Come on Autism Thrive Tribe, 3 Ways to ditch chaos and get Happy!
Autism Parenting Strategies for a Happy Home!
Parenting a child with autism is a journey filled with love, learning, and, letโs be realโchaos. But after 27 years with Jacob and 14 years in public schools, Iโve learned that chaos doesnโt have to rule our lives. With the right tools, we can create calm, structure, and a happier home for everyone! ๐โจ
When autism or a disability is involved, here are my top 3 autism parenting strategies for a happy home that help ditch chaos and bring more peace into your life:

1๏ธโฃ Visual Schedules: Your Secret Weapon for Predictability ๐ผ๏ธ๐
Imagine waking up every day and not knowing whatโs next. Sounds stressful, right? Thatโs exactly how our kids feel without a clear, structured plan.
๐ Why Visual Schedules Work: โ Reduce anxiety and meltdowns โ Help with transitions between tasks โ Provide a sense of control over the day โ Make changes less overwhelming
๐ก Pro Tip: Having a visual schedule in place makes life easier because when unexpected things happen, you can show your child that the day is getting back to normal soon.
๐ How I Use Visual Schedules: โ I plan a simple daily schedule that Jacob can see โ If something unexpected comes up, I adjust the schedule and show him โ I use pictures, words, or even a small whiteboard on the go โ I remind him whatโs coming next to redirect attention to something positive
๐ Looking for more guidance? Check out my CALM Frameworks, where L = Learning to Create Schedules ๐ ย How to reduce chaos at home with an autistic child using my CALM frameworks.

2๏ธโฃ Redirection: The Power of the Pivot! ๐โจ
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our kids get stuck in frustration, repetitive behaviors, or sensory overload. Thatโs when redirection comes in!
๐ What is Redirection? Itโs a gentle shift in focus to something more positive, engaging, or calming.
๐ How Redirection Helps: โ Moves attention away from frustration โ Eases transitions without power struggles โ Keeps moods light and positive โ Helps get back on track when things go sideways
๐ก How I Use Redirection with Jacob:
- ๐ถ Music therapy: If Jacob is upset, I play his favorite songs to shift his mood.
- ๐ Movement breaks: If sitting still is hard, I guide him to a different task (jumping jacks, stretching, or a walk).
- ๐ Exciting distractions: โHey Jacob, after this, we get to watch your favorite movie!โ
๐ Remember: Redirection is NOT briberyโitโs a tool to help your child focus on something positive instead of staying overwhelmed.ย Stop engaging in power struggles! Use redirection for your autistic child.

3๏ธโฃ Planning Ahead: Your Autism Parenting Survival Kit! ๐๐ ๏ธ
๐ฌ Ever watch a spy movie where the hero has hidden bags full of money and supplies for emergencies? Well, as an autism parent, YOU should have a survival bag too! ๐๐ผ
๐ What to Pack in Your Autism Go-Bag: โ Sensory-friendly fidgets (putty, stretchy silicone, pop-its) โ Headphones or earplugs for noise reduction โ Favorite snacks & drinks โ Extra clothes (because sensory discomfort is real!) โ Small visual schedule to show whatโs next
๐ Pro Tip: Plan ahead for sensory needs. Choose soft, tag-free clothes that wonโt trigger irritation or discomfort. A meltdown avoided = a win! ๐
๐ How I Plan Ahead in the Classroom: I always keep baskets of sensory itemsโeven for students who arenโt high sensory seekersโbecause we all need breaks and fun! ๐ Complete some work? Grab a fidget and take a break! Easy peasy! Love Teacch trainings:ย https://teacch.com/
Ditch the Chaos with Autism Parenting Strategies for a Happy Home! ๐โจ
We all want a happy, thriving homeโand the key to that is reducing chaos and creating structure. Thatโs why I always go back to my CALM Frameworks:
โ C: Consistent Action Forward ๐ โ A: Always Celebrate Wins ๐ โ L: Learning to Create Schedules ๐ โ M: Mindset Shift ๐ง

๐ฉโ๐ฆ Remember: Your mindset and emotional regulation are just as important as your childโs. If your emotions are high, so will theirs beโguaranteed.
๐ก Which strategy do YOU use the most? Drop a comment and letโs chat! ๐And if you want to connect with parents who GET IT, join the Autism Thrive Tribe today! ๐
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