Visual Schedules

  • Blog, schedules

    Beyond the Chaos: Scheduling 101 Class for Special Needs Children

    Jacob_reading_when_he_first_started_using_schedules
    This is Jacob reading a story book that was in his first_then work schedule!

    Beyond the chaos:

    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 rollercoaster myself. 🎢

    You see, our home, thanks to Jacob’s autism, resembles something like a tornado hit it regularly. 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!” Chaos, storms, and frustration, anyone? 🌀 🤪

    Need help regaining your calm? Check out this previous blog post: https://educatingjacob.com/5-ways-to-regain-my-calm-when-my-special-needs-child-is-dancing-on-my-last-nerve/

    The Colossal Challenges

    These challenges are colossal, like trying to fit a giraffe into a Mini Cooper. 🦒 Feeling isolated, drowning in paperwork, and dealing with doctors and insurance companies become a daily sport.

    Whack-a-Mole: Battling Behaviors with Pool Noodles

    It’s like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, but the moles are challenging behaviors, and the mallet is a pool noodle. 🏊 Oh, and the ticket to the game is depression. Yeah, fun times.🔨

    Mastering the Schedule: Finding Clarity and Flexibility

    Thankfully, my superhero cape-wearing family and friends have kept me from succumbing to a life of perpetual pool noodle whacking. I still get frustrated and depressed sometimes, but now I have my trusty sidekick, “Jacob’s Daily Schedule,” by my side. 📅

    What I needed was the proper mindset, I needed to know why the schedule was important for Jacob and for our family. Then through trial and error I learned to create the perfect schedules for us. It’s always centered around Jacob and how to help him. This keeps our family moving forward.

    You have to get clear on your challenges and then use a simple schedule to start yourself off and build on that until you’ve mastered what is needed. Life is constantly changing and once you’ve learned how to create schedules it’s not hard to course correct and make small changes when needed!🔄🧠

     

    Roadmap for choices
    Use schedules with built in choice for connection and learning!                                                       

    The Power of Schedules:

    Roadmap to success! Use a schedule, be consistent, and celebrate all wins!

    I used to feel like I was blindfolded, trying to solve a puzzle with shape-shifting pieces. 🧩 Then, I discovered visual schedules, and it was like I found the cheat code to the game of parenting. Schedules are your roadmap!

    Picture this: Jacob and I are now on an epic quest.The 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’ve turned chores into quests. Jacob, now known as the “Kitchen Crusader,” conquers not just chores, but life itself. As parents, we’re the wizards, guiding our children through the magical world of responsibilities. Let the chore-adventures begin! 🎉✨

    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

    Those zippered bags you see? They’re not just bags; they’re portals to another dimension. One contains school work – the realm of knowledge. Another holds chapter books – the doorway to countless adventures. And the larger garment bags? Well, they’re Jacob’s wardrobe for the week, neatly hung up like a knight’s armor, ready for duty. 🎒 🛡️

    A Week in Advance: Why the Plan Matters

    Everything is planned out a week in advance, and why is that important? Because if Jacob doesn’t have a plan for his day, he will experience anxiety when there are unexpected transitions. Imagine interrupting a grand quest to slay dragons – not a good idea! Plus, with processing language delays, it’s like trying to decipher ancient runes on the fly. 📅 🐉

    Fashion Forward with Clothes Schedules

    The clothes schedule gives him sensory-friendly but decent clothes for the community already picked out. It’s like having a superhero costume ready for action – no fuss, no muss, just heroic flair! 👔 🦸‍♂️

    Ready for Life’s Twists and Turns

    Life gives the unexpected, and our children need to be ready and able to handle the changes. But fear not! With the structure of a schedule, they’re like seasoned adventurers equipped with a map and compass. They can navigate the twists and turns with confidence, knowing that they have a plan in place. 🛤️ 🗺️

    Course Correcting with Ease

    So, when we need to course correct for unexpected transitions, it’s like adjusting the sails on a ship. With the routine of a schedule already in place, it’s not a daunting task; it’s just a gentle nudge in the right direction. Smooth sailing ahead! 🔄 ⛵

    Embracing the Future

    Now, all we need to do is adjust the schedule and let them see what’s coming. It’s a new transition, but easier because it’s within the confines of a routine they’re comfortable with already. With schedules as our trusty guides, the future looks bright, and the adventures ahead are limitless! 🔮 🌟

    If you want to look into some community events that are designed with your children in mind and already set up for success, see if you have an Autism Society locally, If you live in NC, check this out: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/autism-society-of-north-carolina-6867453005

    Remember, in this adventure called life, we’re here to help and support each other. Together, we’re stronger. I’m praying for you, my friends! 🌟 #AutismAwareness

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    Empowering Special Needs Children with Self-Care Skills: Our Inspiring Journey

    Self-Care for Special Needs
    For Jacob pictures in schedules were a game changer!

