Visual Schedules

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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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    Memorial Day Weekend Fun but your child with autism doesn’t do transitions!

    Ah, Memorial Day weekend—the promise of family, relaxation, and endless fun! While some are beach-bound, I’m embracing the staycation vibes (thanks, budget!). But here’s the twist: my son Jacob adores the beach, yet transitions? Not his forte. When you have a child with autism who doesn’t do transitions, you need help.

    So, how do we tackle this? Back in the day, it was all about car bags—packed with books, coloring books, and a trusty portable DVD player for those marathon car rides. Let’s dive into how to navigate transitions with humor, practicality, and maybe a sprinkle of beach magic for good measure. 🏖️

    Child With Autism 

    Transition activities can be a real game-changer when it comes to planning outings with your child with autism. Take, for instance, our beach trips. We’d start prepping the day before, chatting excitedly about the sandy shores and gathering up clothes and toys. Jacob used to love the whole packing ordeal—until it morphed into a 5-minute cycle of asking “beach?” on repeat until we actually arrived at the beach house. 🏖️

    Ah, the joys of parenting a child with autism—it’s like being on a rollercoaster ride where you’re never quite sure if you’re going up or down! But hey, every hiccup is a learning experience, right? The first time is always the toughest, so brace yourself for a bit of turbulence. But fear not, fellow parents, because we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves.

    Visual Schedule For Child With Autism

    Visual aids are your new best friend. Seriously, they’re like magic potions that can turn chaos into calm faster than you can say “beach day.” Create simple visuals that signal the transition—whether it’s a picture of the beach, a packed bag, or even just hopping in the car after putting on beach shorts. Anything to give your child a visual roadmap of what’s to come.

    Parents who homeschool might want to checkout my previous posts on schedules:3 Ways Jacob’s Monthly Calendar and Daily Schedule Work on Autism Island!

    Sensory Toys For Autism

    And hey, why not make it fun while you’re at it? Turn packing into a game, complete with silly songs and maybe even a dance-off or two. The more enjoyable you can make the transition, the smoother it’ll be for everyone involved. Plus, who doesn’t love a little impromptu dance party, am I right? 💃

    Children with autism often have sensory needs that fidgets and the right clothes can help calm. Figure out what works best for your child, having a plan and creating a great environment will calm the chaos.

    Social Stories For Autism

    Ah, the power of social stories and videos—the secret weapons in our arsenal of autism parenting hacks! 📚🎥 When it comes to prepping Jake for a big adventure like the beach, these tools are absolute lifesavers. 

    Social stories are great for all children with autism but if you’re homeschooling it is amazing here is an article you might like on homeschooling. https://www.yellowbusaba.com/post/homeschooling-a-child-with-autism

    Storybooks For Teaching

    Jake eagerly flipping through a storybook filled with colorful illustrations of sandy beaches and crashing waves, his excitement building with each turn of the page. 🌊 Or better yet, him glued to the screen, watching a video montage of all the fun activities we have in store for our beach day. Talk about anticipation at its finest!

    But here’s the best part: these social stories and videos aren’t just one-time wonders. Oh no, they’re like the gift that keeps on giving. We can incorporate them into Jake’s schoolwork for the week leading up to our beach trip, turning anticipation into a full-blown educational experience. 📝 And hey, who says learning can’t be fun?

    And let’s not forget about getting creative! Whether it’s crafting our own personalized social stories or shooting a DIY video showcasing all the beach essentials, the possibilities are endless. So grab your phone, gather up some props, and let your imagination run wild! 🎬

    Autism Trip Checklist:

    1: Transition activities- when planning outings with your child who struggles with transitions. Take our beach trips, for example. Starting preparations the day before, we chat excitedly about the sandy shores and gather clothes and toys.  🏖️

    2: Visual Schedules- these guide your child with autism through transitions. Visual aids are essential for smoother transitions. Create simple visuals—a picture of the beach, a packed bag, or hopping in the car—to give your child a visual roadmap of what’s to come.

    3; Sensory Toys- making transitions fun for children with autism.Turn packing into a fun game with silly songs and maybe even a dance-off. The more enjoyable the transition, the smoother it’ll be for everyone involved. 💃

    4: Social Stories for Autism- prepare your child for adventures. Social stories and videos are lifesavers for prepping your child, like Jake, for big adventures like the beach. Incorporate them into your child’s schoolwork for an educational and anticipatory experience. Everyone today video on their phone, use it!

