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  • How does mindset change things when raising a child with autism? 🧩

    To move forward with clarity your mindset needs work!
    To move forward with clarity your mindset needs work!

    Unlocking the Power of Mindset: 

    Raising a child with autism is a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. As parents, our mindset plays a pivotal role in how we navigate this path. When confusion and fear cloud our thoughts, taking action can seem daunting. I remember the moment when I first realized Jacob wasn’t speaking and faced the reality of his challenges beyond speech delay. It was a moment filled with devastation and fear. But amidst the uncertainty, I knew one thing for certain: I needed to arm myself with knowledge and understanding to take decisive action. Join me as we explore the transformative power of mindset in the realm of autism parenting.#Autism Challenges

    Just starting with the diagnosis? Check out the Autism Society: https://vimeo.com/5846214

     

    Navigating Autism Parenting with Clarity and Confidence:

    Ah, the maze of autism parenting! Picture yourself wandering aimlessly, bumping into walls, and occasionally tripping over your own shoelaces. It’s like trying to find your way out of a corn maze blindfolded – a recipe for comedic chaos! But fear not, my fellow adventurers, for in this topsy-turvy journey, clarity is your trusty compass. Without a clear sense of direction, you’re just a lost soul wandering in circles, hoping to stumble upon the exit. And let me tell you, friends, hoping for the best is like relying on a blindfolded toddler to navigate a Lego minefield – not exactly a foolproof strategy! So, buckle up and grab your map, because in the wild and wacky world of autism parenting, we’re going to need a plan! 🗺️🚀

     

    Documenting the Rollercoaster Ride: 

    Journal to see your child's growth.
    Journal so you can see growth, also it’s proof you’ll make it through hard times!

    You’re armed with a notepad and a cup of coffee, ready to tackle the ever-growing list of concerns about your child’s development. It’s like preparing for battle, except instead of swords and shields, you’ve got highlighters and sticky notes – because nothing says “warrior parent” like color-coded organization, am I right? 📝☕️

    Now, as you wade through the sea of doctor’s appointments and testing, remember that patience is a virtue, my friends. It’s like waiting in line at the amusement park – except instead of thrilling rides, you’re queuing up for evaluations and assessments. And let’s be honest, the only rollercoaster here is the emotional one you’re riding on! 🎢

    But fear not, for in the land of autism parenting, we’re all about proactive planning. So, get your name on every waiting list imaginable – diagnosis, speech therapy, occupational therapy – you name it, we’re on it! It’s like stocking up on snacks before a road trip – you may not need them all, but better safe than sorry, right? And who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and score a fast pass to the front of the line! 🎟️

     

    Journaling Through the Ups and Downs:

    Alright, fellow adventurers, buckle up because we’re about to embark on a journaling journey! Now, before you start running for the hills at the mere mention of daily writing (ain’t nobody got time for that!), let me reassure you – I’m right there with you. Who has the energy to document every little detail of their day when they’re busy juggling therapy sessions and meltdowns? 📓✨🤷‍♂️

    But fear not, my friends, for journaling doesn’t have to be a chore. Think of it as your personal time capsule, capturing all the hilarious highs and the chaotic lows of your autism parenting adventure. It’s like creating your own comedy special – except instead of stand-up routines, you’ve got anecdotes about toilet training mishaps and epic bedtime battles. 😂

    And here’s the best part: when you’re knee-deep in the trenches of a particularly rough day, you can crack open that journal and remind yourself of just how far you’ve come. It’s like finding a hidden stash of chocolate when you’re craving a sweet treat – instant mood booster! So go ahead, grab your pen and start scribbling down those memories – trust me, your future self will thank you for it! 🍫🖊️

     

    Visual Schedules:
    Visual Schedules for young children
    Example of Jakes Schedule when he was younger.

