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    I’m Questioning Life Choices? I Work With Learning Disabilities?

    Questioning-Choices-and-Decisions
    Being a Mom of special needs and Special Education Teacher is a lot!

    Questioning My Life Choices!

    Sipping coffee and questioning all my life choices! I am a special education teacher and mother of two boys. The youngest of which has a leaning disability, autism. Why did I think it was a good idea to become a special education teacher and then come home to a special needs child?☕️

    To be honest, I just needed to feel I was doing something positive that would benefit my son. On those days when we were home and I was trying to teach him to read and all the things before I became a teacher, I thought, who is going to work this hard to make sure he gets it? I guess you know the answer, me! I’m going to work that hard and you can too! No special degree required. 🤦‍♀️

    Unlocking Potential

    In a world where education is key to success, it is disheartening to see individuals with learning disabilities face challenges in unlocking their full potential. However, with the right strategies and resources, it is possible to provide the support necessary for these individuals to thrive.

    This post delves into the realm of learning disabilities, exploring effective strategies and valuable resources that can make a significant difference in the lives of those with these challenges. From personalized learning plans and schedules to specialized teaching methods, we will uncover the tools and techniques that empower individuals with learning disabilities. 📚

    A-little-planning-goes-a-long-way
    Jacob has sensory friendly clothes, school work in zippered bags and headphones!

    Let’s shed light on the best practices and approaches for supporting individuals with learning disabilities. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or caregiver, this blog post will equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to help unlock the potential of those with learning disabilities.

    Join us on this journey as we discover the power of understanding, empathy, and supportive strategies in enabling individuals with learning disabilities to reach their full potential.

    Understanding learning disabilities

    Learning disabilities are like solving a puzzle in the dark: challenging but not impossible! They’re not about intelligence, just a different way of processing information. Let’s decode the signs and strategies to support individuals with these unique abilities.🧠🧩

    Signs and symptoms of learning delays

    Detecting learning disabilities is like spotting clues in a detective movie . Look out for slow reading, spelling mysteries, and mathematical riddles. And don’t forget the attention to detail: struggles with organization, time management, and memory can be telltale signs! With Jacob it was obvious he had a learning disability because of the lack of language, sensory issues and his need for sameness.🕵️‍♂️

    1. Difficulty understanding and following instructions.
    2. Slow reading or difficulty reading aloud.
    3. Poor spelling and grammar.
    4. Inconsistent or inaccurate mathematical calculations.
    5. Difficulty organizing thoughts or expressing ideas in writing.
    6. Inattention, distractibility, or hyperactivity.
    7. Poor memory or difficulty retaining information.
    8. Struggles with time management and organization.

    Strategies for Success

    Cracking the code of learning disabilities requires a multi-tool approach. Personalized learning plans, multi-sensory instruction, and assistive technologies are like secret weapons in our toolkit. With a little creativity and a lot of patience, we can decode the challenges and unlock the potential within!🛠️

    Assistive technologies for learning disabilities

    Assistive technologies are like sidekicks in the superhero squad! Text-to-speech software, graphic organizers, and mind mapping tools level the playing field, making learning more accessible for everyone. With these gadgets in hand, individuals with learning disabilities can conquer any academic quest!🦸‍♀️

    Accommodations-Student-Support
    Students with Learning Disabilities will likely need Accommodations.
    Accommodations and modifications in the classroom

    Classrooms that provide appropriate accommodations and modifications can create an environment where students with learning disabilities can thrive. Here is a previous post that might help: The best schoolwork jobs and schedules for students at home in 2023! Here are some examples of accommodations and modifications in the classroom:

    1. Extended Time: Allowing extra time for completing assignments, tests, and exams can alleviate the pressure on students with learning disabilities.
    2. Preferential Seating: Placing students with learning disabilities in close proximity to the teacher can help minimize distractions and facilitate better focus.
    3. Visual Supports: Providing visual aids, such as charts, diagrams, and graphic organizers, can enhance understanding and retention of information.
    4. Chunking and Breaking Tasks: Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help students with learning disabilities approach assignments and projects more effectively.
    5. Alternative Assessments: Offering alternative assessments, such as oral presentations or projects, can provide students with learning disabilities an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a format that suits their abilities.

