Family Dynamics

  • How does mindset change things when raising a child with autism? 🧩

    To move forward with clarity your mindset needs work!
    To move forward with clarity your mindset needs work!

    Unlocking the Power of Mindset: 

    Raising a child with autism is a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. As parents, our mindset plays a pivotal role in how we navigate this path. When confusion and fear cloud our thoughts, taking action can seem daunting. I remember the moment when I first realized Jacob wasn’t speaking and faced the reality of his challenges beyond speech delay. It was a moment filled with devastation and fear. But amidst the uncertainty, I knew one thing for certain: I needed to arm myself with knowledge and understanding to take decisive action. Join me as we explore the transformative power of mindset in the realm of autism parenting.#Autism Challenges

    Just starting with the diagnosis? Check out the Autism Society: https://vimeo.com/5846214

     

    Navigating Autism Parenting with Clarity and Confidence:

    Ah, the maze of autism parenting! Picture yourself wandering aimlessly, bumping into walls, and occasionally tripping over your own shoelaces. It’s like trying to find your way out of a corn maze blindfolded – a recipe for comedic chaos! But fear not, my fellow adventurers, for in this topsy-turvy journey, clarity is your trusty compass. Without a clear sense of direction, you’re just a lost soul wandering in circles, hoping to stumble upon the exit. And let me tell you, friends, hoping for the best is like relying on a blindfolded toddler to navigate a Lego minefield – not exactly a foolproof strategy! So, buckle up and grab your map, because in the wild and wacky world of autism parenting, we’re going to need a plan! 🗺️🚀

     

    Documenting the Rollercoaster Ride: 

    Journal to see your child's growth.
    Journal so you can see growth, also it’s proof you’ll make it through hard times!

    You’re armed with a notepad and a cup of coffee, ready to tackle the ever-growing list of concerns about your child’s development. It’s like preparing for battle, except instead of swords and shields, you’ve got highlighters and sticky notes – because nothing says “warrior parent” like color-coded organization, am I right? 📝☕️

    Now, as you wade through the sea of doctor’s appointments and testing, remember that patience is a virtue, my friends. It’s like waiting in line at the amusement park – except instead of thrilling rides, you’re queuing up for evaluations and assessments. And let’s be honest, the only rollercoaster here is the emotional one you’re riding on! 🎢

    But fear not, for in the land of autism parenting, we’re all about proactive planning. So, get your name on every waiting list imaginable – diagnosis, speech therapy, occupational therapy – you name it, we’re on it! It’s like stocking up on snacks before a road trip – you may not need them all, but better safe than sorry, right? And who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and score a fast pass to the front of the line! 🎟️

     

    Journaling Through the Ups and Downs:

    Alright, fellow adventurers, buckle up because we’re about to embark on a journaling journey! Now, before you start running for the hills at the mere mention of daily writing (ain’t nobody got time for that!), let me reassure you – I’m right there with you. Who has the energy to document every little detail of their day when they’re busy juggling therapy sessions and meltdowns? 📓✨🤷‍♂️

    But fear not, my friends, for journaling doesn’t have to be a chore. Think of it as your personal time capsule, capturing all the hilarious highs and the chaotic lows of your autism parenting adventure. It’s like creating your own comedy special – except instead of stand-up routines, you’ve got anecdotes about toilet training mishaps and epic bedtime battles. 😂

    And here’s the best part: when you’re knee-deep in the trenches of a particularly rough day, you can crack open that journal and remind yourself of just how far you’ve come. It’s like finding a hidden stash of chocolate when you’re craving a sweet treat – instant mood booster! So go ahead, grab your pen and start scribbling down those memories – trust me, your future self will thank you for it! 🍫🖊️

     

    Visual Schedules:
    Visual Schedules for young children
    Example of Jakes Schedule when he was younger.

    Alright, fellow navigators of the autism parenting maze, let’s talk home life – the ultimate testing ground for any autism superhero! Now, picture this: you’ve conquered the world of therapies and diagnoses, and you’re feeling pretty darn proud of yourself. But then reality hits you like a ton of bricks – how on earth do you translate all that progress into a happy, harmonious home environment?🏡💥

    Enter visual schedules, the unsung heroes of the autism parenting world! Check out this post for more ideas Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩 Now, I’ll be the first to admit, it took me longer than it probably should have to realize just how crucial these schedules are. I mean, sure, they’re not as flashy as superhero capes or as glamorous as unicorn-themed sensory rooms, but boy, do they pack a punch!🦸‍♂️🗓️

     

    Your Secret Weapon for Family Harmony

    With a visual schedule in hand, Jacob can literally see what his day looks like – no mind-reading required! And here’s the best part: if you play your cards right, you can sneak in a little thing called “choice” into that schedule. That’s right, folks, we’re talking about empowering our little ones to take charge of their own destiny, one sticker at a time! 🌟💼

