#AutismParenting

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    How my husband changes Jacob’s bad mood with music! #musicandautism.

    Change the Tune 🎶

    Music and autism, my husband uses music to improve Jacob’s bad mood. When Jacob starts repeating negative or angst-filled movie quotes, music becomes our go-to tool to redirect his focus and uplift his spirits. 🎥➡️🎵

    We’ve discovered that music he gets excited about—whether it’s tunes we enjoy together or soundtracks from his favorite movies—can work wonders. Below are a couple of playlists that Jacob loves when David is DJing. 🎧🎸

    As parents of children with autism, especially those with limited language skills, finding effective ways to manage emotions and behaviors is crucial. The power of music is AMAZING! Last week, I shared how sign language has significantly helped Jacob. This week, I want to show you how music can also be a fantastic way to redirect a bad mood. 🎤

    It’s hard to stay mad when you’re singing or dancing! Whether your child has expressive language delays or simply needs a mood boost, integrating music into your daily routine can create moments of joy and connection. 🌟

    Join me as we explore the magic of music and how it can transform challenging moments into opportunities for fun and engagement. Check out previous posts:How does mindset change things when raising a child with autism? 🧩

    The Challenge of Sarcastic Quotes 🎬

    When Jacob seems to be stuck in a loop of sarcastic movie quotes, he’s intent on making sure everyone knows the mood he’s feeling. He’s not able to just explain himself or what’s going on inside, as he doesn’t have typical conversations. This can make it hard to understand his emotions and thoughts.

    Using Positive Movie Quotes 🎥

    We use movie quotes from happier parts of the story or ones he enjoys saying frequently. I’m pretty good at this, but his dad and brother are much better at movie quotes because they can really do the voices and impersonations well. 🎭

    Activities and Music Therapy For Autism🎸

    Jacob’s dad excels as the house DJ. Being a musician, he intuitively starts playing Jacob’s favorite upbeat songs to shift his mood. Here’s a blog post I found on music therapy: https://www.theautismpage.com/music-and-autism-music-activities-and-music-therapy/  

    Music therapy has real results with the population of children with autism spectrum disorder. Here is another source to see:http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/MT_Autism_2012.pdf

    Here are some playlists we use:

    Upbeat Songs from Movies and Shows

    • Water Buffalo – Veggie Tales
    • Belly Button – Veggie Tales
    • Pizza Angel – Veggie Tales
    • Larry Boy (Rock On) – Veggie Tales
    • In the Belly of the Whale – Jonah

    Classic Rock Hits

    • Don’t Bring Me Down – ELO
    • Shining Star – Earth, Wind & Fire
    • I Can Help – Billy Swan
    • Somewhere Only We Know – Keane

    Worship and Praise Songs

    • I’m Not Ashamed – Newsboys
    • Take Me To Your Leader – Newsboys
    • Wherever We Go – Newsboys
    • Shine – Newsboys
    • In The Belly Of The Whale – Newsboys

    This doesn’t come naturally to me, but it does for my husband. He plays guitar, and music is his go-to for himself and for Jacob. The rhythm and familiarity of the music work wonders in redirecting Jacob’s mood from negative to positive. Let’s learn how autism and music can work together to increase positive feelings🎶

    #musicandautism
    Music and Autism, change the tune!

    Integrating Music into School 📚

    Seeing how well music works with Jacob, I’ve started using YouTube at school, keeping music in the background. It can be challenging to find playlists with safe lyrics, so I stick with what I know. I don’t have time to vet all modern songs for lyrics, so I choose ones I’m certain are appropriate. 🎧

    Music has a positive impact not just on Jacob but also on my students. It helps them, and me, get through the day with a better mood and more focus.  Music and autism  go together because it engages and can calm a child with autism, so give it a try!

