As a mom and teacher of children with special needs, one thing I’ve learned is this: Simple planning ahead can save the day with Autism. When it comes to individuals with autism, you need to have a plan, or they will surely have a plan for you. Simple planning ahead can save the day with Autism. And trust me, it’s probably not the kind of plan you’ll enjoy. Picture this: chaos, whining, and possibly even meltdowns – not exactly the recipe for a smooth day. 😬

Raising and teaching my son, Jacob, has been a journey filled with surprises. It’s shown me that while anything is possible, introducing something new can often be met with resistance, especially when autism or special needs are involved. The key is preparation. You’ve got to prepare for anything new because transitions and unknowns can be particularly challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum. 🧩 🌟

Whether it’s a new meal 🍽️, a different outfit 👕, schoolwork 📚, or a doctor’s visit 🏥, if there’s anything new on the horizon, I’ve got a simple plan. It’s a strategy that helps reduce anxiety and make the unfamiliar seem a little less daunting.

Planning ahead use a Visual Schedule

Step 1:

First, I scout for a YouTube video on the topic. Can’t find one? Well, sometimes, you’ve got to put on your creative hat and make one yourself. Visual resources can be a game-changer. They provide a clear, visual explanation of what to expect, which can significantly reduce anxiety. 🎥

Create a Simple Schedule 🗓️

Step 2:

Next, I create a simple schedule. This schedule outlines the task or activity, step by step, in a clear and understandable way. It’s like having a roadmap for the day’s journey. 🛤️

Step 3:

Plan ahead with Autism and Model the New Activity or Routine 🚶

Now, here’s where the magic happens. I model the new activity or routine a day or several days before we actually want to introduce it. Modeling helps familiarize Jacob with what to expect and how to go about it. It’s like a dress rehearsal for the main event. 💃

Keep it Simple:

The key here is not to rush the process. Think of it as setting the stage for success. Going in without a plan or hurrying through it is a surefire way to invite chaos, whining, or meltdowns – things we’d all rather avoid. 😅

Recently, Jacob and I embarked on a New Year’s challenge. We each decided to add three tasks to our daily routine. But here’s the trick: we wanted these new habits to be easy to implement. So, we each created simple lists that can be checked off or visual schedules that allow us to mark tasks as done quickly and easily. ✅

Want to join our challenge? Read about it here and then tag us on FB or Instagram! Our New Years Challenge, the schedule we will use for our new habits!

Make it Fun:

To make things even more fun, I designed my visual schedule to match Jacob’s. Since we’re using the same format, I can model what I want him to do. Jacob is no stranger to this type of schedule – we’re bringing in something that works. Plus, having the same type of schedule adds a playful twist to our daily routine. 🤪

So, whether you’re introducing something new to your child or even tackling your own challenges (hello, New Year’s resolutions 🎉), remember this: simple planning ahead can save the day and be your secret weapon. https://www.autismspeaks.org/life-skills-and-autism Visual resources and schedules are your allies, and modeling is your key to success. Don’t rush the process, and soon, you’ll find that even the most daunting tasks can become part of your everyday routine. Cheers to a smoother, less chaotic day! 🥂

Want more? Sign up for the ebook 👉 https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

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