     

    The result? A household that runs smoother than a well-oiled machine, with productivity levels that would make even the most organized Martha Stewart green with envy. Gone are the days of anxiety-fueled meltdowns and frustrating communication breakdowns – instead, we’ve got a family dynamic that’s tighter than a pair of superhero spandex! 🦸‍♀️💬

     

    So, my fellow autism adventurers, if you’re looking to revolutionize your home life and banish chaos to the far corners of the universe, look no further than the humble visual schedule. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it – and hey, who knows, you might just earn yourself a spot in the autism parenting Hall of Fame! 🏆✨

    #Autism Challenges🧩

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  • Want to know how I redirect Jacob when our weekend is different? Autism Challenges 🧩

    autism-weekend-challenges
    #autism-weekend-challenges

    Autism Challenges on Weekends!

    Autism challenges on weekends, transitions! Picture this: Jacob is super excited because his big brother, Nicholas, is coming home for a visit. He’s been chanting “Nicholas home!” with the enthusiasm only a child with autism can muster, multiple times a day for weeks. Now, don’t get me wrong, Nicholas is a grown man, currently neck-deep in a Ph.D. program at NC State. He hasn’t lived at home since 2013. But, in Jacob’s world, none of that matters. His favorite person is coming home, and the excitement is palpable.

    The Weekend Twist: Routine Disarray!

    However, there’s a twist to this tale. While Jacob absolutely adores having his brother home, his well-oiled routine is thrown into a delightful, albeit chaotic, disarray. You see, everyone on the autism train—me, my husband, Nicholas, and even our trusty dog—needs to help Jacob navigate this transition into different routines and family activities.

    Movie Quotes: Our Secret Weapon!

    So, how do we manage these autism challenges on weekends? Well, it turns out that movie quotes are our secret weapon. Jacob is a movie buff, and movie quotes are like nuggets of gold to him. Now, I must admit, my husband and Nicholas are way better at this game than I am. Not only do they recite the lines, but they also throw in character voices to make the quotes come alive. Jacob absolutely loves it, and the power of a well-placed movie quote can turn an impending meltdown into fits of laughter.

    Routine vs. Brother Time: Balancing Act!

    Hashtag Family
    #family, #friends

    Jacob is a creature of habit, and he likes things a certain way, every day. Take, for instance, his TV time. He’s used to having free rein over the big TV in the living room when no one else is using it. But when everyone’s home, that TV becomes a battleground. Jacob wants his brother home, but he also wants his routine, and this can lead to some grumpiness and anxiety.

    The Family Team: Redirection and Smiles!
    schedule-fun-jacob-is-the-hulk-barnes-and-noble
    Jacob having fun at Barnes and Noble after a week of completed work!

    That’s when the whole family jumps into action, taking turns to redirect Jacob’s focus and ensure the weekend stays on a positive note. We know that things can quickly go south when you’re dealing with autism challenges. Children on the spectrum often struggle when their routines are disrupted, and when you throw in sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation difficulties, and perhaps a sprinkle of OCD tendencies, you’ve got yourself a perfect storm. How my husband changes Jacob’s bad mood with music! #musicandautism.

    The Teamwork Tactic: Smiles and Snacks!

    Our secret sauce is teamwork, no autism challenges on weekends. Together, as a family, we brainstorm fun ways to keep the weekend moving along smoothly. If Jacob needs a break from the hubbub, I’ll usually put him in the car, and off we go on a quick errand to the grocery store or, his personal favorite, Chick-fil-A! These little outings provide him with the sensory input and routine he craves.

    Schedules, Calendars, and Celebrations: Our Winning Trio!

    We also rely on his trusty schedule, a calendar that gently introduces the changes coming his way, and a hefty dose of assistance with transitions and redirection. And, of course, we sprinkle in some celebrations—maybe some cookies to bake to mark the occasion of Nicholas being home for a visit. Here is a previous blog post: How Simple Planning Ahead Can Save the Day When Working with Someone Who Has Autism!

    Jacob’s Weekend Adventure: Laughter and Love!

    So, to all my fellow parents navigating the uncharted waters of autism challenges during weekends, take heart. With a bit of humor, a whole lot of love, and a bag of movie quotes, we’re making our way through, one smile at a time. 3 Top Challenges of having an adult son with autism.#autismchallenges🧩🌈✨

    Join the Conversation!

    Here is another article: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication-problems-children

    Stay tuned for more tales from Autism Island! Got any tricks up your sleeve for managing autism challenges on weekends? Share your stories and tips below! 📢💬

    Still more? download my ebook! https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

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