    The Influence of Music on Emotions 🎵

    Music can influence your feelings toward movie characters, enhance drama, fear, and even happiness! At home, we use music to promote happiness or increase stamina for cleaning or working out. It’s a powerful tool for setting the tone and energy of any activity. 🏃‍♂️

    The Mental Health Benefits of Music 🎧💆‍♀️

    Music isn’t just beneficial for children with autism; it’s also a powerful tool for parents. Managing the complexities of raising a child with autism can be stressful and emotionally draining. Integrating music into your daily routine can be a great way to boost your mental health and overall well-being. 🌈

    Increasing Positive Emotions

    Listening to your favorite songs can elevate your mood and increase positive emotions. Whether it’s a song that brings back happy memories or an upbeat tune that gets you moving, music has the power to lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face. 😄

    Decreasing Anxiety and Stress in autistic children

    Music is also effective in decreasing anxiety and stress. Gentle, soothing music can create a calming environment, helping to lower stress levels and promote relaxation. For moments of high stress or when you need a break, playing calming music can be a quick way to reset and find peace. 🧘‍♀️

    Choosing the Right Music

    It’s important to choose music that will lift your mood and change your tune positively. Create playlists that include songs you love, whether they are relaxing instrumentals or energetic tracks. Here are some tips:

    • Mood Boosters: Include songs that make you feel happy and energized.
    • Relaxation Tracks: Add calming instrumentals or nature sounds for moments when you need to de-stress.
    • Sing-Alongs: Include tracks that you can sing along to, as singing itself can be a great mood enhancer.

    Music can be your ally in maintaining a positive mindset, even on challenging days. Embrace it as a tool for self-care and let it help you navigate the ups and downs of parenting. 🎶

    Using Music for Autism Spectrum🎼

    So, use your powers for good and use music to show love, happiness, or excitement. In our house, we also use music in a big way for worship. Jacob loves TobyMac, MercyMe, and many others to sing praise songs. It’s another way we connect and find joy together.🙌 #musicandautism #autismcoach

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  • Blog, schedules

    3 ways American Sign Language helped my son with autism speak in short sentences?

    Jacob struggled with speaking and communication, but learning sign language helped and made communication and talking fun! Jacob’s language delays often meant frustration and meltdowns because he couldn’t tell us what he wanted. The added sensory and movement of sign language was just what Jake needed to learn and increase his vocabulary.

     

    As a parent, watching your child struggle to communicate can be heart-wrenching. We’ve been there. Our journey with Jacob has had its ups and downs, but introducing American Sign Language (ASL) into his routine was a game-changer. Not only did it provide him with a new way to express himself, but it also bridged the gap between his thoughts and words, reducing his frustration and boosting his confidence.

     

    In this blog post, I want to share how ASL helped Jacob speak in short sentences and how it can benefit your child too. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for new strategies to support your child’s communication, I hope our story can offer some helpful insights and encouragement.

    Below is a snippet of a Facebook Live I did talking about using ASL with Jacob. If you want to watch the whole thing (not long) go to: https://fb.me/e/4uUE8RRw5

    The Challenge of Expressive and Receptive Language

     

    Jacob had a hard time with expressive and receptive language, so telling us what he wanted was difficult. This communication barrier often led to frustration and meltdowns because he couldn’t express his needs clearly.

     

    The Fun of Learning with Signing Time

     

    Learning sign language with the Signing Time videos for kids was fun. We were able to learn together, and Jacob enjoyed being able to show off his new skills. It was also a way to get new videos and books from Signing Time! 📚

     

    Reducing Frustration and Meltdowns

     

    Jacob wasn’t very successful at getting us to understand what he wanted beyond putting our hand on something. This often led to a lot of meltdowns on his end because he was frustrated. It was very upsetting for the rest of the family too. Once he started learning sign language, the frustration lessened because he was able to communicate. 🙌

     

    Building Vocabulary and Language Skills

    Should you use sign language with your child with autism?
    Using Sign Language helped to build Jacob’s vocabulary!

    Learning sign language helped build Jacob’s vocabulary and recall of words he wanted to use. The added sensory input and movement when using sign language was just what Jacob needed to start building short sentences and increase his language skills.

     

    Using Schedules for Predictability and Structure

    The zippered bags contain school work and a short book to read.
    Jacob’s daily school bags for the week!

    Using schedules also helps Jacob because he needs predictability and structure in his day. Before he started reading and learning sign language, we used visual schedules. Visual supports provide a clear and consistent way for Jacob to understand what is expected of him each day.

     

    For those interested in learning more about using visuals to create predictable systems, here is an interesting podcast episode that you can check out: SLP Coffee Talk: Visual Supports Can Create Predictable Systems with Tara Tuchel https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/7bfbbd30-594a-4cce-a4cf-1eb7145aaed4/episodes/3c6dde90-afb4-4154-999f-9ac408c468bc/slp-coffee-talk-visual-supports-can-create-predictable-systems-with-tara-tuchel)

     

    Enhancing Verbal Communication 🗣️

     

    Learning sign language did not decrease Jacob’s speaking to us with his voice; it increased it dramatically. Here is an article I found that supports what we experienced with Jacob. How Sign Language Can Help Your AutisticChild https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autistic-child-sign-language/. 

