3 New Year’s resolutions for the family? Lol, they have to do with autism and schedules!

December 29, 2023
1 Comment
by Melissa

Let’s update those schedules:

You know it’s time to update those schedules when your calendar looks like a map of a complex labyrinth with more twists and turns than an episode of your favorite mystery series. Trouble changing the schedules? https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/behaviour/understanding-behaviour/changing-routines-asd Reflecting on the past year, let’s take a moment to acknowledge what worked well and what didn’t in the realm of autism and schedules. As I listen to all the podcasts helping me improve myself, I’ve realized it’s high time we do more of what works and ditch what doesn’t.

“Hey, kiddo, remember that time we tried to fit in four different therapies, two playdates, and a partridge in a pear tree all in one day? Yeah, let’s not do that again.” So, this year, let’s resolve to establish and maintain a consistent daily routine. This can work wonders for reducing anxiety in children with autism and schedules. We’ll make a visual schedule or use a calendar to outline the day’s activities. Therapy sessions, schoolwork, playtime, and meals all get a slot. How Simple Planning Ahead Can Save the Day When Working with Someone Who Has Autism! These are areas that need attention when dealing with autism and schedules, and they’re like a puzzle – easy to make small daily changes to improve. We’ll stick to this routine as closely as possible but allow for some flexibility when necessary because, let’s face it, life can be as unpredictable as the weather.

Streamline the budget:

Let's update those schedules! — Do more of what’s working and cut what’s not working.

Now, let’s talk finances. If your wallet has a perpetual echo because it’s always empty, well, you’re not alone. Jake’s idea of budgeting is handing over his wallet with a look that says, “Refill, please!” If only money could be as easily replenished as a snack jar.

But seriously, it’s time to streamline the budget. We’re trying to teach Jacob the fine art of money management. As for us adults, we’re taking a closer look at our financial habits. It’s like a yearly clean-up for your bank account, an essential aspect of managing autism and schedules. And believe me, it’s a lot less messy than cleaning out the garage.

Self-Care, Better Diet, and Exercise:

Ah, self-care. That elusive concept that often feels like a mythical creature when you’re juggling the responsibilities of parenting a child with autism and schedules. But hey, we’re resolving to make it happen this year. We’ll prioritize self-care as a family resolution, especially within the context of autism and schedules. We’ll ensure that both parents get opportunities to recharge. Whether it’s through regular breaks, date nights, or pursuing hobbies and interests. Because a well-rested and emotionally supported family is like the Avengers of autism parenting – we’ve got superpowers!

Now, let’s talk about the diet. We’ve realized that a diet consisting solely of chicken nuggets and Dr. Pepper probably won’t lead to Jacob becoming the healthiest adult on the planet. So, we’re all in for incorporating better eating habits into our lives alongside autism and schedules.

And exercise? Well, that’s going to be a family affair. David’s got this habit down, but Jacob and I might need some extra motivation. Even Jake’s older brother, Nicholas, is racking up steps on his college campus, making us all look bad. Jacob does have a thing for spinach, broccoli, and carrots. So, we’ll be working those into the schedule more often to help improve his diet, all part of managing autism and schedules. As for me, well, I’m thinking of trying out the Mediterranean diet – anything that doesn’t involve counting how many chicken nuggets I’ve consumed.

These resolutions are like puzzle pieces themselves, creating a supportive and structured environment for the whole family, all while considering the specific needs of a child with autism and schedules. We’ll use the desire for a schedule to throw in some good small habits that will add up over time. Who knows, maybe we’ll even find a way to schedule in some spontaneous fun along the way.

Need help with schedules? Check out my previous blog post: “How to create a personalized schedule for children with autism”

Have a blessed and Happy New Year!

How I Turned My Son Jacob into a Social Butterfly (Well, Sort of)

Hey there, fellow schedule enthusiasts! You know, parents and teachers who use schedules are basically the superheroes of time management. 🦸‍♂️ They keep everyone on the same page, and for folks like me, they help avoid meltdowns that could rival a volcano eruption. More info: https://educatingjacob.com/beyond-the-chaos-scheduling-101-class-for-special-needs-children/

You see, I use schedules because of my son Jacob’s autism. His daily routines and his ability to follow a schedule give him a sense of security, confidence, and a lot less anxiety about the rollercoaster of life. But recently, I decided it was time to add a little sprinkle of socialization to Jacob’s schedule.

Now, let me give you the inside scoop on my secret weapon: games. Yes, games, folks! I decided to sneak some fun into his routine, and let me tell you, it’s been an adventure.

Game Time, Jacob Style

Games for socialization!

So, here’s the deal. Jacob, like many kids on the spectrum, tends to be a lone wolf when it comes to socializing. He wants us around, but he’s not exactly hosting tea parties or neighborhood BBQs.

Occasionally, I decided to spice things up by putting a game, like Word Search, on his schedule. Now, let me be clear, he LOVES word searches. Seriously, he’s like a word-hunting ninja. He even has them as part of his schoolwork and other worksheets.

But, here’s the kicker – he always beats me. It’s like playing chess with a grandmaster. 😅 So, technically, it’s socialization, but it’s more like a friendly competition. He tolerates playing with me because it’s on his schedule, and he enjoys a good word hunt.

Using his need for structure and routines, I can easily switch things up. If there’s a holiday on the horizon, we talk about it ahead of time. He can see it on the calendar and his schedule, and it helps him mentally prepare for the change.

Countdowns and Excitement

Now, one thing that gets Jacob excited is when he knows something different is happening. For instance, when his brother is coming into town, he’s over the moon. He counts down the days on his schedule, and trust me, it’s adorable.

You see, schedules aren’t just about keeping order; they’re about building excitement and helping him accept changes in our family’s routine. It’s like his own personal calendar of awesome events.

Games for Social Skills

Increase socialization skills with games!

Now, in school, teachers do something similar for the students. They dangle the game carrot at the end of a work stick, and it works like a charm. The kids know that if they complete their tasks, they get to dive into some game time.

Jacob, like many kids on the spectrum, adores games. And while he might not win “Most Talkative” at school, he sure knows how to play a mean game of Connect Four. Here are some ideas for summer: https://educatingjacob.com/a-summer-schedule-for-my-child-who-has-autism/

These games aren’t just fun; they’re stealthily teaching social skills. He might not always jump at the opportunity to socialize, but since it’s part of his schedule, he goes along with it. It’s a win-win, my friends.

So, if you’re navigating the unpredictable waters of autism like me, consider adding some game time to your child’s schedule. You might not turn them into a social butterfly overnight, but you’ll definitely make socializing a part of their daily routine. And hey, who knows, maybe they’ll even let you win at Word Search. 🕵️‍♀️

Educating Jacob

autism

3 New Year’s resolutions for the family? Lol, they have to do with autism and schedules!

Let’s update those schedules:

Streamline the budget:

Self-Care, Better Diet, and Exercise:

Go from meltdowns to happy kids!

educatingjacob