#AutismParentingTips

  • Blog, schedules

    The fire does not consume us, life on Autism Island! Autism daily.

    “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” 🔥 Isaiah 43:2
    Faith keeps us grounded and strong.

    Autism parenting challenge, Life on Autism Island!🔥🌊

    Autism parenting challenges and rewards are a part of our everyday life. After 27 years on this journey with our son Jacob, who just celebrated his birthday in August, we’ve faced many ups and downs. As a family of four—Jacob, his older brother, and us, his parents—we’ve grown and learned so much. But that doesn’t mean we have it all figured out. Life on Autism Island is full of surprises, adjustments, and yes, setbacks.

    Despite these challenges, we hold onto the promise from Isaiah 43:2: “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” 🔥 This journey—this fire—does not consume us. With love, grace, and a strong commitment to each other, we continue to push forward through whatever comes our way.

    As we move into fall, we are once again facing new transitions and adjustments, much like we discussed in last week’s blog on seasonal changes. In this post, I’ll share more about the daily realities of life on Autism Island, the struggles, the rewards, and how we navigate it all with resilience and hope.

    Autism parenting challenges and rewards 🔥💙

    Autism parenting challenges and rewards have been at the heart of our 27-year journey with Jacob. As we walk through each season of life on Autism Island, we’ve learned that faith, family, and preparation are key. With Jacob’s sensory sensitivities and rigid routines, every day brings its own challenges, but we’ve also seen the rewards of patience, love, and growth over time.

    This journey isn’t perfect, and it’s not without its setbacks. But with God’s grace and our commitment to each other, we’ve learned to use tools like visual schedules and strategies from the CALM framework to help Jacob navigate his world. Our journey is proof that, with perseverance, things can get better. 🙏💪

    Autism Daily life joke
    As an Autism Parent you will need CALM and humor!

    The Power of Visual Schedules 🗓️

    One of the main tools that has transformed our daily life is visual schedules. Jacob’s love for routine means that any change—especially moving from one season to another—can be hard for him to accept. For example, this morning was the first chilly day of the season, and it was time to wear a hoodie. Since Jacob is used to wearing short sleeves, this transition didn’t go smoothly at first.

    What helps is incorporating the clothing change into his visual schedule. I lay out his clothes in advance and point them out on the schedule, giving him time to process that he’ll need a jacket or hoodie before we head out the door. This practice helps him see what’s coming and allows us to avoid some of the meltdowns that could occur without preparation. Check out this dad 👉 https://pin.it/3l8R65S46

     

    Redirection: Moving from Resistance to Cooperation 🎯

    Even with a visual schedule in place, Jacob sometimes resists new transitions. But instead of getting frustrated, I use redirection to help shift his focus. For example, if he’s upset about the hoodie, I’ll point out something exciting coming up later in the day, like picking out a pumpkin or getting his favorite snack. 🎃🍪

    Another effective tactic we use is referencing a favorite movie. Jacob loves quoting movies, so we might start exchanging movie quotes to lighten the mood and redirect his attention from the challenge at hand to something he enjoys. This method works wonders in getting him out the door without turning a small issue into a bigger battle. Stop engaging in power struggles! Use redirection for your autistic child.

     

    Faith, Family, and the CALM Framework ✨💪

    As we move through life on Autism Island, our faith has been a crucial part of how we manage autism parenting challenges and rewards. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us that the fire does not consume us, and we hold onto that promise every day. Ways to have peace? Creating time for yourself, not just your child with autism.

    Our family has learned to lean on God, and each other, showing love and grace as we guide Jacob through the tough moments. This means practicing the CALM strategies consistently:

    – C. onsistent Action Forward: Maintaining routines and schedules helps Jacob feel more secure.
    – A. lways Celebrate Wins: When Jacob follows the schedule, we celebrate, even if it’s something small. 🎉
    – L. earning to Create Schedules: Visual schedules are essential to our daily life.
    – M. indset: Keeping a calm and patient mindset helps Jacob feel more at ease.

    By using these strategies, we’ve been able to grow as a family and give Jacob the structure and support he needs to thrive.

