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    Beyond the Chaos: Scheduling 101 Class for Special Needs Children

    special needs scheduling strategies
    This is Jacob reading a story book that was in his first_then work schedule!

    Special Needs Scheduling Strategies:

    🎢 Hold on Tight: The Rollercoaster Begins 🎢
    My son Jacob, bless his heart, decides it’s time for an emotional rollercoaster ride, and I’m just here, trying not to fall off the emotional ride myself! 🚀

    Our home, thanks to Jacob’s autism, sometimes resembles a tornado zone. Remember that joke about the first child being an angel, and then the second child coming along to prove that theory wrong? Well, autism walked into our lives and said, “Hold my juice box!” 🌀 🤪 We needed to ditch the chaos, and learn special needs scheduling strategies! And we did, read on for some helpful strategies.

    💡 Need help regaining your calm? Check out this previous post: 5 Ways to Regain My Calm

    The Colossal Challenges of Autism Parenting 🏗️

    These challenges are colossal—like trying to fit a giraffe into a Mini Cooper! 🦒 We face sensory challenges, communication barriers, meltdowns, and endless paperwork with doctors, therapists, and insurance companies. Here is a blog post that might help: 4 Things I Wish I Would Have Known After Getting the Autism Diagnosis

    Tame the Chaos: Battling Behaviors  🏊

    Some days, it feels like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole—except the moles are challenging behaviors, and the mallet is a pool noodle. And the worst part? The ticket to this game is exhaustion and anxiety. 🎟️ 😩 Planning ahead and visual schedules will help you win this game!

    Special Needs Scheduling Strategies:CALM 📅

    Thankfully, my superhero family and CALM strategies have saved me from perpetual pool noodle battles. The CALM Framework has helped us regain peace:

    ✔ C: Consistent Action Forward 🚀 ✔ A: Always Celebrate Wins 🎉 ✔ L: Learning to Create Schedules 📅 ✔ M: Mindset Shift 🧠

    💡 What I needed was the right mindset. I had to understand that scheduling wasn’t just for Jacob—it was for our whole family. It gave us predictability, peace, and progress. Stop Morning Chaos: How to start using Visual Schedule for Autism and CALM

     

    Roadmap for choices,special needs scheduling strategies
    Use schedules with built in “choice” for connection and learning!
    schedules, special needs scheduling strategies
    Roadmap to success! Use a schedule, be consistent, and celebrate all wins!

    The Power of Visual Schedules: Your Parenting Cheat Code! 🛡️🗺️

    I used to feel like I was blindfolded, trying to solve a puzzle with shape-shifting pieces. 🧩 Then, I discovered visual schedules, and suddenly, it was like unlocking a parenting cheat code! 🎮

    Picture this: Jacob and I are now on an epic quest. His sensory challenges are our dragons, and our visual schedules are our treasure maps. 🏴‍☠️ And let’s not forget the rewards—stickers, high-fives, maybe even some chocolate. 🍫✨

    🏡 We turned chores into quests: Jacob became the Kitchen Crusader, conquering not just household tasks, but life itself. As parents, we’re the wizards, guiding our children through the magical world of responsibilities. Let the chore-adventures begin! 🎉

    📌 Why Schedules Work: ✅ Reduce meltdowns & anxiety ✅ Help with transitioning between activities ✅ Encourage independence ✅ Improve behavior management ✅ Incorporate special needs scheduling strategies to maintain stability and adaptability

    Creating Effective Schedules:

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

    Visual schedules are like vibrant canvases that promise adventure. It’s like our daily to-do list became a treasure map. For Jacob, chores turned into thrilling quests, and sensory sensitivities were banished like villains from a fairy tale.