    Our Story: A Tale of Triumph over Autism’s Language Labyrinth

    Meet Jacob, our fiercely independent son who, thanks to his autism, had a unique way of getting his point across. Instead of words, he’d take us by the hand and lead us to what he wanted. At first, we were told, “Boys develop speech later,” but as time passed, we learned it wasn’t that simple.

    These additional signs, such as being solitary, hand flapping when excited, and specific preferences for clothing and food, were further indications of Jacob’s unique needs and characteristics.

    Early Signs and Diagnosis

    Keep calm!

    Jacob’s first language was independence. He’d approach us when he needed something, but conversation? Not his forte. Ear infections added to the puzzle – after all, it’s hard to talk when you can’t hear. Then, the revelation: autism. Suddenly, language became an intricate maze for our little Jacob.

    Jacob’s speech therapy was eventually approved, but the wait lasted for six long months before a spot opened up. When it finally did, the therapist was exceptional. She recognized things that I had overlooked and strongly suggested that I take Jacob to TEACCH for evaluation and additional insights into why speech was still eluding him.

    Seeking Help and Support

    Our journey to empower Jacob began with an autism diagnosis from a TEACCH psychiatrist (yes, they’re real-life superheroes). They offered priceless advice: join every waiting list, apply for every service, and sift through the options later. It was a waiting game, but oh, the wisdom!

    After much consideration, we decided to accept the services that would involve workers coming to our house and even taking Jacob out into the community. This approach was aimed at helping him generalize skills and become an integrated part of both our family and the community. It was a challenging path, as it took five long years on a waiting list, and there were numerous adjustments for Jake and the entire family. However, the results were incredibly rewarding.

    Working together as a team, we utilized various supports and schedules to aid Jacob in learning and managing his self-care routines. This collective effort empowered him to become more independent over time.

    The Power of Visual Schedules

    Jacob with laundry, dishes and movies when chores are done.
    Chores and movie when complete!

    Now, picture this: I, a non-teacher, tasked with creating boxes of coins and schedules. Initially baffled, I wondered if we were training a tiny bank teller. Yet, I stuck with it. Our home soon resembled a museum of pictures, schedules, and how-to guides. Words were too much for Jacob; he needed visuals to navigate life’s map.

    Following Jacob’s diagnosis, I made a significant life change. I returned to school, left my job, and set out on a new career path: becoming a Special Education teacher. My driving force was the strong desire to not only assist my son but also other mothers who found themselves in a similar situation, feeling clueless about how to support their children.

    During my time in school, while still juggling work commitments, I made the life-altering decision to homeschool Jacob. The details of that adventure are a story for another day, but I can proudly say that it was a success!

    The Transformation
    Smiles_family_fun
    Pic’s of the family over the years during summer!

    And here came the transformation. Our house became a non-verbal wonderland, complete with sign language. Sign language, you say? Wasn’t that a no-no for speech development? Not for us. Sign language became our bridge to speech, a magical catalyst. Jacob began speaking when he saw and used signs, proving that sometimes more communication tools are better.

    Collaboration and Progress

    Navigating the web, we found TEACCH and Do2Learn, our autism knowledge goldmines. Therapists and professionals became our partners, sharing victories and tips to help Jacob progress. Teamwork made the dream work. Need more help with schedules see this previous post:“How To Create A Personalized Schedule For Children With Autism”

    https://educatingjacob.com/blog/page/4/

    In parting, I’ll share a simple yet powerful strategy: visual sequences. For instance, laminating a card with toothbrushing steps, placed by the sink, is a game-changer. Less talk, more action! These strategies not only transform your child’s life but also bring smiles and happiness to the whole family. Here is link for the web site mentioned that will help with the pictures. https://do2learn.com/picturecards/printcards/activities_everyday.htm

    The information on TEACCH is: https://teacch.com/

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