autism support

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    Thriving Together: 3 Tips for Parents of Energetic Children with Autism. Autism ChallengesšŸ§©

    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 ā€“ albeit based on my tone and body language, not my words! šŸ˜…

    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 ā€“ genetics, sensory needs, or simply being a kid! šŸƒā€ā™‚ļø

    Not sure if your child has autism? check out this video that talks about the Autism Society.Ā 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 ā€“ they never fail to save the day! šŸ’Ŗ

    Check out my previous post to learn more about visual schedules:Ā ā€œHow to create a personalized schedule for children with autismā€

    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 ā€“ 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! šŸ¦øā€ā™‚ļø

    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.šŸ•ŗšŸ¾

    Here is a previous post on incorporating exercise:Ā 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! āøļø

    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 ā€“ it’s about thriving together! šŸŒŸ

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  • Blog, schedules

    Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism ChallengesšŸ§©

    Ever felt like a detective trying to crack the case of your child’s meltdown? You may need to try sensory-friendly schedules. Welcome to the world’s quirkiest puzzle, where flickering lights, itchy shirts, and vacuum cleaner roars can trigger an emotional rollercoaster. Sensory sensitivities team up with communication barriers, leaving us feeling like we need a superhero cape. šŸ¦øā€ā™€ļøšŸ•µļøā€ā™‚ļø

    Example of Jacob's schedule
    Here’s and example of things on Jacob’s schedule.

    Sensory-friendly schedulesĀ šŸ“…

    The first superhero of parenting: the schedule! When Jacob’s world feels like it’s spinning out of control, a visual schedule swoops in to save the day. With clear expectations and a roadmap for his day, Jacob finds comfort in the chaos. From school work to chores, the schedule guides him through, offering a sense of security and predictability. And when sensory overload strikes, the schedule becomes a lifeline, helping us navigate the storm before it hits. šŸŒŖļøā°

    Empowering Independence: With a sensory-friendly schedule as their trusty guide, children gain independence and confidence in navigating their world. From choosing sensory-friendly clothes to managing their daily routines, the schedule equips them with the tools they need to thrive despite their challenges.šŸŒŸšŸš§Ā 

    Read more about schedules:Ā How can using schedules can change your childā€™s life?

    Sensory-Friendly Breaks: Keeping CalmĀ  šŸ§©

    Ā Second in our toolkit of sanity savers, sensory breaks reign supreme. Whether it’s fidgets, sensory bins, or noise-canceling headphones, these magical tools turn meltdowns into moments of calm. Jacob’s favorite? His trusty headphones, shielding him from the dreaded vacuum cleaner roar during cleaning sessions. And when it’s playtime, it’s all about hands-on activities like playdoh, legos, and puzzles, offering a welcome escape from the sensory whirlwind. šŸ§©šŸŽ§

    Sensory Sanctuary: A visual sensory-friendly schedule offers a safe harbor amidst sensory storms, providing structure and predictability in a chaotic world. It guides children like Jacob through their day, offering comfort and security when sensory overload strikes.šŸ†˜šŸ•’Ā 

    Need more help with sensory? Read here:Ā Tired and Frustrated Mom! Sensory Challenges for the Autism Spectrum

    Mastering the Clothes Conundrum: A Sensory-Friendly Solution šŸ‘•

    How-using-schedules-can-change-your-life2
    Using schedules for Jacob to understand his days changed our lives!

    Ah, the age-old battle of clothes selection! With Jacob’s clothes schedule in hand, we’ve cracked the code to stress-free dressing. Planning ahead ensures we have soft, sensory-friendly schedule options ready for action. Weekdays are all about functionality, while weekends offer a chance for Jacob to flex his fashion muscles and choose his own adventure. It’s a win-win for everyone! šŸ‘–šŸ‘š

    If you need more help with a clothes schedule go to this post:Ā ā€œHow to create a personalized schedule for children with autismā€

    Breaking Down Communication Barriers: The Schedule’s Secret Weapon šŸ—£ļø

    But wait, there’s more! Third, the visual schedule doesn’t just tame sensory storms; it also breaks down communication barriers. When Jacob feels overwhelmed and a meltdown looms large, words become scarce.Ā https://autismclassroomresources.com/visual-schedules/ But with the schedule as our trusty guide, we bridge the gap between chaos and clarity. With each routine task and scheduled activity, Jacob finds his voice again, transforming meltdowns into moments of connection. šŸ—ļøšŸ’¬