    Unlocking the Mysteries of Zippered Bags & Clothes Schedules 🎒👕

    Those zippered bags? They’re portals to another dimension! One holds schoolwork, another holds chapter books, and the garment bags? They contain Jacob’s weekly wardrobe, planned in advance—just like a knight’s armor, ready for battle. 🏰

    Why Clothes Schedules Matter:

    ✔ Helps Jacob avoid sensory discomfort 👕 ✔ Reduces morning decision fatigue ⏳ ✔ Keeps him comfortable & confident 💪 ✔ Uses special needs scheduling strategies to streamline daily routines

    A Week in Advance: Why Pre-Planning Works! 📅

    Planning a week ahead is critical because without a plan, Jacob’s anxiety skyrockets. Imagine interrupting a grand quest to slay dragons—bad idea! 🐉

    ✨ With his visual schedule, Jacob:

    • Knows what’s coming
    • Feels secure in his routine
    • Handles transitions with less stress

    💡 Processing delays make sudden changes overwhelming—think of it like trying to decipher ancient runes on the fly. 🏺 That’s why special needs scheduling strategies are a must for keeping routines predictable and manageable.

    Ready for Life’s Twists & Turns 🛤️

    Life is unpredictable. But with a structured schedule, our kids become seasoned adventurers—navigating unexpected changes with confidence. 🌟

    ✔ Need to adjust? No problem! Adjusting a schedule is like redirecting a GPS—it’s not about stopping the journey, just finding a new route. 🔄

    📌 With a strong routine in place, transitions become easier, meltdowns decrease, and peace replaces chaos.

    Embracing the Future with Confidence! 🔮

    With schedules as our guide, the future looks bright! When new challenges arise, our kids won’t be caught off guard. Instead, they’ll be equipped, confident, and ready to adapt. 💪✨

    📌 Want to build a schedule that works for your child? 🔹 Start simple. Choose 3 core daily activities and build from there. 🔹 Use visuals. Pictures and charts make transitions smoother. 🔹 Adjust as needed. Life happens—tweak the plan when necessary!

    💡 Looking for local autism-friendly events? Check out Autism Society programs near you! 🌍 📌 If you’re in North Carolina, check out upcoming events here: Autism Society of NC

    You Are Not Alone! 💙

    Parenting a child with autism can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do this alone. Educating Jacob is here for autism awareness, support, and community—not judgment. 💙

    📢 Join the Autism Thrive Tribe! ✔ Get real-life strategies that work ✔ Find a support system that understands ✔ Learn how to reduce chaos & create peace

    📌 Click here to join: Autism Thrive Tribe! ✔

    🚀 Together, we’ll turn the chaos into clarity—one schedule at a time!

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  • Blog, schedules

    Tired and Frustrated Mom! Sensory Challenges for the Autism Spectrum

    Tired-and-frustrated-mom-sensory-challenge
    Children with autism may have sensory challenges.

    Tired and Frustrated Mom!

    Picture this: It’s a sunny afternoon, and I’m gearing up for what most people would consider a mundane task—cutting Jacob’s hair. But let me assure you, when it comes to Jacob, even the simplest tasks have the potential to rival a Hollywood blockbuster.

     

    As I approach him with the scissors in hand, it’s as if I’m about to face the final showdown with a galactic villain. Will he embrace this haircutting quest with the grace of a Jedi, or will it turn into a dramatic performance worthy of an Oscar?

    Sensory-challenges-are-Jacobs-constant-companions-making-these-tasks-feel-like-epic-battles
    😩 The sensory challenges that come with autism can be overwhelming.

    Hygiene, haircuts, nails, shaving, and clothes—these daily routines that most of us take for granted are an entirely different universe for Jacob. Sensory challenges are his constant companions, making these tasks feel like epic battles. But fear not, for we have a secret weapon: the power of schedules. Not sure about schedules check out this post: https://educatingjacob.com/how-using-schedules-can-change-your-childs-life/

    Sensory Challenges for Autism Spectrum

    I’ll be the first to admit that when I started this journey with Jacob, I often felt like a tired and frustrated mom. 😩 The sensory challenges that come with autism can be overwhelming. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle while blindfolded, with the pieces constantly changing shape. 🧩❓

    One of our greatest challenges was navigating Jacob’s sensory sensitivities during basic hygiene routines. Let’s dive into the world of sensory challenges and how the CALM framework turned overwhelming tasks into manageable routines. 💡✨

    Sensory Challenges and Autism Spectrum

    Trying to keep up with everything among meltdowns and an endless to do list!
    Trying to keep up with everything among meltdowns and an endless to do list!