     

    Journaling-helps-to-look-back-on-past-struggles-and-victories-
    Autism Daily Life can be difficult, journal to see your progress!
     Reflecting on the Journey 📔

    I also keep a journal to document our experiences. Writing down our daily challenges, feelings, and wins gives me a way to reflect on how far we’ve come. Looking back at times when we struggled, it’s clear that the consistent use of visual schedules, redirection, and our faith in God has made a real difference in our lives.

    When I feel overwhelmed, I go back to those journal entries to remind myself of God’s faithfulness and the progress we’ve made. It’s not always easy, but reflecting on our journey gives me the strength to keep going, knowing that each day we’re learning and growing as a family. I’m also sharing our experience to hopefully help others who are feeling frustrated or lost.

     

    Give Yourself and Your Child Grace 🌟💙

    We’ve come a long way from the early days of Jacob’s diagnosis, but that doesn’t mean every day is smooth. There are still tough moments, and emotions can change quickly in our home. Jacob can go from happy to grumpy in a matter of minutes, and some days it feels like we’re walking through fire. But I remind myself that faith, preparation, and kindness are what carry us through.

    If I can leave you with one piece of advice, it’s this: give yourself and your child grace. Don’t expect everything to be perfect. Practice using the strategies that work—like visual schedules and redirection—and trust that things will get better with time. The more you prepare, the more you’ll find moments of joy, even in the midst of challenges. You also don’t have to walk alone!

     

    Tips and Strategies for Navigating Autism Season Challenges 🌟

    1. Use Visual Schedules Consistently 🗓️

    Visual schedules are a lifeline for children with autism, especially when navigating seasonal transitions like moving from summer to fall. Consistency is key. By showing your child what to expect ahead of time, you reduce anxiety and help them adjust to new routines with ease. Whether it’s putting on a hoodie or switching up daily activities, make sure it’s reflected in their schedule.

    2. Practice Redirection 🎯

    When resistance or frustration arises, redirection can be your best tool. Shift the focus to something your child enjoys—whether it’s a favorite activity, snack, or even a beloved movie quote. This method helps steer them away from negative emotions and keeps the day moving forward.

    3. Celebrate Small Wins 🎉

    Even small victories deserve to be celebrated. If your child follows the visual schedule, give praise or a reward, no matter how minor the accomplishment may seem. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and encourages them to keep progressing. Celebrate wins as they come, and remember, progress is progress!

    4. Keep the CALM Framework in Mind ✨

    – C. onsistent Action Forward: Maintaining routines and schedules helps Jacob feel more secure.
    – A. lways Celebrate Wins: When Jacob follows the schedule, we celebrate, even if it’s something small. 🎉
    – L. earning to Create Schedules: Visual schedules are essential to our daily life.
    – M. indset: Keeping a calm and patient mindset helps Jacob feel more at ease.

    When you use the CALM framework, you’re giving your child the tools they need to navigate their day, while also giving yourself the space to be patient and kind.

    5. Incorporate Faith and Tradition 🙏

    If your family leans on faith, incorporating Bible verses, prayers, or spiritual practices into your child’s daily routine can create a sense of grounding. For Jacob, we use Bible verses as writing practice, and during holidays like Christmas and Easter, we use visual countdowns to help him understand important events. Building these traditions into your routine offers spiritual growth while maintaining structure.

    6. Journal Your Journey 📔

    Keeping a journal can help you track your child’s progress and reflect on how far you’ve come. When the tough days hit, looking back on past victories will remind you that you’re not alone in this journey. Journaling gives you the perspective needed to celebrate your wins and learn from the challenges. Remember the M in CALM is mindset-your mental health is important!

    7. Give Yourself and Your Child Grace 💙

    You won’t get everything right every day—and that’s okay. Give yourself the grace to make mistakes and learn from them. Give your child grace as they learn to navigate life with autism. By offering love, patience, and kindness, you’re making the journey more manageable for everyone.

    🧐 Struggling with daily routines and meltdowns?
    🌟 As an autism parent coach, I help you transform chaos into calm by creating strategies that work for your family. 🌟

    📅 Schedule a discovery call
    👉🏼 Visit my contact page to get started: https://educatingjacob.com/contact/

    #autismcoach #autismparentcoaching #autismandepilepsy #autismfamily💙#autismmom😎 #autismboymom😎 #autismchallenges🧩 #AutismParenting #DoctorVisitSuccess #EducatingJacob #AutismSupport #CalmParenting

     

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  • Blog, schedules

    How to stop stressing over Fall season changes? Autism season challenges.