    Communication Catalyst: When emotions run high and words fail, the schedule becomes a lifeline, bridging the gap between chaos and clarity. Routine tasks and scheduled activities empower children to find their voice again, transforming meltdowns into moments of connection, allowing them to have independence.šŸ‘„šŸ—£ļø

    schedule-fun-jacob-is-the-hulk-barnes-and-noble
    Jacob having fun at Barnes and Noble after a week of completed work!

    So, fellow parent detectives, when the sensory storms hit and the meltdowns loom large, remember: humor is your secret weapon. With a dash of laughter and a sprinkle of patience, we’ll navigate the quirkiest puzzles together, one meltdown at a time. #AutismChallengesšŸ§©

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  • Blog, schedules

    No Schedule for Jacob to Use This Week? No Peace! Autism Challenges šŸ§©

    The Importance of Managing Autism Routines and Schedules šŸ§©

    We all have off days or weeks, and Iā€™m no different. At the beginning of this journey, I didnā€™t have routines or scheduled activities for Jacob. I just didnā€™t know any better. We have to be able to manage autism routines when our children are not able to manage their day without meltdowns or chaos.

    But now that I do, I understand the importance of always having a schedule and plans for Jacob. With consistent routines, the chaos is gone. šŸŒŸ

    managing autism routines with schedules, day by day roadmap
    Roadmap to success! Use a schedule. Be consistent, celebrate all wins!

    The Power of the Schedule

    managing autism routines with schedules, Jacob's clothes need to be on the schedule
    Pack the sensory friendly clothes, work and headphones!

    šŸ“… We know that schedules help keep down anxiety, aid with emotional regulation, and help Jacob enjoy his day, just to name a few of the huge benefits. So, what happens when Iā€™ve had a yucky day, and now itā€™s time to fill the zipper bags for the weekly work? Or, I didnā€™t put the haircut, manicure, and pedicure on the monthly schedule, and now itā€™s needed, and Iā€™m not in the mood to complete these tasks???

    Managing Unplanned Changes

    šŸ“† Well, normally I can just show him the monthly calendar and add the haircut to the following day, and heā€™s okay with that. But if the nails are too long and bothering him, he will probably pick at them. This can be a big problem because Jacob easily gets ingrown toenails, and he will pick if it’s bothering him. See this previous post:3 ways to help your child on the autism spectrum navigate doctor visits more smoothly

    managing autism routines with schedules, Jakes manicures need to be on the schedule
    Jacob’s big toe became infected due to picking at skin around toenail that was bothering him.

    Managing Autism Routines

    šŸ”§ Now, I just caused a major problem because I didnā€™t have my act together today. Thatā€™s just one example of life falling apart because I just let the schedule go and didnā€™t do my part. Also, if itā€™s not done and Iā€™m grumpy because heā€™s not handling his day well, then I also know itā€™s partly my fault. Now, if I can fix and get us back on track, then, of course, I do.

    šŸ”„ If, however, he spirals into an emotional meltdown and dances on everyone’s last nerve and gets in trouble before I can course correct, then I have to punish him by taking away his ability to buy his Amazon purchase at the end of the week for completing work and having a great week.

    Consistency Is Key

    šŸš« If Iā€™m not consistent in rewarding good behavior and holding back rewards when he hasnā€™t stayed in check, then the whole system breaks down.

    šŸ¤·ā€ā™€ļø Now, if I have to punish by not allowing the Amazon purchase heā€™s supposed to get on Friday, I feel incredibly guilty because I know I could have helped him more by having that schedule and work in place to guide his week.

    šŸ“ Sometimes though, life gets in the way. You start thinking heā€™s so used to the schedule heā€™ll be alright for one day. Maybe you just plain forget because youā€™re tired or sick. Just self-correct as soon as possible and get on track so your child is set up for success. Because you don’t want to carry guilt that you could have possibly prevented the whole scenario!

    Give Yourself Some Grace

    šŸ’– Give yourself some grace. Remember if you don’t have a plan for your child, they will have one for you!

