and All Things Autism! 🎒✨

    Back-to-school season is always a unique experience when you’re living on Autism Island. For those of us teaching children with autism, whether at home or in the classroom, it’s a time to revisit the strategies that keep our kids on track and help them thrive. This journey is all about finding what works and sticking with it—what I like to call C-consistent A-action L-learning M-mindset, or “CALM” for short. I’ve talked about this framework before on Educating Jacob, https://educatingjacob.com/blog/, and today, I’m diving deeper into how it shapes our back-to-school routine. 🌟

    CALM-frameworks-for-picture-with-school-work
    These zippered bags contain the days work and the garment bag holds the sensory friendly clothes!

    C – Consistent Action Forward 🛤️

    Consistency is the cornerstone of success for children with autism. Without a plan, the day can quickly spiral into chaos and anxiety. For Jacob, structure isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. That’s why we start every day with a clear plan, laid out in his visual schedule. This schedule isn’t just a list of tasks; it’s a roadmap that gives Jacob the confidence to move forward, knowing exactly what comes next. Autism Diagnosis: My Home Was in Chaos and I Felt Like a Terrible Mom!

    In the classroom, the same principles apply. My students know what to expect the moment they walk in. Visual and sensory supports are in place, helping them transition smoothly from one activity to the next. The key to C-consistent Action Forward is to keep moving, even when things get tough. If your current routine isn’t working, it’s time to make a change. Consistency doesn’t mean sticking with what’s familiar if it’s not effective—it means being committed to finding what works and sticking with that. 💪

    A – Always Celebrate Wins 🎉

    One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching Jacob is seeing his face light up when he realizes he’s done something right. But here’s the thing: Jacob hesitates to try something new if he’s not sure he’ll succeed. To build his confidence, we start with tasks he’s already mastered. This way, he can work independently and feel a sense of accomplishment.

    For anything new, we tackle it together. With modeling, prompts, and video tutorials, we practice until he’s comfortable. And once he’s got it down? We celebrate! 🎊 No win is too small. Whether it’s mastering a new math problem or completing a reading assignment, we make sure to acknowledge his efforts. In the world of autism, where even the simplest tasks can be challenging, these moments are worth celebrating. So, don’t wait for the big milestones—throw those mini-parties often!

    L – Learning to Create Schedules 🗓️

    If you want to reduce chaos and anxiety in your child’s day, learning to create effective schedules is a game changer. Visual schedules are powerful tools for children with autism. They should be simple, easy to understand, and provide a clear beginning and end to each task. If your child can’t see the finish line, you’re setting them up for frustration.

    For Jacob, his visual schedule is like a contract—it lays out what’s expected and when he’s done. There’s no guessing, no surprises, just a straightforward plan that he can follow. And the payoff? A smoother, less stressful day for everyone involved. If you haven’t yet mastered the art of creating schedules, now’s the time to start. It’s a skill that will bring calm to your household and help your child thrive. 📅

    M – Mindset Matters 🧠

    The final piece of the puzzle is mindset. Both the student and the teacher need to start the day with a positive outlook. Teaching, especially in the context of autism, can be tough. It’s easy to get discouraged when progress feels slow, but that’s when it’s most important to give yourself grace. Remind yourself and your child that learning is a journey. There will be challenges, but each one is an opportunity to grow.

    For Jacob, and for my students, I emphasize that they are learners. Every task they master, every new skill they acquire, is proof that they can do it. It’s our job as parents and teachers to show them that they are capable of learning independently and that they can succeed. 🌱

    As we gear up for another school year, whether at home or in the classroom, remember to keep it “CALM”—Consistent Action Forward, Always Celebrate Wins, Learning to Create Schedules, and Mindset Matters. These principles aren’t just about surviving the school year; they’re about helping our children thrive in all things autism. Here is another blog for adults on the spectrum: https://www.psychreg.org/jo-luck-all-things-autism/

    Let’s tackle this together, one structured day at a time! 🎒💪

    Want more, download the ebook guide: here!👇 https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

     

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  • How Jacob’s Autism Makes Birthday Celebrations Unique on Autism Island.

    Happy Birthday! Autism and Birthdays
    Birthdays may look a little different on Autism Island!