    Autism-parenting-in-a-nutshell-joke
    Living on Autism Island means that when the seasons change, challenges are sure to follow.

    Autism season challenges are real—especially when it comes to navigating seasonal changes. If you are a parent of an autistic child you already know this! Living here on Autism Island means that every shift in weather brings its own set of hurdles, and fall is no exception.

    In North Carolina, the fall season is a time of false starts: one morning it’s chilly enough for a hoodie, and by afternoon, we’re back to T-shirts and shorts. For my son Jacob, these transitions are anything but simple. He’s still clinging to his favorite short-sleeved shirts and shorts, even when it’s time to bundle up. It’s not just about clothes—it’s about the emotional and sensory challenges that come with change. It takes Jacob a while to accept the new reality of cooler weather and swap his comfortable summer clothes for something unfamiliar.

    In this post, we’ll dive into how you can help your child handle these seasonal transitions without stress and make the seasonal shift as smooth as possible. Let’s work together to make these changes more manageable for both you and your child. 🌟

    Autism Season Challenges 🍁

    Living on Autism Island means that when the seasons change, challenges are sure to follow. Here in North Carolina, fall is a time of false starts and unexpected weather shifts. One morning it’s cool, and Jacob might need a hoodie, but by afternoon, he’s back to wanting his short-sleeved shirts and shorts. The transition from summer to fall is particularly tough on Jacob, who has sensory sensitivities and a love for routine. Autism season challenges aren’t just about the weather—they’re about changing routines, sensory struggles, and working to make transitions easier for your child.

    Fall Changes are Tough Autistic kids  🌧️👕

    Children with autism often have rigid and ritualistic behaviors, which can make it hard to tolerate changes in routine. Jacob’s moderate autism makes seasonal transitions a major event. Not only does he have preferences for certain clothes and materials, but he also struggles with sensory issues. Anything he wears must be soft to the touch, with no tags or textured appliqués that might irritate him. He likes what he likes, and he wants to wear it over and over again. Check out this post I found 👉 https://holfamily.com/natural-solutions-for-sensory-processing-in-kids/

    So when it’s time to swap out his favorite summer clothes for warmer fall attire, it’s the start of a season-long negotiation.

    CALM Strategies for Autism Season Challenges 🗓️🍂

    I’ve learned that to successfully navigate these autism season challenges, it’s essential to have a strategy in place—one that combines visual schedules, consistency, and redirection. These strategies are part of the CALM framework I use to guide Jacob through these transitions. Here’s how they break down:

    1. Consistent Action Forward: Visual Schedules are Key 📅

    When it comes to changes in routine, especially seasonal ones, consistency is key. Visual schedules are a game-changer for us. A schedule helps Jacob understand what’s coming next without overwhelming him with a lot of verbal explanations. Visuals allow him to see the sequence of his day and prepare for any changes, reducing anxiety and making him feel more in control.

    For example, when the weather starts to change, I add a visual of a hoodie or pants to his schedule for the morning routine. It’s a gentle nudge that says, “Hey, it’s time to dress a little differently.” If he knows in advance that a change is coming, he’s much more willing to cooperate.

    2. Incentives for Cooperation 🎉

    Whenever Jacob follows his schedule, especially when it involves a change he’s not excited about, we make sure to celebrate. Our incentive system is simple: if Jacob sticks to his schedule for the week, on Fridays he can pick out something he likes on Amazon—a new movie, game, or toy. 🎮📦

    This reward system helps him stay motivated and makes those tough transitions a little more bearable. It’s a win-win because Jacob feels rewarded for his efforts, and I get to see him learning how to manage changes with less stress. 4 Things I Wish I Would Have Known After Getting the Autism Diagnosis

    3. Learning to Redirect: Shifting Focus to What He Loves 🎬🍁

    One of the most effective strategies for handling resistance is redirection. If Jacob is struggling with putting on a hoodie or is upset about changing clothes, I’ll gently redirect his attention to something he enjoys. I might point to his schedule and say, “Look, we’re going to pick out a pumpkin later!” or “After this, we’ll have your favorite snack.” 🍪

    Jacob loves movies, so sometimes I’ll use a movie quote or remind him of something we’re planning to do together. By redirecting his focus to something positive, I can help him move past his discomfort and prepare for the next step in his day. Stop engaging in power struggles! Use redirection for your autistic child.

