autism support

  • 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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  • Blog, 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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  • Blog, schedules

    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, Uncategorized

    Ways to have peace? Creating time for yourself, not just your child with autism.

    Welcome to the chaotic yet rewarding journey of parenting a child with autism while creating time for yourself! 🌟 As parents, we often find ourselves tirelessly dedicated to meeting our children’s needs, especially when they require extra support and attention. But amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget one essential component: ourselves.

    Trying to find an Honest Man in Congress

    I’ll be the first to admit, finding time for self-care as a parent of a child with autism can feel like trying to find an honest man in congress. 🧵 But after years of juggling appointments, therapies, and meltdowns, I’ve come to realize that carving out moments of peace for myself is not only beneficial—it’s downright essential.

    Creating Time for Yourself

    In this blog post, I’m excited to share my journey of discovering the importance of self-care and finding peace amidst the chaos of raising a child with autism. So let’s find the humor and practical tips, let’s embark on this adventure together and uncover the joys of creating time for ourselves, not just our children. 💆‍♀️

    Grab Your Favorite Mug

    #coffeeandabook, to relax and unwind I love coffee and a book!
    #coffeeandabook

    So grab your favorite mug of coffee (or tea, I won’t judge!), find a cozy spot to sit back, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of self-care for autism parents. Because trust me, you deserve it! I’m trying not to look at the calories in this Starbucks cup. 🍵✨

    The Wonderful World of Parent Swaps
    Pictures of mom and the boys!
    Mom and I always babysat for each other!

    Ah, the wonderful world of parent swaps—where exhaustion meets camaraderie, and sanity is traded like currency. 😅 Back when my mom was still alive, and I was knee-deep in the trenches of parenting with two small kids, one of whom had autism, we had a beautiful arrangement…

    I would help with my dad, he had COPD and needed assistance in the end years. I also, needed moments of running errands without two small children all over me! It was a great time, I loved spending time with my dad and my mom and dad loved spending time with their grandchildren. Win-Win!

    Discovering Peace Amidst the Chaos

    Yet, amidst the chaos and unexpected turns of life, I’ve found peace. 🕊️ I’ve come to accept our journey for what it is and embrace the support system that surrounds us. But perhaps the most significant lesson I’ve learned is this: I need more than just making my son’s life better…

    Prioritizing Spiritual Nourishment
    #blessed
    Trying to keep God first, not just when things go wrong.

    Without dedicating time to nurture my spiritual life, I find myself swimming in a sea of stress and discontent. 🌊 It’s like trying to navigate without a compass—I lose my sense of direction and purpose. So, I make it a priority to carve out moments for prayer, meditation, and reflection…

    Balancing Exercise and Indulgence

    As for exercise, well, let’s just say menopause has hit me like a ton of bricks. 💪 I’m still working on finding the perfect balance between staying active and indulging in a few too many comfort foods. But I’ve come to realize that moving my body and fueling it with nourishing foods are essential…

    Sprinkles on Life’s Sundae

    And let’s not forget about fun and creative activities—they’re like the sprinkles on top of life’s sundae. 🍦 Whether it’s painting, gardening, or belting out karaoke tunes in the living room, these moments of joy keep me feeling young at heart and connected to my inner child… Jacob and David are the DJ’s in the music department. Look at last weeks post on adding a little fun to a gloomy day!

    The Recipe for a Fulfilling Life

    But here’s the thing: it’s not just about me. It’s about ensuring that my entire family—Jacob included—has access to these essential ingredients for a fulfilling life. As the mom, I often find myself playing the role of chief nurturer, ensuring everyone’s needs are met…

    My husband David is great and does his part for the family and supports me too, but I will get lost in the details and plan without time for myself.

    Join the Journey

    So, here’s the game plan: we all need spiritual nourishment, regular exercise, and plenty of fun and creative outlets. It’s the recipe for a life well-lived, ensuring that each member of the family has the tools they need to thrive. 🌟

    We are all trying to include all of these areas into our schedules so that we are all working and fulfilled. 

    Let’s Laugh, Learn, and Dance

    Join me on this journey of creating time for yourself and self-care, where we’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even bust a few dance moves along the way. After all, life’s too short to forget about the most important things that make life worthwhile. 💃✨

    #autismchallenges🧩

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