    Alright, fellow navigators of the autism parenting maze, let’s talk home life – the ultimate testing ground for any autism superhero! Now, picture this: you’ve conquered the world of therapies and diagnoses, and you’re feeling pretty darn proud of yourself. But then reality hits you like a ton of bricks – how on earth do you translate all that progress into a happy, harmonious home environment?🏡💥

    Enter visual schedules, the unsung heroes of the autism parenting world! Check out this post for more ideas Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩 Now, I’ll be the first to admit, it took me longer than it probably should have to realize just how crucial these schedules are. I mean, sure, they’re not as flashy as superhero capes or as glamorous as unicorn-themed sensory rooms, but boy, do they pack a punch!🦸‍♂️🗓️

     

    Your Secret Weapon for Family Harmony

    With a visual schedule in hand, Jacob can literally see what his day looks like – no mind-reading required! And here’s the best part: if you play your cards right, you can sneak in a little thing called “choice” into that schedule. That’s right, folks, we’re talking about empowering our little ones to take charge of their own destiny, one sticker at a time! 🌟💼

     

    The result? A household that runs smoother than a well-oiled machine, with productivity levels that would make even the most organized Martha Stewart green with envy. Gone are the days of anxiety-fueled meltdowns and frustrating communication breakdowns – instead, we’ve got a family dynamic that’s tighter than a pair of superhero spandex! 🦸‍♀️💬

     

    So, my fellow autism adventurers, if you’re looking to revolutionize your home life and banish chaos to the far corners of the universe, look no further than the humble visual schedule. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it – and hey, who knows, you might just earn yourself a spot in the autism parenting Hall of Fame! 🏆✨

    #Autism Challenges🧩

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  • Thriving Together: 3 Tips for Parents of Energetic Children with Autism. Autism Challenges🧩

    The Energetic Child With Autism!
    Tips for the Energetic Child With Autism!

    Before Jacob’s autism diagnosis, we were bewildered by his lack of attention, clueless about his hyperactivity. But hey, at least he helped with cleaning – albeit based on my tone and body language, not my words! 😅

    Understanding Energetic Behavior:

    Some kids are like perpetual motion machines. If Jacob ever stopped moving, I’d check his temperature! Turns out, high energy in autism can be due to a myriad of factors – genetics, sensory needs, or simply being a kid! 🏃‍♂️

    Not sure if your child has autism? check out this video that talks about the Autism Society. https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/

    Tip 1- Create a Structured Environment:

    Consistency is key! Our days got brighter when we embraced structured routines. With visual schedules, even non-readers like Jacob can follow along. Just keep it simple and predictable, like Jacob’s favorite superhero shirts – they never fail to save the day! 💪

    Check out my previous post to learn more about visual schedules: “How to create a personalized schedule for children with autism”

    Tip 2- Incorporate Physical Activities:

    New Years habit for 2024
    Exercise can be fun with the right gear!

    Exercise isn’t just for the gym – it’s for Jake’s language development too! Who knew bouncing on a rebounder could teach him words? With close captioning and superhero workout shirts, learning is an adventure in itself! 🦸‍♂️

    Remember when you cross midline you are activating the brain and creating new connections because it engages both sides of the brain. Exercise and movement are a win-win for our kids! Windmills are a good exercise that crosses the midline.🕺🏾

    Here is a previous post on incorporating exercise: Our New Years Challenge, the schedule we will use for our new habits!

    Tip 3- Implement Sensory Breaks:

    When the energy’s high, and emotions are frayed, it’s time for a sensory break! From rice bins to water beads, sensory activities are our secret weapon. And as a mom and teacher, I’ve got a sixth sense for recognizing when it’s time to hit pause and recharge! ⏸️

    C.A.L.M:
    C onsistant Action forward A lways Celebrate Wins L earning to Create Schedules M indset
    C.A.L.M.

    Consistent Action Forward With patience, Always Celebrate Wins, support, Learning to Create Schedules/Procedures without Using a Lot of Language, and Mindset. Use the CALM model and a dash of creativity, parents of energetic children with autism can navigate the highs and lows of parenting with grace and humor. After all, it’s not just about surviving – it’s about thriving together! 🌟

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  • Why buying Christmas presents can be hard when the child has autism.

    christmas presents can be hard when the child has autism
    #presentsandautism

    Why Buying Christmas Presents for a Child with Autism Can Be a Challenge 🎁

    Ah, the holiday season – a time for joy, festivities, and the ever-exciting task of buying Christmas presents. But what happens when your gift recipient happens to be a child with autism? Well, let’s just say, it can be an adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Think “Jingle All the Way”. Today, we’re delving into the world of holiday gift-giving for kids like Jacob, and trust me, it’s a ride you won’t forget!