    Resources for parents of individuals with learning disabilities:

    Jacob and I both benefit from the Autism Society of NC. Check them out if you are in NC. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/autism-society-of-north-carolina-6867453005

    Navigating the journey of learning disabilities is like embarking on a grand adventure. Parent support groups, educational advocacy organizations, and online workshops are like trusty maps, guiding us through uncharted territories. With these resources in hand, we can navigate the twists and turns with confidence!🚀

    Support services and organizations for individuals with special needs

    Various support services and organizations are dedicated to assisting individuals with learning disabilities. These organizations provide valuable resources, support, and advocacy for individuals and their families. Here are some notable support services and organizations:

    1. The Arc: The Arc is a leading organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer a wide range of services, including education, employment, and community support.
    2. National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD): NCLD is a trusted resource for individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and educators. They provide information, advocacy, and support through their website, programs, and publications.
    3. Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA): LDA offers resources, support, and advocacy for individuals with learning disabilities. They provide educational materials, conferences, and training programs for parents, educators, and professionals.
    4. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): CEC is an international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities. They offer resources, publications, and professional development opportunities for educators and professionals.
    Conclusion: Empowering individuals with learning disabilities
    C onsistant Action forward A lways Celebrate Wins L earning to Create Schedules M indset
    C.A.L.M.-Consistent Action Forward, Always Celebrate Wins, Learn to create schedules!, Mindset.

    Unlocking the potential of individuals with delays is like discovering hidden treasure: exhilarating and rewarding! By fostering understanding, providing support, and embracing diversity, we can create a world where everyone’s unique abilities are celebrated and valued. Let’s embark on this journey together, unlocking the endless possibilities that lie within!💎#Autism Challenges🧩

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  • Uncategorized

    Thriving Together: 3 Tips for Parents of Energetic Children with Autism. Autism Challenges🧩

    The Energetic Child With Autism!
    Tips for the Energetic Child With Autism!

    Before Jacob’s autism diagnosis, we were bewildered by his lack of attention, clueless about his hyperactivity. But hey, at least he helped with cleaning – albeit based on my tone and body language, not my words! 😅

    Understanding Energetic Behavior:

    Some kids are like perpetual motion machines. If Jacob ever stopped moving, I’d check his temperature! Turns out, high energy in autism can be due to a myriad of factors – genetics, sensory needs, or simply being a kid! 🏃‍♂️

    Not sure if your child has autism? check out this video that talks about the Autism Society. https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/

    Tip 1- Create a Structured Environment:

    Consistency is key! Our days got brighter when we embraced structured routines. With visual schedules, even non-readers like Jacob can follow along. Just keep it simple and predictable, like Jacob’s favorite superhero shirts – they never fail to save the day! 💪

    Check out my previous post to learn more about visual schedules: “How to create a personalized schedule for children with autism”

    Tip 2- Incorporate Physical Activities:

    New Years habit for 2024
    Exercise can be fun with the right gear!

    Exercise isn’t just for the gym – it’s for Jake’s language development too! Who knew bouncing on a rebounder could teach him words? With close captioning and superhero workout shirts, learning is an adventure in itself! 🦸‍♂️

    Remember when you cross midline you are activating the brain and creating new connections because it engages both sides of the brain. Exercise and movement are a win-win for our kids! Windmills are a good exercise that crosses the midline.🕺🏾

    Here is a previous post on incorporating exercise: Our New Years Challenge, the schedule we will use for our new habits!

    Tip 3- Implement Sensory Breaks:

    When the energy’s high, and emotions are frayed, it’s time for a sensory break! From rice bins to water beads, sensory activities are our secret weapon. And as a mom and teacher, I’ve got a sixth sense for recognizing when it’s time to hit pause and recharge! ⏸️

    C.A.L.M:
    C onsistant Action forward A lways Celebrate Wins L earning to Create Schedules M indset
    C.A.L.M.

