#AutismAwareness

  • Blog, schedules

    Autism Awareness happened in April? Jacob’s Autism Education and schedule.

    Autism Awareness Happened in April?

    Autism Journey
    Follow our journey so you can learn from our mistakes and success’s!

    In a world where understanding and acceptance are vital, autism awareness isn’t just for April. Autism, a complex neurological condition, affects millions of individuals globally. Education empowers individuals with autism to develop their full potential by providing them with the necessary tools and skills to navigate the world. Parents do not have to have a specialized degree to help their child succeed! 🌟

    By embracing autism awareness and autism education, we create an inclusive society that celebrates diversity and fosters empathy. It enables educators, parents, and communities to provide appropriate support and intervention, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism.🧩

     

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 📚

    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition affecting communication, interaction, and information processing. The spectrum means symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Some may have significant communication challenges, while others excel in specific areas like math or music.

     

    Jacob, my son, has faced significant challenges with communication and social interactions due to his autism. However, through tailored educational strategies, he’s made incredible progress in expressing himself and engaging with others.

    Sensory Processing Differences 🌈

    One of the key features of autism is the way individuals process sensory information. Many individuals with autism are either hyper-sensitive or hypo-sensitive to certain stimuli, such as sounds, textures, or lights. This can lead to sensory overload, which can be overwhelming and distressing. Understanding the sensory processing differences experienced by individuals with autism is crucial in providing them with the support and accommodations they need to thrive.Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩

    Social Interaction and Relationships 🤝
    Create Social Interaction and Relationships for your child with autism🤝
    Create Social Interaction and Relationships for your child with autism🤝

    Another important aspect of autism is the way individuals on the spectrum approach social interactions and relationships. Jacob, for example, struggles with understanding social cues, reading facial expressions, and engaging in back-and-forth conversations. This leads to challenges in forming and maintaining friendships and relationships. However, it’s important to recognize that individuals with autism have a unique perspective on the world and can often offer valuable insights and contributions to their communities.

    Common Misconceptions About Autism ❌

    One of the most common misconceptions about autism is that it is a mental illness or a sign of intellectual disability. In reality, autism is a neurological condition that affects how an individual processes information and interacts with the world. Many individuals with autism have average or above-average intelligence, and their unique way of thinking can be a valuable asset.

     

    The Impact of Education on Autism Awareness 🎓

     

    Education plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of individuals with autism. Accurate information and resources can dispel myths, combat stigma, and empower those with autism to reach their full potential. Educators, parents, and community members can better support individuals with autism by understanding their unique sensory needs, communication styles, and social challenges. The best schoolwork jobs and schedules for students at home in 2023!

    As a teacher who has a son on the autism spectrum, this would rally support to others in school who had difficulties. My students would come and tell me how they helped a student or informed another teacher of a student who was struggling because of their autism. They would then offer help or explain what they thought was wrong and how the teacher could help. It was amazing!

    For Jacob, education has been transformative. His visual schedules and structured routines have helped him understand his daily activities, reducing anxiety and improving his ability to transition between tasks.

    Promoting Autism Awareness in Schools 🏫

    Schools play a critical role in promoting autism awareness and creating inclusive environments for students with autism. By integrating autism education into the curriculum, schools can empower students to understand and appreciate the diversity of human experiences, including those of individuals with autism.

    Autism-Specific Training for Educators 🎓
    Autism-Specific Training for Educators 🎓
    We need trainings that will give hands on activities for students! (think visual schedules and work activites)

    One effective way to promote autism awareness in schools is through the implementation of autism-specific training and professional development programs for educators. These programs can equip teachers with the knowledge and strategies they need to create inclusive classrooms that cater to the unique needs of students with autism. This includes learning about effective teaching methods, such as visual supports, structured schedules, and sensory-friendly environments, as well as strategies for fostering social-emotional learning and positive behavior support. Check out this post: 👉 https://www.healthline.com/health/visual-schedule-autism

    Student-Led Initiatives and Awareness Campaigns 🎉

    In addition to educator training, schools can also promote autism awareness through student-led initiatives and awareness campaigns. This can include hosting autism awareness events, creating inclusive clubs or extracurricular activities, and encouraging students to engage in peer-to-peer mentoring and support programs. By involving students in these initiatives, schools can cultivate a culture of empathy, understanding, and acceptance, where all students feel valued and supported.

    Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Classroom Environment 🌟
    1. Visual Support: Implementing visual aids such as schedules and task lists can help students with autism understand and navigate their day. Jacob thrives with visual schedules that outline his daily tasks, making him feel more secure and in control.

     

    1. Sensory-Friendly Accommodations: Providing tools like noise-cancelling headphones or quiet spaces can help manage sensory input. Jacob uses noise-cancelling headphones to cope with overwhelming environments.