    So, letā€™s keep those schedules in check and ensure our days are filled with structure and peace.

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  • Blog, schedules

    Want to know how I redirect Jacob when our weekend is different? Autism Challenges šŸ§©

    autism-weekend-challenges
    #autism-weekend-challenges

    Autism Challenges on Weekends!

    Autism challenges on weekends, transitions! Picture this: Jacob is super excited because his big brother, Nicholas, is coming home for a visit. He’s been chanting “Nicholas home!” with the enthusiasm only a child with autism can muster, multiple times a day for weeks. Now, don’t get me wrong, Nicholas is a grown man, currently neck-deep in a Ph.D. program at NC State. He hasn’t lived at home since 2013. But, in Jacob’s world, none of that matters. His favorite person is coming home, and the excitement is palpable.

    The Weekend Twist: Routine Disarray!

    However, there’s a twist to this tale. While Jacob absolutely adores having his brother home, his well-oiled routine is thrown into a delightful, albeit chaotic, disarray. You see, everyone on the autism trainā€”me, my husband, Nicholas, and even our trusty dogā€”needs to help Jacob navigate this transition into different routines and family activities.

    Movie Quotes: Our Secret Weapon!

    So, how do we manage these autism challenges on weekends? Well, it turns out that movie quotes are our secret weapon. Jacob is a movie buff, and movie quotes are like nuggets of gold to him. Now, I must admit, my husband and Nicholas are way better at this game than I am. Not only do they recite the lines, but they also throw in character voices to make the quotes come alive. Jacob absolutely loves it, and the power of a well-placed movie quote can turn an impending meltdown into fits of laughter.

    Routine vs. Brother Time: Balancing Act!

    Hashtag Family
    #family, #friends

    Jacob is a creature of habit, and he likes things a certain way, every day. Take, for instance, his TV time. He’s used to having free rein over the big TV in the living room when no one else is using it. But when everyone’s home, that TV becomes a battleground. Jacob wants his brother home, but he also wants his routine, and this can lead to some grumpiness and anxiety.

    The Family Team: Redirection and Smiles!
    schedule-fun-jacob-is-the-hulk-barnes-and-noble
    Jacob having fun at Barnes and Noble after a week of completed work!

    That’s when the whole family jumps into action, taking turns to redirect Jacob’s focus and ensure the weekend stays on a positive note. We know that things can quickly go south when you’re dealing with autism challenges. Children on the spectrum often struggle when their routines are disrupted, and when you throw in sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation difficulties, and perhaps a sprinkle of OCD tendencies, you’ve got yourself a perfect storm.Ā How my husband changes Jacobā€™s bad mood with music! #musicandautism.

    The Teamwork Tactic: Smiles and Snacks!

    Our secret sauce is teamwork, no autism challenges on weekends. Together, as a family, we brainstorm fun ways to keep the weekend moving along smoothly. If Jacob needs a break from the hubbub, I’ll usually put him in the car, and off we go on a quick errand to the grocery store or, his personal favorite, Chick-fil-A! These little outings provide him with the sensory input and routine he craves.

    Schedules, Calendars, and Celebrations: Our Winning Trio!

    We also rely on his trusty schedule, a calendar that gently introduces the changes coming his way, and a hefty dose of assistance with transitions and redirection. And, of course, we sprinkle in some celebrationsā€”maybe some cookies to bake to mark the occasion of Nicholas being home for a visit. Here is a previous blog post:Ā How Simple Planning Ahead Can Save the Day When Working with Someone Who Has Autism!

    Jacob’s Weekend Adventure: Laughter and Love!

    So, to all my fellow parents navigating the uncharted waters of autism challenges during weekends, take heart. With a bit of humor, a whole lot of love, and a bag of movie quotes, we’re making our way through, one smile at a time. 3 Top Challenges of having an adult son with autism.#autismchallengesšŸ§©šŸŒˆāœØ

    Join the Conversation!

    Here is another article: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication-problems-children

    Stay tuned for more tales from Autism Island! Got any tricks up your sleeve for managing autism challenges on weekends? Share your stories and tips below! šŸ“¢šŸ’¬

    Still more? download my ebook!Ā https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

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