    A child with autism often has limited interests.
    #limitedinterests

    Limited Interests, Maximal Specificity 🎬

    Jacob, like many children with autism, has some pretty specific interests. For him, it’s all about movies, but not just any movies. Oh no, we’re talking about films from the early 2000s with a certain cover from a specific year. Sounds challenging, right? It is. So, when we go shopping for Jacob, we’re on a mission – Amazon first, and if that doesn’t cut it, a detour to eBay might just save the day. The upside? We usually score a good deal. The downside? Jacob is as particular as a Michelin-starred chef. If it doesn’t meet his criteria, it’s a no-go, no matter how close it is to what he wants. You see, for kids like Jacob, the world isn’t just black and white; it’s an entire spectrum of details that matter. So, if the copyright date on the DVD doesn’t match his expectations, well, let’s just say, it’s going back to the seller faster than you can say “Santa Claus”!

    Children with autism often have sensory issues.
    #sensoryissues

    Sensory Sensibilities – Soft, Tagless, and Approved by Jacob 🧦

    When it comes to buying clothes, we tread lightly. Jacob has sensory sensitivities, which means clothing isn’t just clothing. It’s a carefully considered comfort zone. Tags? Forget about them. Scratchy seams? A hard pass. We meticulously search for soft, tagless clothing. But here’s the kicker – even when we think we’ve found the perfect hoodie with his beloved Marvel character on it, there’s no guarantee. The material might have too much texture, or the applique might not meet Jacob’s standards. It’s a bit like playing the lottery, but with clothing. So, parents and gift-givers, don’t take it personally if your well-intentioned gifts get sidelined. Christmas Presents for a Child with Autism isn’t the easiest to acquire. It’s not ungratefulness; it’s autism at play.

    Children on the autism spectrum often need sameness and repetition.
    #sameness

    Insistence on Sameness and Repetitive Behaviors – The Ultimate Gift Challenge 🔄

    Now, here’s where things get tricky. Jacob’s autism brings with it a penchant for routine, a love for the familiar, and an insistence on sameness. Remember that beautifully illustrated book his grandmother gave him for Christmas? It should have been a hit, right? Well, not exactly. You see, as soon as Jacob saw that someone had written inside it, he closed the book and said, “No thank you.” It wasn’t about being rude or ungrateful; it was about a change in his expected pattern. For Jacob, some things need to stay exactly as they are. It’s like asking for chocolate ice cream and being handed vanilla – they’re both ice cream, but they’re not the same. So, the next time you’re shopping for a child with autism, remember that sometimes, it’s not the gift; it’s the unexpected change that’s hard to handle. He was not rejecting his grandmothers sentiment written in the book but Christmas Presents for a Child with Autism is challenging because we are all learning and figuring each other out. His Granny Jane is one of his favorite people but we didn’t know that writing in the book would mess up the gift.

    The Gift of Independence – Gift Cards Galore 🎉

    Now, before you throw in the towel on gift-giving, here’s a golden nugget of wisdom – gift cards! Jacob loves them, and honestly, who wouldn’t? Amazon, Chick-fil-A, you name it, if he can whip that gift card out of his wallet and flash it to us, he’s in heaven. It’s not just a gift; it’s the power of choice and independence. And for us, it’s a guaranteed smile on his face. Christmas Presents for a Child with Autism, sometimes a less challenging gift like a gift card can put a huge smile on their face.

    We wish you a Merry Christmas
    #ChristmasWithAutism https://educatingjacob.com/3-ways-to-help-your-child-with-autism-enjoy-christmas-without-meltdowns-and-anxiety/
    Building onto last weeks tips!