    Consistent Action Forward With patience, Always Celebrate Wins, support, Learning to Create Schedules/Procedures without Using a Lot of Language, and Mindset. Use the CALM model and a dash of creativity, parents of energetic children with autism can navigate the highs and lows of parenting with grace and humor. After all, it’s not just about surviving – it’s about thriving together! 🌟

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  • Blog, schedules

    Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩

    Ever felt like a detective trying to crack the case of your child’s meltdown? You may need to try sensory-friendly schedules. Welcome to the world’s quirkiest puzzle, where flickering lights, itchy shirts, and vacuum cleaner roars can trigger an emotional rollercoaster. Sensory sensitivities team up with communication barriers, leaving us feeling like we need a superhero cape. 🦸‍♀️🕵️‍♂️

    Example of Jacob's schedule
    Here’s and example of things on Jacob’s schedule.

    Sensory-friendly schedules 📅

    The first superhero of parenting: the schedule! When Jacob’s world feels like it’s spinning out of control, a visual schedule swoops in to save the day. With clear expectations and a roadmap for his day, Jacob finds comfort in the chaos. From school work to chores, the schedule guides him through, offering a sense of security and predictability. And when sensory overload strikes, the schedule becomes a lifeline, helping us navigate the storm before it hits. 🌪️⏰

    Empowering Independence: With a sensory-friendly schedule as their trusty guide, children gain independence and confidence in navigating their world. From choosing sensory-friendly clothes to managing their daily routines, the schedule equips them with the tools they need to thrive despite their challenges.🌟🚧 

    Read more about schedules: How can using schedules can change your child’s life?

    Sensory-Friendly Breaks: Keeping Calm  🧩

     Second in our toolkit of sanity savers, sensory breaks reign supreme. Whether it’s fidgets, sensory bins, or noise-canceling headphones, these magical tools turn meltdowns into moments of calm. Jacob’s favorite? His trusty headphones, shielding him from the dreaded vacuum cleaner roar during cleaning sessions. And when it’s playtime, it’s all about hands-on activities like playdoh, legos, and puzzles, offering a welcome escape from the sensory whirlwind. 🧩🎧

    Sensory Sanctuary: A visual sensory-friendly schedule offers a safe harbor amidst sensory storms, providing structure and predictability in a chaotic world. It guides children like Jacob through their day, offering comfort and security when sensory overload strikes.🆘🕒 

    Need more help with sensory? Read here: Tired and Frustrated Mom! Sensory Challenges for the Autism Spectrum

    Mastering the Clothes Conundrum: A Sensory-Friendly Solution 👕

    How-using-schedules-can-change-your-life2
    Using schedules for Jacob to understand his days changed our lives!

    Ah, the age-old battle of clothes selection! With Jacob’s clothes schedule in hand, we’ve cracked the code to stress-free dressing. Planning ahead ensures we have soft, sensory-friendly schedule options ready for action. Weekdays are all about functionality, while weekends offer a chance for Jacob to flex his fashion muscles and choose his own adventure. It’s a win-win for everyone! 👖👚

    If you need more help with a clothes schedule go to this post: “How to create a personalized schedule for children with autism”

    Breaking Down Communication Barriers: The Schedule’s Secret Weapon 🗣️

    But wait, there’s more! Third, the visual schedule doesn’t just tame sensory storms; it also breaks down communication barriers. When Jacob feels overwhelmed and a meltdown looms large, words become scarce. https://autismclassroomresources.com/visual-schedules/ But with the schedule as our trusty guide, we bridge the gap between chaos and clarity. With each routine task and scheduled activity, Jacob finds his voice again, transforming meltdowns into moments of connection. 🗝️💬

    Communication Catalyst: When emotions run high and words fail, the schedule becomes a lifeline, bridging the gap between chaos and clarity. Routine tasks and scheduled activities empower children to find their voice again, transforming meltdowns into moments of connection, allowing them to have independence.👥🗣️

    schedule-fun-jacob-is-the-hulk-barnes-and-noble
    Jacob having fun at Barnes and Noble after a week of completed work!

