parenting

  • 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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  • Uncategorized

    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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  • Uncategorized

    How I added games to my son Jacob’s schedule to promote socialization.

    Embrace differences
    Be kind, reach out and embrace differences!

    How I Turned My Son Jacob into a Social Butterfly (Well, Sort of)

    Hey there, fellow schedule enthusiasts! You know, parents and teachers who use schedules are basically the superheroes of time management. 🦸‍♂️ They keep everyone on the same page, and for folks like me, they help avoid meltdowns that could rival a volcano eruption. More info: https://educatingjacob.com/beyond-the-chaos-scheduling-101-class-for-special-needs-children/

    You see, I use schedules because of my son Jacob’s autism. His daily routines and his ability to follow a schedule give him a sense of security, confidence, and a lot less anxiety about the rollercoaster of life. But recently, I decided it was time to add a little sprinkle of socialization to Jacob’s schedule.

    Now, let me give you the inside scoop on my secret weapon: games. Yes, games, folks! I decided to sneak some fun into his routine, and let me tell you, it’s been an adventure.

    Game Time, Jacob Style

    Games for socialization!
    Games for socialization!

    So, here’s the deal. Jacob, like many kids on the spectrum, tends to be a lone wolf when it comes to socializing. He wants us around, but he’s not exactly hosting tea parties or neighborhood BBQs.

    Occasionally, I decided to spice things up by putting a game, like Word Search, on his schedule. Now, let me be clear, he LOVES word searches. Seriously, he’s like a word-hunting ninja. He even has them as part of his schoolwork and other worksheets.

    But, here’s the kicker – he always beats me. It’s like playing chess with a grandmaster. 😅 So, technically, it’s socialization, but it’s more like a friendly competition. He tolerates playing with me because it’s on his schedule, and he enjoys a good word hunt.

    Using his need for structure and routines, I can easily switch things up. If there’s a holiday on the horizon, we talk about it ahead of time. He can see it on the calendar and his schedule, and it helps him mentally prepare for the change.

    Countdowns and Excitement

    Now, one thing that gets Jacob excited is when he knows something different is happening. For instance, when his brother is coming into town, he’s over the moon. He counts down the days on his schedule, and trust me, it’s adorable.

    You see, schedules aren’t just about keeping order; they’re about building excitement and helping him accept changes in our family’s routine. It’s like his own personal calendar of awesome events.

    Games for Social Skills

    Games to increase socialization skills
    Increase socialization skills with games!

    Now, in school, teachers do something similar for the students. They dangle the game carrot at the end of a work stick, and it works like a charm. The kids know that if they complete their tasks, they get to dive into some game time.

    Jacob, like many kids on the spectrum, adores games. And while he might not win “Most Talkative” at school, he sure knows how to play a mean game of Connect Four. Here are some ideas for summer: https://educatingjacob.com/a-summer-schedule-for-my-child-who-has-autism/

    These games aren’t just fun; they’re stealthily teaching social skills. He might not always jump at the opportunity to socialize, but since it’s part of his schedule, he goes along with it. It’s a win-win, my friends.

    So, if you’re navigating the unpredictable waters of autism like me, consider adding some game time to your child’s schedule. You might not turn them into a social butterfly overnight, but you’ll definitely make socializing a part of their daily routine. And hey, who knows, maybe they’ll even let you win at Word Search. 🕵️‍♀️

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