3 Simple ways to use choices to make connections and learning fun for those on Autism Spectrum!
First, I created schedules for Jacob so that he could choose the order in which they were completed. Second, Jacob could choose what activities he wanted to do once the schedule was done. Third, by using schedules with built-in choices, I gave Jacob the predictability and structure that he needs to keep anxiety and emotional regulation in check. 📅✅
Choices are like the secret weapons in our arsenal of connection and learning, especially when it comes to navigating the labyrinth of the autism spectrum. If you’re on this roller coaster of a ride, you know that sometimes it’s like having Darth Vader unexpectedly show up in a rom-com movie – a mix of surprises, challenges, and a few laughs along the way. 🎢🧩😄
Jacob’s Journey: From Chore Dread to Delight
Enter Jacob, our household hero 🦸♂️ who embarked on a chore journey that promised both epic battles and heartwarming victories. Picture this: the first time we floated the idea of chores, I was half-expecting dramatic background music à la Darth Vader’s theme – because, let’s be honest, even chores can feel like an intergalactic quest. 🎶🌌
Armed with Patience, Creativity, and Humor
But fear not, fellow adventurers, because we faced this challenge armed with an unshakable combo of patience, creativity, and yes, a touch of humor. With lightsabers… okay, maybe not actual lightsabers, but definitely a light-hearted approach, we ventured to transform Jacob’s perspective on chores from dread to delight. 💡✨😄
Transforming Mundane Tasks into Cosmic Missions
At the core of this transformation were three simple yet potent tips that held the power to rewrite the chore playbook. We delved into the world of schedules, weaving choices into Jacob’s day that resonated with his quest for predictability. These choices became more than just checkboxes; they were his way of cracking the code of the world around him, a chance to have his say in the grand cosmic dance. 📅✅🌟
Empowerment Through Choice: A Path to Connection
Jacob has problems with receptive and expressive language. Having a conversation isn’t happening, and he will shut down because it takes too long to process. He loves movies and quotes from them because they say the same thing every time. Speaking with a person is different every time. 🗣️🤐🎬
Schedules are short, sweet and easy for Jacob to understand! It eases his anxiety for the day and gives him the predictability he needs to help regulate his emotions. 📅✨😌
Choices at Home: More Than Chores
Giving Jacob choices in the form of visuals, or a schedule where he can choose when to complete something during his day makes him empowered and confident. It also makes him happy and connected with me for helping him understand. It also shows I care to include the choices he enjoys along with chores that need to be done as part of the family. 🎨⏰😊👩👦👦
Choices at School: Bridging Learning and Connection 🏫
At school during the day, I’m a special education teacher. I give my students schedules based on their present level in academic areas, and choices after the work are based on their preferences. 📚👩🏫
Creating Independence and Connection 🌟
If they complete my work, they are allowed to do activities that are more to their liking. They are more willing to do my work and are happy to come to my room for work when they feel they will have a say in what happens there. 🙌😊
If you are looking for something just for your child on the spectrum you might look into activities like summer camp through the Autism Society. Check out this post: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/embracing-spectrum-12194587/winning-lottery-2729998147
Jacob’s Journey: Visual Schedules and Independence 🛤️
In the beginning of Jacob’s journey, in order to get Jacob to understand his day, we used visual schedules. His day was a series of pictures that told him what to do; he also had pictures of activities that he loved to do placed in between work or chores to keep him happy and moving through the day. 🖼️🕒
Nee help with schedules? Check out this post: Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩
From Dread to Delight: The Power of Choice 💡
This allowed me as a mom to take a breath and do my own chores. After all, our job is to create independent humans! The mother bear in me wanted to protect and keep him happy, but the tired, worn-out momma needed him to learn and start becoming independent without being a “me” monster no one wanted to be around. 🐻💤
Three Simple Strategies for Choices and Connection 🔄
1. I created schedules with work, and he was able to choose the order in which he completed them. ✅
2. After the work he chose was completed, Jacob could choose what activities he wanted to do. 🎨🎮
3. By using schedules and built-in choices, I gave Jacob predictability and structure that he needs to keep anxiety and emotional regulation in check. 🗓️
Embrace the Adventure of Choices
So, prepare to embark on a journey where choices light up the path and humor is our trusty sidekick. Life is a series of choices, and each choice has the potential to create ripples of change. So, are you ready to wield your lightsaber of choice and embrace the adventure? Let’s do this! 🌟💫