    4. Mindset Matters: Stay Calm and Consistent 💙🧠

    One of the most important pieces of the CALM framework is mindset. If I get frustrated or let my tone become negative, Jacob’s attitude escalates right along with mine. I have to remind myself that Jacob isn’t purposely resisting change; he’s struggling to cope with it. By staying calm and consistent in my approach, I set the tone for the day and help guide him through those challenging moments.

    CALM-frameworks-for-educatingjacob.com
    CALM over Chaos and frustration! Mindset is key!

    Creating Strategies for a Smooth Transition 🧣🧦

    Whenever possible, planning ahead is your best defense against autism season challenges. A schedule that includes not only the day’s activities but also clothing choices can help prepare your child for the shift in seasons. For the first few days of any change—whether it’s needing to wear a hoodie in the morning or switching to long pants—it’s going to be tough. But if you stay consistent with the schedule and maintain a calm, patient approach, those challenges will start to ease up.

    Here are some practical strategies that work for us:

    • Add clothing changes to the visual schedule: Make sure your child can see that there’s a new item of clothing expected for the day.
    • Celebrate small wins: Every time they follow the schedule, reinforce that behavior with a reward or praise.
    • Plan for redirection: When frustration starts to show, redirect their focus to something fun or comforting—like a favorite snack, a trip to pick out a pumpkin, or even a movie quote that makes them laugh.
    • Stay calm and be consistent: Your mood can set the tone for theirs, so keep calm, and stick to your plan.
    Facing Season Changes with Confidence 🌟

    Season changes are never easy for children with autism, but with the right strategies, you can help your child feel more in control and less anxious. The first few days of any new routine will always be a little challenging, but with consistency, redirection, and visual schedules, you can make the transition smoother for everyone in the family.

    Don’t be afraid to try new methods and tailor these tips to fit your child’s needs. Remember, every small step toward making these transitions easier is a big step forward for your family. Let’s face these autism season challenges together and create a season full of comfort, routine, and happiness. 🍁🌞

    Benefits-of-a-visual-schedule-for-my-autistic-son
    Want Coffee in peace? Use Visual Schedules and strategies from my CALM frameworks.😉
    Today’s Tips and Strategies for Autism Season Challenges 🍁🧣

    1. Use Visual Schedules 📅
    Add clothing changes and seasonal activities to your child’s visual schedule. Seeing it ahead of time helps them prepare for what’s coming and reduces anxiety over transitions.

    2. Be Consistent with Routines 🔄
    Stick to your plan! Consistency builds trust and confidence. When you introduce new fall clothes or routines, keep them consistent each day until they become part of the norm.

    3. Celebrate Small Wins 🎉
    Praise your child for any cooperation with the new routine. Even if they wear that hoodie for just five minutes, it’s progress! A reward or positive reinforcement can go a long way.

    4. Redirect and Stay Positive 🌟
    When resistance happens, shift their attention to something fun or exciting. Bring up a favorite snack, a planned fall activity like picking out a pumpkin, or use movie quotes they love to lighten the mood.

    5. Stay Calm and Breathe 🧘‍♀️
    Your energy sets the tone. If you stay calm and patient during those tough moments, it’s easier for your child to do the same. Remember, change is hard for them, and your calmness is their anchor.

    🧐 Struggling with daily routines and meltdowns?
    🌟 As an autism parent coach, I help you transform chaos into calm by creating strategies that work for your family. 🌟

    📅 Schedule a discovery call
    👉🏼 Visit my contact page to get started: https://educatingjacob.com/contact/

    #autismcoach #autismparentcoaching #autismandepilepsy #autismfamily💙#autismmom😎 #autismboymom😎 #autismchallenges🧩 #AutismParenting #DoctorVisitSuccess #EducatingJacob #AutismSupport #CalmParenting

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