     

    1. Social-Emotional Learning: Teaching social skills and fostering peer support encourages empathy and understanding among students. Jacob has benefited from social stories that help him understand and practice social interactions.
    The Role of Parents in Supporting Autism Education 👪

    Parents play a vital role in supporting the education and development of their children with autism. Parents can work closely with educators and administrators to ensure their child’s educational experience is tailored to their unique strengths and challenges.

    One key responsibility of parents is to provide educators with comprehensive information about their child’s autism, including their communication style, sensory needs, and learning preferences. This information can help educators develop effective strategies and accommodations to support the student’s academic and social-emotional growth. Parents can also work with educators to create individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans that outline the specific supports and services their child requires.

    Parents play a vital role in supporting their children’s education and development. Providing educators information about their child’s autism, such as communication style and sensory needs. This can help tailor effective strategies and accommodations. Collaboration between parents and educators creates a supportive environment that fosters growth and independence for children with autism.

     

    Jacob thrives daily using simple schedules that help him understand his day and our expectations. The schedules are a way to communicate and live independently for Jacob. He is able to have a day where he accomplishes work, chores, and interactions with his family and the community.  What if you have a plan for your child with autism? A Great Life.

    Resources for Autism Education and Awareness 📚

    There are resources available to support autism education and awareness, both for educators and the general public. These resources can provide valuable information, strategies, and tools to help create inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with autism. https://www.autismspeaks.org/

    Autism Society of America, a resource that offers educational materials, and support services for individuals with autism and their families. The organization’s website, https://www.autism-society.org, provides resources on topics such as early intervention, education, employment, and community engagement.

    Additionally, another resource is the National Autism Center,  focuses on evidence-based practices for supporting individuals with autism. The center’s website,

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  • Blog, schedules

    Autism Diagnosis: My Home Was in Chaos and I Felt Like a Terrible Mom!

    My Home Was in Chaos

    Before Jacob’s autism diagnosis, doctors reassured us with comments like, “He’s meeting his other developmental milestones” and “Boys talk later than girls sometimes.” Jacob was 2 years old and still had no language. After a mom fit in the doctor’s office, they finally put in a referral for speech therapy. It took almost 6 months to get into the speech therapist covered by our insurance. After the first visit, she told me to get him tested and into preschool.

    autism mom worry, When I'm afraid, Psalm 56:3
    1 Corinthians 3:11 “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”

     

    Autism Diagnosis: The Fear 😔

    Researching autism and therapies!
    Researching and going to approved therapies for autism!

    My confidence as a mom plummeted, and the fear was real. My first son was perfect, with all the typical milestones. It took another 4-6 months to get Jacob tested for autism through the schools and Teacch, who were wonderful and conducted thorough evaluations over several days. The meltdowns at the testing sites stripped the rest of my confidence. I felt like I was being judged by everyone when they happened. I felt clueless.

    Navigating the Early Stages 🍼

    Meanwhile, I learned from watching the speech therapist. Jacob was not comfortable with anyone outside the family. No therapies or testing went well. Jacob was obviously upset to be somewhere other than home. He was a fussy eater, didn’t sleep well at night, frequently had ear infections, then tubes in his ears, and frequent bowel issues. Initially, we blamed the ear infections and eventually had his hearing checked.

    Our home was full of worry by this time. We knew something wasn’t right but didn’t know what or how long it would take to get a handle on it. Jacob now had full-on meltdowns as we tried to get speech therapy and more engagement with him.

    The Diagnosis and Initial Steps 🏫

    Jacob was very independent, probably because he didn’t have language to ask us for things. When Jacob started preschool, he did not engage with the other kids and only with the adults when he needed something. The official diagnosis came in, and Jacob was placed into a self-contained autism room. It was necessary because he had no success in the other room, and the teacher had no clue what to do with him. In the autism self-contained room, the teacher started him on a visual schedule from day one. But, there was only a limited time each child could have, and Jacob was really behind, so we started considering homeschooling.

    The Power of Visual Schedules 📅

    Today's Schedule, Jacob-educatingjacob.com
    Jacob’s earlier schedules could not contain more than 1 item per line.

    From that point on, we used visual schedules at home. I started going to the Teacch office, and they helped me build activities that Jacob could understand without needing language. Now, I can build schedules with work (activities) he needs to do to be a member of the family. He discovered he could learn, do work like the rest of the family, and have activities before movies, trains, toys, etc. Can a schedule help hyperactivity in toddlers? #Autism Challenges🧩

    Finding Our Rhythm 🎬

    It took years to figure things out, and Jacob is still not talking, but we started using movie quotes from movies he liked to see him light up. We were speaking his language. We also started using sign language, which really helped Jacob. Using his hands and the visual of watching someone complete a sign allowed Jacob’s brain to locate the word he wanted to say. He learned basic signs that we used while watching a show called Signing Time. 3 ways American Sign Language helped my son with autism speak in short sentences?