    I’ll be the first to admit that when I first started this journey with Jacob, I often found myself feeling like a tired and frustrated mom. The sensory challenges that come with autism can be overwhelming. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle while blindfolded, with the pieces constantly changing shape.

    One of our greatest challenges was navigating Jacob’s sensory sensitivities when it came to basic hygiene routines. Let’s dive into the world of sensory challenges, shall we?

    Haircuts: A Battle of Epic Proportions

    Imagine trying to cut the hair of a child who is hypersensitive to touch and sound. For Jacob, haircuts were akin to entering the lair of a fire-breathing dragon. 🐉🔥 The slightest snip of the scissors could send him into a tailspin of sensory overload.

    The CALM Solution:

    • C: Consistent Action Forward: We scheduled haircuts on a recurring basis, making them a predictable part of Jacob’s routine. 📅
    • A: Always Celebrate Wins: After every successful haircut, we celebrated with a reward Jacob loved, like extra screen time or a special treat. 🎉🍭
    • L: Learning to Create Schedules: A visual schedule showed Jacob what to expect, from setting up the haircut station to the reward waiting at the end. 🖼️✅
    • M: Mindset: I approached each haircut with calm and patience, reminding myself that progress is more important than perfection. 🧘‍♀️💪

    Manicures: Navigating Tactile Sensitivities

    Clippers and nail files were another sensory battlefield. Jacob’s tactile sensitivities made nail care feel like climbing Mount Everest barefoot. 🏔️🦶

    The CALM Solution:

    • C: Manicures became part of our weekly routine, always done at a time when Jacob was relaxed and calm. 🕰️🌈
    • A: We celebrated small wins, like clipping one hand successfully before taking a break. 🎊👍
    • L: A sensory-friendly setup included Jacob’s favorite textures and soothing activities. 🛋️🧸
    • M: I reframed setbacks as opportunities to learn what worked best for Jacob. 🔄🌟

    Shaving: The Quest for Sensory-Friendly Solutions

    As Jacob grew older, shaving became a new sensory challenge. The vibrations and sensations of an electric razor were overwhelming. ✂️🔊

    The CALM Solution:

    • C: We experimented with different tools, starting with gentle, sensory-friendly options like manual razors. 🪒
    • A: Every small success—even just touching the razor—was celebrated. 🎖️🙌
    • L: We built shaving into Jacob’s visual schedule, breaking it into manageable steps. 🗂️✨

    M: A calm, encouraging environment helped Jacob feel safe and supported. 🛡️💙

    Clothes: Navigating Fabric Sensitivities

    Jake's clothes for going out!
    These clothes are for going out and sensory friendly.

    Jacob’s strong preferences for certain textures turned getting dressed into a daily negotiation. 👕👖

    The CALM Solution:

    • C: We provided a selection of sensory-friendly clothing options that Jacob could choose from each morning. 🧺👔
    • A: Jacob’s independence in picking his outfits was celebrated with high-fives and verbal praise. 🙌👏
    • L: Visual schedules included getting dressed as part of his routine, creating consistency. 🖼️✔️
    • M: Empowering Jacob with choices reduced resistance and increased cooperation. 🛍️😊

    Have Hope!

    Take heart—this journey was no easy feat, and there were moments when I felt like I was starring in a sitcom of my own. 📺😂 But with patience, creativity, and the power of routines, we found ways to navigate these sensory challenges together. Jacob has grown more confident and capable, and I’ve learned that sometimes, a little humor can go a long way. 💪❤️

    To all the tired and frustrated moms out there: you’re not alone. 🌍 With a sprinkle of humor, a dash of creativity, and the CALM framework, you, too, can conquer sensory challenges and help your child thrive on the autism spectrum. 🌟💙

    👉Join the Autism Thrive Tribe today to connect with other parents, gain support, and learn more about strategies like the CALM framework. Let’s thrive together! 🤝🌈

    tips for de-stressing!
    Here are some tips to De-Stress!

     

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  • Blog, schedules

    Teaching my son with autism to read was a huge accomplishment!