    Now that the challenge of Christmas shopping for a child with autism is over, especially if you’re looking for ways to make Christmas more enjoyable. Check out last week’s post, ‘3 Ways To Help Your Child With Autism Enjoy Christmas Without Meltdowns And Anxiety,’ we explored strategies for a smoother holiday season. https://educatingjacob.com/3-ways-to-help-your-child-with-autism-enjoy-christmas-without-meltdowns-and-anxiety/

    So, there you have it, navigating the maze of Christmas presents for a child with autism. It might seem like a challenge, but with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of patience, and a lot of understanding, you can make this holiday season a memorable one for everyone, including Jacob. Remember, it’s not about the size or the cost of the gift; it’s the thought, the effort, and the love that truly matter. Merry Christmas, and may your gift-giving adventures be filled with joy, laughter, and warm moments that you’ll cherish forever. 🌟🎄🎁

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  • 3 Ways to Help Your Child with Autism Enjoy Christmas Without Meltdowns and Anxiety!

    Holiday tips for a child with autism
    #parentingautism #childwithautism

    Ho, Ho, Hold on to Your Sanity: Autism-Proofing Your Christmas

    Picture this: twinkling lights, jingling bells, and the joyful sound of kids playing… until a meltdown strikes. Yep, the holidays can be an emotional rollercoaster for both parents when you have a child with autism. But fear not, we’ve got three sleigh-loads of tips to help your child with autism enjoy Christmas without the meltdowns and anxiety!

    Merry Christmas, a child with autism
    Enjoy Christmas and all holidays by planning ahead!

    Have a Schedule: Santa’s Secret to Smooth Sailing

    You know how adults suffer from decision fatigue? Well, imagine that, but for kids with autism. Their processing delays, combined with other learning disabilities, make transitions and language complex terrain. So, let’s simplify the journey.

    Jacob’s schedule and calendar are his North Star, guiding him through the holiday hustle and bustle. Just like we rely on our phones and apps to navigate life, he uses his schedule to keep the chaos at bay.

    When he knows what’s on the agenda, it’s like a backstage pass to his day. No need for lengthy explanations or negotiations; it’s all right there, mapped out. So, when you ask him to do something, he’s ready to roll because he’s got the schedule to back him up.

    Remember, the schedule doesn’t have to be rocket science. Keep it straightforward, make changes as needed, and as long as he can see it, he’ll have less anxiety about the ever-changing holiday plans. It’s a win-win for everyone in the family!

    Christmas photo showing Jacob with headphones on in restaurant to ease noise.
    The headphones helped Jacob in a noisy restaurant.

    Adjust Your Expectations and Their Environment: ‘Tis the Season for Sensory-Friendly Fun”

    Flashback to when our firstborn, Nicholas, was little. We could conquer family gatherings, holiday shows, and shopping marathons with ease. Then, Jacob entered the scene, and suddenly, our holiday game plan needed some serious adjustments.

    Big family events, loud shows, and crowded malls? Not exactly Jacob’s cup of cocoa. Sensory overload and anxiety were always lurking. So, we adapted our environment to fit his needs and ease his holiday stress.

    Seek out sensory-friendly movie screenings and showtimes; they’re a game-changer for families like ours. Prepping ahead of time by watching videos or tutorials related to upcoming activities helps a child with autism feel more at ease. Check out our blog post on [preparing for doctor visits]https://educatingjacob.com/child-on-the-autism-spectrum-navigate-doctor-visits/ for a crash course in anticipatory planning.

    Make short videos or show clips of what to expect. And remember to bring the holiday cheer in your bag of tricks: headphones, earplugs, snacks, and sensory fidgets can be a sanity-saver. We always pack a travel kit with books, a tablet, snacks, and whatever else brings comfort.

    In a nutshell, be prepared for anything. And that means anything!

    We wish you a Merry Christmas
    #ChristmasWithAutism #childwithautism

    Have Fun and Keep It Simple: Savoring the Season

    Guess what? You can still have a holly, jolly Christmas even if you have a  child with autism. You just need to tweak the festivities to suit their comfort zone.

    Go see those dazzling Christmas lights, but be armed with a travel bag of sensory items, snacks, tablets, and headphones. This way, you’re ready for whatever Santa throws your way.

    It’s okay to leave your child out of some holiday activities if it’s not their cup of eggnog. Let them enjoy their comfy environment with their favorite things while you dash through the snow of holiday fun.

    Remember, the most important thing is to savor the season, make memories, and cherish the moments, even if they come with a sprinkle of chaos. Because in the end, it’s all part of your unique, heartwarming, and occasionally hilarious Christmas story. 🎄❄️🌟

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