    Gaining Control and Peace 🧘‍♂️

    We have more confidence as parents and peace in the home now. Jacob has a schedule, he can communicate some of his wants and needs, he’s doing schoolwork and chores, and we also started homeschooling him and his brother.

    His brother, Nicholas, is now in graduate school and Jacob is grown and living at home with us today. He still does schoolwork, chores and shopping with us and he is able to do so with less anxiety using schedules. His day is chaotic and anxious without schedules. We are all much happier now.

    A Message to Other Autism Parents 💪

    To all the parents out there feeling the weight of an autism diagnosis and the chaos that follows, know that you are not alone. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, but with patience, love, and the right strategies, you can create a structured and peaceful environment for your child. Remember, it’s okay to have off days. Just keep moving forward, one step at a time. You’ve got this! 💖

    Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Want more information? Sign up for my ebook: https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg Let’s support each other on this journey! 📢💬

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  • Blog, schedules

    3 Top Challenges of having an adult son with autism.#autismchallenges🧩

    3-Top-Challenges-of-Having-an-Adult-Child-with-Autism
    #autismchallenges

    I’m diving into the  3 top challenges I’ve faced having an adult son with autism. To my fellow parents, I know you feel my pain! 🌟 Ever feel like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle? 🤹‍♂️ Welcome to the wild world of parenting an adult child with autism! So grab your coffee, take a seat, and let’s navigate this adventure together! 💙 #autismchallenges🧩

     

    Challenge #1: Keeping Reliable Care for Jacob While We Work

     

    Top 3 Challenges blog
    Challenge #1: Keeping Reliable Care for Jacob While We Work!

     

    Ah, the eternal quest for trustworthy care for our adult child with autism! 🌟 It’s like searching for a unicorn in a marvel movie, am I right? But fear not, fellow adventurers, for we are armed with perseverance and strength! 🦄

     

    Entrusting Jacob’s care to others feels like sending him off on a grand quest without a map or a guidebook. 🗺️ It’s nerve-wracking, to say the least! But hey, we’re not alone in this journey. We’ve enlisted the help of a company that hires background-checked individuals. Yet, even with this safety net, the anxiety lingers like an unwelcome guest at a party. Try well-known agencies like the Autism Society, https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/#

     

    And let’s talk about the perpetual juggling act of work and caregiving. 🤹‍♂️ It’s like trying to tame a lion while balancing on a tightrope! But fret not, my friends, for there’s a legal safeguard in the form of FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). Just to make sure you are not fired because you have to care for your child. It’s like our superhero cape, offering protection against the evil clutches of employment uncertainty. 💼✨

     

    Check out the government website here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

     

    Alright Autism adventurers, take heart! While the road may be rocky, and the challenges daunting, we shall overcome with resilience, determination, and maybe a dash of caffeine! ☕️ Onward, to victory! 🚀 #AutismAwareness 🧩

    Challenge #2: Navigating the Absence Abyss

    What happens when your adult son with autism has caregivers out sick?

     

    Ah, the dreaded sick days saga!  It’s like a whirlwind of chaos that sweeps through our carefully crafted plans, isn’t it? But fear not, for in the face of adversity, we emerge as champions of resilience and adaptability!🤒

     

    When your child’s caregiver calls in sick, and suddenly, you’re thrust into a frantic scramble to find a replacement. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded! But alas, finding someone who can step into your child’s world at a moment’s notice is like searching for a needle in a haystack. 🧩

     

    In the blink of an eye, FMLA becomes our lifeline, our legal shield against the unpredictability of caregiving. It’s like summoning reinforcements to fortify our defenses in the battle against chaos! 💼

     

    Amidst the challenges, the Autism Society stands as a beacon of hope, striving to bridge the gap between need and accessibility. They have introduced Jacob to other workers so that in a moment of need, someone can step in and help. This works only if there’s enough notice. Let’s not forget the logistical nightmare of living outside city limits.  It’s like being stranded on a desert island with limited resources,#AutismIsland!🚗

     

    So, fellow warriors, take a deep breath and summon your inner zen. 🌟 Though the road may be rocky when you have an adult son with autism. The challenges aplenty, we shall prevail with perseverance, humor, and maybe a splash of “Calgon 🛁 take me away” for good measure!  #AutismAwareness 🧩 Ways to have peace? Creating time for yourself, not just your child with autism.

    Challenge #3: Crafting the Perfect Environment for Success

     

    Challenge#3
    Small zippered bags have school work and clothes in garment bags!