    Jacob completing a writing assignment on his chalkboard wall in his room.
    Jacob doing a writing assignment!

    A Surprising Start to Our Autism Journey

    When autism hit our family, it hit like a ton of bewildering bricks. Teaching my son to read, speak or just about anything was a challenge. We were as clueless as clueless could be, armed with nothing more than our viewing of “Rain Man” as our crash course in autism. No mentors, no guidebooks, just us, trying to make sense of it all. Our teaching that worked with our first son did not work. Teaching Nicholas to do almost anything including reading was a breeze! https://www.beginlearning.com/parent-resources/how-to-teach-a-child-to-read/

    Teaching My Son to Read

    But, hey, we did have a friend who homeschooled her own kids. And that, my friends, was our ticket to the wild world of homeschooling. Jacob had done a stint in public school for preschool and kindergarten. As those crucial early years came to a close, we decided to take the plunge and bring him home for homeschooling. I researched and bought materials for schooling my children and got started.

    Diving into the Deep End of Homeschooling

    So, there I was, diving headfirst into this ocean of uncertainty. I read books, surfed websites, and clung to my homeschooling guru friend like a lifebuoy. I ordered curriculum for two kids because my older son, Nicholas, wanted in on the action. He became the extracurricular activities and book picker, and off we went, wading into uncharted waters.

    Officially Homeschooling

    We registered ourselves with the state as a homeschool, gave ourselves a name (because why not?), and I became the official administrator. Nicholas was a breeze to teach, but Jacob, oh Jacob, with his autism quirks and speech challenges, was a different story.

    Creative Homeschooling Tactics

    Jacobs-activities-lined-the-couch-with-an-all-done-bin-on-the-floor
    Jacob’s activities lined the couch with an all done bin on the floor, very easy for him to understand!

    Our homeschooling sessions involved singing the ABCs during bath time (foam letters included!), bouncing on a rebounder while tackling flashcards, and counting and word games on the outdoor swing. Movement was Jacob’s magic ingredient for speech, so we embraced it wholeheartedly. It also made learning a lot more fun. This link shows how comprehension is challenging for our children with autism.  https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/autism-spectrum-disorder/articles/reading-comprehension-and-autism-primary-general-education

    The Calm in the Storm

    Nicholas, bless his heart, was the calm amidst our storm. Some days, Jacob and I would wrap up our lessons in tears. It usually ended with Jacob going to his room, me heading to mine, and Nicholas taking charge of soothing his brother. He’d build intricate train tracks and cue up a Thomas the Tank Engine movie. And then, he’d come to me with an offer of popcorn and Dr. Pepper because he knew they were my favorites. Smart kid!

    Not a Teacher Yet

    I wasn’t a teacher when we started this adventure; I decided to become a Special Education teacher later, thinking I needed the qualification to help my son. In reality, I didn’t. Jacob and I tackled the hard part before I ever got that degree. We taught each other.

    The Proud Moment

    I was just a mom, desperate and determined not to give up. I knew Jacob better than anyone, and I used that knowledge to our advantage. We turned every opportunity into a learning moment and incorporated everything he loved.

    Jacob reading, also part of his daily schedule.
    Jacob couldn’t read yet, but it was still part of his daily schedule!

    Teaching Triumph

    Teaching Jacob to read is a greater source of pride for me than my Master’s degree in Special Education. I taught him to read and write before I even had that degree. The Jacob School of Life taught me more than any classroom could.

    Challenges and Rewards

    Teaching any child to read is no walk in the park, and when you add disabilities to the mix, it’s a real uphill climb. You’ve got to connect with your student on a profound level, using every trick in the book to make it easier for them. Find ways to incorporate what they already love into the learning process.

    Celebrating Small Wins

    Jacob loved movies, trains, and video games (like father, like son). He adored movement and water, so we used all these things every single day until that light bulb moment finally happened. We celebrated every tiny milestone like it was the Super Bowl, and let me tell you, the victory dances were legendary.