    Autism And Birthday Celebrations

    Life on Autism Island is a journey filled with its own set of adventures and challenges, even if it’s birthday celebrations! If you’ve been following my blog on Educating Jacob, you already know that living on Autism Island means embracing a world where every experience is as unique as the individuals who live here. Birthdays, in particular, stand out as special occasions that are celebrated differently from the mainstream yet are filled with love, laughter, and a touch of unpredictability. Here’s another post you can check out: https://hiblogimdad.com/2018/03/19/does-he-know-its-his-birthday/

    Autism Birthday and Superman!
    Jacob loves Superman!

    A Unique Autism Birthday Celebration 🎉

    Jacob’s birthdays are a testament to how our family has adapted to the beautiful complexities of autism. Like any other child, Jacob eagerly anticipates his birthday. He loves the idea of having a party, but, as many autism parents can relate, traditional celebrations often don’t fit the mold.

    For instance, singing “Happy Birthday” is a ritual that comes with its own set of challenges. 🎶 While the song brings joy to many, for Jacob, it triggers a sensory overload that has him plugging his ears and pacing until it’s over. Despite this, he often wears a smile that warms my heart. 😊 It’s a reminder that he understands the specialness of the moment, even if he experiences it differently. 3 Ways Jacob’s Monthly Calendar and Daily Schedule Work on Autism Island!

    Navigating Sensory Issues 🌟

    Birthday parties often come with sensory challenges for children on the autism spectrum. Here’s how we address some of these issues to ensure Jacob has a joyful experience:

    1. Noise Sensitivity 🎵:
      • Problem: Loud noises like singing, clapping, or party horns can be overwhelming.
      • Solution: We use noise-canceling headphones to help Jacob manage the noise levels. Additionally, we keep the volume low and opt for soft music or nature sounds in the background.
    2. Visual Overstimulation 🎈:
      • Problem: Bright lights and busy decorations can be too much for Jacob.
      • Solution: We choose calming color schemes and avoid flashing lights. Gentle, natural lighting or soft fairy lights work wonders in creating a peaceful ambiance.
    3. Tactile Sensitivities 🎂:
      • Problem: Certain textures in food or decorations might be uncomfortable.
      • Solution: We involve Jacob in choosing party items. From the texture of the cake icing to the fabric of his clothes, we ensure everything feels just right for him.
    4. Unpredictable Situations ⏰:
      • Problem: Surprises or unexpected changes can be unsettling.
      • Solution: We prepare a visual schedule or a simple checklist so Jacob knows what to expect throughout the day. Having a “quiet corner” where he can retreat if things get overwhelming is also a great strategy.

    The Magic of a “Surprise Birthday” 🎁

    Jacob once told me he wanted a “surprise birthday.” It’s these little requests that showcase his unique perspective and make every celebration an adventure. Jacob often draws inspiration from movies or cartoons, which means every year brings a new theme that reflects his current interests.

    One year, it might be a superhero-themed celebration inspired by his favorite animated movie. 🦸‍♂️ The next, it might be something as whimsical as a cartoon character who’s captured his heart. 🦄 These themes make each birthday feel like a new chapter in our Autism Island adventure.

    Evolving Traditions 🥳

    When Jacob was younger, planning birthday parties was a bit easier. We invited close friends and family, and it felt more like a traditional celebration. However, as he’s grown older, the dynamics have changed. Those childhood friends who once joined our celebrations have moved on to lead their adult lives, and Jacob’s social circle has shifted.

    But this doesn’t stop us from creating memorable birthday and other celebrations. We’ve learned to adapt and make the most of what we have. Family dinners, decorations, and special movie nights have become our go-to traditions. 🍿 It’s about creating an environment that Jacob loves and feels comfortable in, which is often a quieter, more intimate gathering. 

    Life on Autism Island 🌍

    Living on Autism Island can sometimes feel isolating. It’s not just about being different from the rest of the world; it’s about embracing those differences and making them work for us. But please don’t mistake this for a sob story. We’re not on the brink of despair; rather, we’re thriving. Autism Awareness happened in April? Jacob’s Autism Education and schedule. 

    Transforming-Chaos-into-Calm-with-Autism-Awareness
    Chaos to CALM!

    Want more? Download our free guide: https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

     

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