My Child With Autism Loves Harris Teeter

Why does my child with autism love weekly trips? Well, first of all, Harris Teeter makes the best chocolate chip cookies. 🍪 Okay, maybe not better than mine, but I’m working full time, so they are the BOMB! Our weekly trips to Harris Teeter on Saturday are all about Jacob. He waits all week for us to make our Saturday morning trip.

Jacob gets to choose his favorite items for the week, and it’s just me and him. 🛒 It’s a special time for us, and he thrives on the routine. I get my Saturday morning cold brew from Starbucks (I love my Harris Teeter ☕), and Jacob gets all his snacks for the week plus some one-on-one time with Mom.

Children with autism love weekly trips because they love routine! Finding routines and special activities that your child enjoys can make a world of difference. It helps them feel secure and gives them something to look forward to. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to bond and create happy memories together. 🌟

Helping Your Child with Autism 🧩

schedules over the years
Jacob as a child with autism loves weekly trips!

Does taking Jacob to Harris Teeter as part of our schedules/routines help him? Yes! He loves getting the attention and the freedom to choose snacks and fun items he wants during his week while we are all working and doing this thing together called “life.” 🛒❤️

Teaching a child with autism to follow schedules is communicating with them. It’s also teaching independence and removing chaos.

The Importance of Routine and Simple Choices

 

Simple choices, attention, and a plan for the next week are my goals for Jacob. He is engaged with me and planning out his next week (okay, it’s snacks, but it’s also money management and understanding how his day will go while we are away at work).🗓️

Creating the schedules and procedures in Jacob’s day/week keeps him happy, decreases anxiety, and allows him to live more independently as an adult. It also helps me keep things straight.💡

Discover the benefits of routines for children with autism.

Simple choices can reduce anxiety and foster independence. 🌟  Jacob loves his independence and does not want someone giving him things to do all the time. I don’t blame him I don’t want anyone micromanaging my day either. If a schedule can fix that, why not create one?

When Jacob’s schedule gets behind, anxiety creeps in for him, and things will start falling apart for the rest of the family too. Hello, CHAOS! 😱 Keeping a structured routine not only benefits Jacob but also brings a sense of order and calm to our entire family. No Schedule for Jacob to Use This Week? No Peace! Autism Challenges 🧩

Children with autism love having established and regular routines. This can be a game-changer for the child and the family. It provides a predictable environment where your child feels secure and empowered. 🌟 By involving your child in planning their week, you are teaching them valuable life skills and fostering their independence.

 

Planning and Independence

Jacob plans for his workers; he knows what they like and what he does with each of them. This planning helps him feel in control and prepares him for the week ahead. He enjoys doing different activities with different people and wants to know what his day and week will be like.📝✨

Anytime there are changes that need to be added, like a doctor’s appointment, it’s easy to do because he’s used to seeing a schedule. For a child with autism, a calendar and schedule are their lifeline to a chaos-free day. 📅✅

 

Seeking Reassurance and Stability
CALM framework
C.A.L.M.
Consistent Action, Always Celebrate, Learn to Create Schedules, Mindset

As soon as someone leaves for the day, he’s asking when they will be back. Even if he knows and it’s on his schedule, he wants reassurance that nothing has changed! This need for reassurance is common among children with autism, as it helps them feel secure and stable.

If something needs to be changed like the weekly trip to Harris Teeter, we are saved because he can see it on the calendar!🔄🔍

 

Connection and Practical Tips for Autism Parents

 

Creating routines and involving your child in simple planning can significantly impact their sense of security and independence. The weekly trips, like our visits to Harris Teeter, can become meaningful rituals that provide structure and joy for the child with autism. 🌟

When teaching a child with autism engage your child in activities they love. Give them choices. This shows them that you care about how they feel. These small steps help build their confidence and skills in managing their own lives. How I added games to my son Jacob’s schedule to promote socialization.

Remember, it’s not just about the snacks; it’s about teaching a child with autism valuable life skills and creating special moments together. 🤗🛍️

#autismcoach #autismsupport #autismchallenges #autismfamily

Here is a link to the free guide:

https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/o01di34gwl