    Don’t Give Up

    On the tough days, the ones that ended with me retreating to my room, tears streaming, feeling utterly unworthy, I didn’t give up. I’m here to tell you, you’re worthy, and your child needs you. Don’t throw in the towel; don’t give in. Celebrate every single accomplishment, no matter how minuscule. Because when you look back, you’ll see just how far you’ve come, and it’ll be a sight to behold.

    Tired and frustrated shows up for all moms
    Tired and frustrated? Try something new, create a schedule“How to create a personalized schedule for children with autism”!

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    3 Ways to Help Your Child with Autism Enjoy Christmas Without Meltdowns and Anxiety!

    Holiday tips for a child with autism
    #parentingautism #childwithautism

    Ho, Ho, Hold on to Your Sanity: Autism-Proofing Your Christmas

    Picture this: twinkling lights, jingling bells, and the joyful sound of kids playing… until a meltdown strikes. Yep, the holidays can be an emotional rollercoaster for both parents when you have a child with autism. But fear not, we’ve got three sleigh-loads of tips to help your child with autism enjoy Christmas without the meltdowns and anxiety!

    Merry Christmas, a child with autism
    Enjoy Christmas and all holidays by planning ahead!

    Have a Schedule: Santa’s Secret to Smooth Sailing

    You know how adults suffer from decision fatigue? Well, imagine that, but for kids with autism. Their processing delays, combined with other learning disabilities, make transitions and language complex terrain. So, let’s simplify the journey.

    Jacob’s schedule and calendar are his North Star, guiding him through the holiday hustle and bustle. Just like we rely on our phones and apps to navigate life, he uses his schedule to keep the chaos at bay.

    When he knows what’s on the agenda, it’s like a backstage pass to his day. No need for lengthy explanations or negotiations; it’s all right there, mapped out. So, when you ask him to do something, he’s ready to roll because he’s got the schedule to back him up.

    Remember, the schedule doesn’t have to be rocket science. Keep it straightforward, make changes as needed, and as long as he can see it, he’ll have less anxiety about the ever-changing holiday plans. It’s a win-win for everyone in the family!

    Christmas photo showing Jacob with headphones on in restaurant to ease noise.
    The headphones helped Jacob in a noisy restaurant.

    Adjust Your Expectations and Their Environment: ‘Tis the Season for Sensory-Friendly Fun”

    Flashback to when our firstborn, Nicholas, was little. We could conquer family gatherings, holiday shows, and shopping marathons with ease. Then, Jacob entered the scene, and suddenly, our holiday game plan needed some serious adjustments.

    Big family events, loud shows, and crowded malls? Not exactly Jacob’s cup of cocoa. Sensory overload and anxiety were always lurking. So, we adapted our environment to fit his needs and ease his holiday stress.

    Seek out sensory-friendly movie screenings and showtimes; they’re a game-changer for families like ours. Prepping ahead of time by watching videos or tutorials related to upcoming activities helps a child with autism feel more at ease. Check out our blog post on [preparing for doctor visits]https://educatingjacob.com/child-on-the-autism-spectrum-navigate-doctor-visits/ for a crash course in anticipatory planning.

    Make short videos or show clips of what to expect. And remember to bring the holiday cheer in your bag of tricks: headphones, earplugs, snacks, and sensory fidgets can be a sanity-saver. We always pack a travel kit with books, a tablet, snacks, and whatever else brings comfort.

    In a nutshell, be prepared for anything. And that means anything!

    We wish you a Merry Christmas
    #ChristmasWithAutism #childwithautism

    Have Fun and Keep It Simple: Savoring the Season

    Guess what? You can still have a holly, jolly Christmas even if you have a  child with autism. You just need to tweak the festivities to suit their comfort zone.

    Go see those dazzling Christmas lights, but be armed with a travel bag of sensory items, snacks, tablets, and headphones. This way, you’re ready for whatever Santa throws your way.

    It’s okay to leave your child out of some holiday activities if it’s not their cup of eggnog. Let them enjoy their comfy environment with their favorite things while you dash through the snow of holiday fun.

    Remember, the most important thing is to savor the season, make memories, and cherish the moments, even if they come with a sprinkle of chaos. Because in the end, it’s all part of your unique, heartwarming, and occasionally hilarious Christmas story. 🎄❄️🌟

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