    If your child is nonverbal and doesn’t increase their vocalization and speaking with their voice, so what! Speaking with sign language is still speaking and communicating your wants and needs. 🤟

     

    Your child will do whatever is easiest for them, and that should be good enough for anyone! Every form of communication is valid, and the goal is to reduce frustration and increase understanding. Celebrate their progress, no matter the form it takes.

     

    Engaging with Signing Time

     

    Jacob had fun learning language with the Signing Time videos. You can explore their resources here: Signing Time https://www.signingtime.com. It looks like they have digital downloads now, but you can also buy DVDs from Amazon. 📺

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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, schedules

    3 Tips for dealing with Covid and your child.#Autism Challenges🧩

    COVID and Autism Schedules

    Covid and autism schedules
    Mom is always there; she has COVID-19, now what?

    Okay, so here we go again. I’m down with Covid once more. Covid and autism schedules are hard when you’re sick. Attempting to quarantine myself to prevent anyone else from falling ill, but Jacob doesn’t quite grasp the concept. He’s eager to burst into my room with his repertoire of movie quotes or to share his latest Amazon wishlist item. Thank goodness for the marvels of modern technology, allowing us to order groceries online and swing by for contactless pick-up. I’ve stocked up on all of Jake’s essentials, but I seriously need a guard dog or a lock on my door. Even my poodle, loyal as she is, is more into playtime than patrol duty.😷👦🏼🧩

    A schedule helps when you get Covid!

    Tip 1: Embrace Online Grocery Shopping

    Covid and autism schedules
    During sickness like Covid stick to a schedule with kids!

    My first tip? Embrace the wonders of online grocery shopping. Find a convenient store that allows you to order online and pick up your groceries without leaving your car. Harris Teeter our favorite grocery store, has drive thru pickup. Covid, did not beat us here! Alternatively, services like Insta cart can deliver groceries straight to your doorstep. It’s a game-changer, trust me. 🛒💻

    Jacob has inventory of all his favorite staples and always tells me what to get on my way out the door! We have started taking him for a weekly grocery store trip just for him! Peanut butter, cereal and milk and Harris Teeter’s chocolate chip cookies. 🍪

    Master the Art of Quarantine

    Tip 2:

    Covid and autism schedules
    Covid Quarantine Zone- Off Limits! Lock the door if you have to!

    Secondly, quarantine like a pro. Social stories that you can give to help the child understand to stay away when someone is sick with Covid. https://autismlittlelearners.com/autism-little-learners-covid-social-stories/ Learn from my mistakes and ensure that your quarantine zone is strictly off-limits. Unfortunately, my attempts at barricading the door were futile, and Jacob made himself right at home. Coming in and grabbing my iPad to show me what he wanted from Amazon. Make sure your space is off-limits and enlist the help of family members to enforce the rules.🔒🚫

    Stick to Routine

    Tip 3:

    Thirdly, stick to your routine. If you’re lucky enough to have your child on a schedule, routines are a lifesaver. Covid and autism schedules? Covid is not as bad with a child who already has a schedule laid out! Need help with that? Check out this post: 3 Ways Jacob’s Monthly Calendar and Daily Schedule Work on Autism Island! Not only do they give you the rest you need to heal, but they also provide a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. And don’t forget to stock up on essentials like ibuprofen and Alka Seltzer Cold and Flu to help you weather the storm.⏰🔄 Here’s another blogger on schedules: https://www.healthline.com/health/visual-schedule-autism

    Stay Prepared and Stay Strong

    In times like these, preparation is key. Having Jake’s weekly work organized in zippered bags and his clothes laid out for the week has been a game-changer. This solved the problems of being sick with Covid and having to worry about schedules for autism. It takes the guesswork out of our daily routine and gives me the peace of mind I need to focus on getting better.💪🧼

    Here’s a helpful resource I stumbled upon that offers tips on managing schedules during remote learning: [Remote Learning Round-Up: Schedules & Routines]. https://medium.com/swlh/remote-learning-round-up-schedules-routines-30c08ea0dde2

    Stay healthy, stay safe, and remember to take care of yourself, too.

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