     

    Ah, the noble quest for the holy grail of productivity and success!  It’s like embarking on a grand adventure through the labyrinth of chaos, armed with nothing but schedules and calendars as our trusty companions.🏆

     

    Amidst the whirlwind of life, we forged a sanctuary of learning and tranquility for our adult son with autism.  With schedules as our guiding stars, chaos retreated like a defeated dragon, and productivity flourished like wildflowers in spring.🌟

     

    A Collaborative Journey to Success

     

    But here’s the twist: success wasn’t just for Jacob alone; it was a team effort!  We shared our secrets of structure and success with the brave souls entrusted with Jacob’s care, transforming them into allies in our noble quest.💪

     

    And oh, the sweet relief when chaos was banished from our absence!  With a rock-solid foundation of understanding and structure, Jacob’s days unfolded like a well-rehearsed symphony, each note harmonizing with the next in a blissful melody of productivity.🌪️

     

    But let’s not forget the cardinal rule of parenting: consistency is key! Check out this previous  blog post: Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩 Like master craftsmen, we meticulously crafted a framework of structure and procedures, ensuring that every interaction and every moment was a stepping stone on the path to success. 🔑

     

    So, dear comrades in arms, do not fear the daunting task before you! 🛡️ With a dash of consistency, a sprinkle of structure, and a hearty dose of determination, you too can forge an environment where success blooms like a garden in the sun. 🌷 #ParentingSuccess 🌈

    Want more tips? Download my free guide: https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/o01di34gwl

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  • Blog, Uncategorized

    How to turn a gloomy day into a great day!#autismchallenges🧩

     

    Embracing the Rainy Day Adventure

    Rise and Shine, Autism Warriors! 🌟 It’s been a whirlwind of a week, hasn’t it? Meetings, sickness, and the occasional nocturnal wake-up call courtesy of Dad’s heroic endeavors as a firefighter and first responder. But fret not, my fellow adventurers, for when life tosses gloom our way, we’re experts at flipping the script! So, grab your umbrella and join me as we transform this rainy Saturday into a day brimming with culinary delights, sweet treats, and movie magic. Let’s sprinkle some joy into the gloom! ☂️”

    Kickstarting the Day with Aromatic Coffee

    So here we are, Autism Warriors, ready to conquer this gloomy Saturday with a dash of flair and a sprinkle of joy!  Let’s dive into the magic of turning a seemingly dull day into a memorable family adventure.☔️

    Indulging in Heavenly Delights

    First things first, let’s kickstart the day with some aromatic coffee to awaken our senses and fuel our spirits!  With David off shift and ready to join the fun, our family dynamic is already gearing up for an exciting day ahead.☕️

    A Sweet Stop at Crumbl Cookies

    crumbl cookies, YUM!
    Cookies for Movie Night!

    Next stop, Crumbl cookies!  Because let’s face it, what’s a gloomy day without some delectable treats to indulge in? Thanks to my persuasive co-workers, I’m now hooked on these heavenly delights, and there’s no turning back!🍪

    Crumbl Cookies Weekly Menu

    For those of you who don’t know, Crumbl cookies has a menu that changes weekly, so don’t look at the calories if you’re on a diet. Check them out: https://crumblcookies.com/ If you have the app, you can order ahead and pick up in a snap.🍪

    Embarking on a Nostalgic Journey

    With coffee in hand and cookies in tow, it’s time to transform our humble abode into a cozy haven of relaxation and entertainment. Cue the movie marathon!  As avid fans of “Stranger Things,” we’ve embarked on a nostalgic journey through the series, reliving the thrills and chills of Hawkins, Indiana. It’s the perfect blend of excitement and nostalgia to brighten up our gloomy Saturday.🎬

    Movie night netflix
    Movie Night “Stranger Things”
    Don’t Miss Out on Stranger Things

    For those of you who have missed this series, go check it out on Netflix:🎬 [Stranger Things]

    A Day Filled with Laughter and Love

    As the rain pitter-patters against the windowpanes, we huddle together on the couch, popcorn at the ready, and immerse ourselves in the captivating world of Eleven and her gang.  With each episode, laughter echoes through the room, and the worries of the week melt away in the warmth of family bonding and shared experiences.🍿

    Jacob’s Infectious Joy

    Meanwhile, Jacob, our ever-enthusiastic partygoer, revels in the festivities, his eyes lighting up with delight at the prospect of movie night and chocolate chip cookies.  His infectious joy reminds us that even on the dreariest of days, there’s always room for laughter and happiness.🌟

    Cheers to Making the Most of Every Moment

    So here’s to turning a gloomy Saturday into a day filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. With a little creativity and a whole lot of love, we’ve transformed this rainy day into a magical adventure that reminds us of the beauty of family and togetherness. Cheers to making the most of every moment, rain or shine! 🌈✨

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