    5: Engage Your Child with Autism- from storybooks for teaching, with colorful illustrations of sandy beaches to videos and fidgets include them all! Social stories and videos are gifts that keep on giving. Incorporate them into your child’s schoolwork for an educational and anticipatory experience. Create Hype!!

    Autism travel checklist
    Grab some transition items and make them fun!
    Tips for Parents Of Children With Autism

    Mastering transitions with creativity! Craft personalized social stories or shoot DIY videos showcasing beach essentials. With creativity and the right tools, daunting transitions can become exciting adventures.

    Finding Joy In Parenting A Child With Autism

    Here’s to embracing the chaos, finding joy in the journey, and making memories that last a lifetime. After all, isn’t that what parenting is all about? Take a moment to assess the chaos, jot down where things are falling apart, and then get scrappy and creative. With a solid plan and structure, you’ll find your way through! 🚀

    So there you have it, folks—our tried and true formula for mastering transitions like a boss. With a little help from social stories, videos, and a healthy dose of creativity, we can turn even the most daunting transitions into exciting adventures. #autismchallenges🧩

    Want more? Download my free guide: https://app.flodesk.com/emails

    Educating Jacob, free guide
    Click the link and download the free guide!

     

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    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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    No Schedule for Jacob to Use This Week? No Peace! Autism Challenges 🧩

    The Importance of Managing Autism Routines and Schedules 🧩

    We all have off days or weeks, and I’m no different. At the beginning of this journey, I didn’t have routines or scheduled activities for Jacob. I just didn’t know any better. We have to be able to manage autism routines when our children are not able to manage their day without meltdowns or chaos.

    But now that I do, I understand the importance of always having a schedule and plans for Jacob. With consistent routines, the chaos is gone. 🌟

    managing autism routines with schedules, day by day roadmap
    Roadmap to success! Use a schedule. Be consistent, celebrate all wins!

    The Power of the Schedule

    managing autism routines with schedules, Jacob's clothes need to be on the schedule
    Pack the sensory friendly clothes, work and headphones!

    📅 We know that schedules help keep down anxiety, aid with emotional regulation, and help Jacob enjoy his day, just to name a few of the huge benefits. So, what happens when I’ve had a yucky day, and now it’s time to fill the zipper bags for the weekly work? Or, I didn’t put the haircut, manicure, and pedicure on the monthly schedule, and now it’s needed, and I’m not in the mood to complete these tasks???

    Managing Unplanned Changes

    📆 Well, normally I can just show him the monthly calendar and add the haircut to the following day, and he’s okay with that. But if the nails are too long and bothering him, he will probably pick at them. This can be a big problem because Jacob easily gets ingrown toenails, and he will pick if it’s bothering him. See this previous post:3 ways to help your child on the autism spectrum navigate doctor visits more smoothly

    managing autism routines with schedules, Jakes manicures need to be on the schedule
    Jacob’s big toe became infected due to picking at skin around toenail that was bothering him.

    Managing Autism Routines

    🔧 Now, I just caused a major problem because I didn’t have my act together today. That’s just one example of life falling apart because I just let the schedule go and didn’t do my part. Also, if it’s not done and I’m grumpy because he’s not handling his day well, then I also know it’s partly my fault. Now, if I can fix and get us back on track, then, of course, I do.

    🔄 If, however, he spirals into an emotional meltdown and dances on everyone’s last nerve and gets in trouble before I can course correct, then I have to punish him by taking away his ability to buy his Amazon purchase at the end of the week for completing work and having a great week.

    Consistency Is Key

    🚫 If I’m not consistent in rewarding good behavior and holding back rewards when he hasn’t stayed in check, then the whole system breaks down.

    🤷‍♀️ Now, if I have to punish by not allowing the Amazon purchase he’s supposed to get on Friday, I feel incredibly guilty because I know I could have helped him more by having that schedule and work in place to guide his week.

    📝 Sometimes though, life gets in the way. You start thinking he’s so used to the schedule he’ll be alright for one day. Maybe you just plain forget because you’re tired or sick. Just self-correct as soon as possible and get on track so your child is set up for success. Because you don’t want to carry guilt that you could have possibly prevented the whole scenario!

    Give Yourself Some Grace

    💖 Give yourself some grace. Remember if you don’t have a plan for your child, they will have one for you!

    So, let’s keep those schedules in check and ensure our days are filled with structure and peace.

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