    So, fellow parent detectives, when the sensory storms hit and the meltdowns loom large, remember: humor is your secret weapon. With a dash of laughter and a sprinkle of patience, we’ll navigate the quirkiest puzzles together, one meltdown at a time. #AutismChallenges🧩

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  • Blog, schedules

    Autism and the Holidays: Shaping the Season with a Positive Mindset

    autism and holidays, Relax with a date night to kick off the holiday month!
    Date Night! #ZachWilliams

    Ah, the early years of dealing with autism, how to have autism and holidays? The days were a rollercoaster of emotions – anxiety, stress, depression, and yes, let’s not forget the ever-present financial strain from therapies not covered by insurance. But hey, welcome to the world of parenting a child with autism, right? https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/home-holidays-ways-make-sure-your-autistic-child-enjoys-their-break

    Rolling in the Memories 🎢

    family and christmas time
    Jacob’s dad David and Older brother Nicholas!

    Fast forward a couple of decades, and I’ve not only survived numerous family holidays but also successfully guided my students through adapting to change and finding joy along the way.

    From those early, challenging years to the present day, I’ve learned that having a plan and setting boundaries for myself and my son can turn the holiday season into a time of joy and happiness. I’ve realized that, just like my son, I need structure during this bustling time of year. It’s all about keeping my own days from falling apart, because when they do, well, let’s just say it’s like inviting old pals Anxiety, Stress, and Depression back into my life. And we’re not on speaking terms anymore! Let’s make a plan for autism and holidays. Why these 3 boundaries are desperately needed for my autistic son?

    The Jolly Watchlist 📺

    autism and holidays, Movies we watch in December!
    Movies we watch in December!

    I absolutely adore the holidays, but I’ll be the first to admit that my decorations don’t rival a winter wonderland anymore. My mental bandwidth sometimes resembles a traffic jam, and I don’t always have the time and energy for elaborate decor. But I’m working on it! I do cherish those twinkling lights, and I’m the first one to set up the Christmas tree, queue up the holiday movies, and plan Advent activities to teach Jacob about the birth of Christ.

    Movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “While You Were Sleeping,” “Heat Miser, Snow Miser,” “The Grinch,” and “Home Alone” are like little parcels of joy. They infuse the holiday spirit into our hearts and remind us that this season is about warmth, love, and laughter.

    Set Boundaries, Savor Moments 🎁

    So, what’s the secret to keeping your holiday spirits high? Have a plan, and set boundaries. Not everything that comes your way needs a ‘yes.’ For instance, I’ve learned that taking Jake to bustling, noisy places or disrupting his routine doesn’t bring me joy; it brings stress. So, as much as I’d love to say yes to every invite, I have to prioritize his needs and have a caregiver in place when I can’t be there.

    Don’t feel guilty about your boundaries; embrace them, and savor the moments. Inside, I decorate to create a festive atmosphere, watch heartwarming movies, bake cookies, and sip hot cocoa.

    Self-Care Is the Best Gift 🌟

    I’ve also learned the importance of self-care, not just professional development. I indulge in reading for pleasure, especially action-packed books – a brief escape from the daily challenges of being a boy mom. Long baths are a luxury I occasionally treat myself to. Finding time for exercise is a goal I’m still working on. After a day filled with special needs at home and school, I often suffer from decision fatigue and every other kind of fatigue imaginable. But I’m learning to plan better, particularly for meals and exercise.

    In the end, it’s all about maintaining that positive mindset. With a plan, boundaries, a touch of self-care, and a sprinkle of holiday joy, the holiday season can be a time of joy, even for parents of children with autism. So here’s to embracing where you are and enjoying life, one festive moment at a time! 🎄🧡 #positivemindset How Jacob has success daily without anxiety. #autismchallenges

    Holiday Mindset 🎄
    autism and holidays, Advent activities for Jacob!
    Advent activities for Jacob!

    So, as we dive headfirst into the holiday season, remember, don’t compare your life or your child’s journey to anyone else’s. Celebrate where you are, and how far you’ve come. Life is a unique journey, and no two paths are the same. Keep a journal if it helps; it’s a wonderful way to witness the progress you and your child have made over the years. Here’s a previous blog post if you want more tips: 5 ways to regain my calm when my special needs child is dancing on my last nerve!

    Through all the highs and lows, the challenges, and the laughter, we’re moving forward. We’re blessed with the opportunity to love, learn, and grow with our extraordinary children. 🌟📖💪 #movingforward #blessed

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