Prior to our sons diagnosis(Autism & Apraxia) we tried to treat our lives with Jacob as just,"roll with it." For example, go to the Grocery store, go to Wal-mart, stop for lunch go to the park, and go home. How unfair it was to our son is just unimaginable. So, this is what we have learned. To create success for our son and our family. Do we do it letter perfect? NO. Progress not perfection but we are always trying.
1) Use a picture schedule. Or even a white board or write on a napkin. Just keep them informed.
2)If the lights are too bright at the super market, leave.
3)If it is too noisy at Wal-mart, leave.
4) Don't use McDonald's or candy as a treat. It will only create behavior problems later.
5) Have backups of their comfort items. For Jacob he loves his red car. We try to always have extra red cars available. With the A(very little A on the bottom) yes we are talking about Lighting McQueen.
6) When he stims, let him. You can try to do redirect but the truth is, it feels comforting. So, the flapping and spinning is fine with us.
7) Don't get mean or mad. If your energy increases, guess what? So will theirs. So, take a breath and try to get calmer and calmer.
8) Defend your child. That's right defend your child. If someone is staring , doing nothing is a bad a staring. We walk over calmly and educate the eyeballs. Amazing what a quiet conversation can do.
9)Keep the routine the same. It is key for our son that each day runs very close the next. It is very comforting for him.
10) Go to party's or events early ,walking into a crowd is very overwhelming. Leave with the 5 minutes warning drill. A picture book is great for leaving.
11) Events with typical kids usually are dreadful. Especially if there is an odd number of total children. At some point they get left out, pushed aside and frankly kids can be very mean. So pick your village when your child is young. It will help build confidence and friends will follow.
10) Retreat, Retreat. When life just gets to be too much. Go home with your family. Shut the door, turn off your cell phone. Shut the outside world out and don't let it in. Let everyone regroup together and alone.
Because the world is not set up for my son with Autism it is our responsibilities to help create a successful day. I would never ask someone who hears music on volume 10 to go "with it," or sees lights as bright as a surgical room to just "deal with it." So, we respect him and work with him.
We also never stop working on his helping him to be comfortable and able to mainstream into society.
He sees a Neurodevelopement Pediatrician that specializes in children on the spectrum. He receives 12 supplements 2x a day, chelation every other weekend, HBOT, OT, Speech Therapy, PT and we have the therapy swing in our home.
Today(6 yrs old) he is mainstreamed into Kindergarten. He is our hero.
His success is our responsibility. Whatever it takes...
peace & laughter
Kelly C
For Some Great Resources
2)If the lights are too bright at the super market, leave.
3)If it is too noisy at Wal-mart, leave.
4) Don't use McDonald's or candy as a treat. It will only create behavior problems later.
5) Have backups of their comfort items. For Jacob he loves his red car. We try to always have extra red cars available. With the A(very little A on the bottom) yes we are talking about Lighting McQueen.
6) When he stims, let him. You can try to do redirect but the truth is, it feels comforting. So, the flapping and spinning is fine with us.
7) Don't get mean or mad. If your energy increases, guess what? So will theirs. So, take a breath and try to get calmer and calmer.
8) Defend your child. That's right defend your child. If someone is staring , doing nothing is a bad a staring. We walk over calmly and educate the eyeballs. Amazing what a quiet conversation can do.
9)Keep the routine the same. It is key for our son that each day runs very close the next. It is very comforting for him.
10) Go to party's or events early ,walking into a crowd is very overwhelming. Leave with the 5 minutes warning drill. A picture book is great for leaving.
11) Events with typical kids usually are dreadful. Especially if there is an odd number of total children. At some point they get left out, pushed aside and frankly kids can be very mean. So pick your village when your child is young. It will help build confidence and friends will follow.
10) Retreat, Retreat. When life just gets to be too much. Go home with your family. Shut the door, turn off your cell phone. Shut the outside world out and don't let it in. Let everyone regroup together and alone.
Because the world is not set up for my son with Autism it is our responsibilities to help create a successful day. I would never ask someone who hears music on volume 10 to go "with it," or sees lights as bright as a surgical room to just "deal with it." So, we respect him and work with him.
We also never stop working on his helping him to be comfortable and able to mainstream into society.
He sees a Neurodevelopement Pediatrician that specializes in children on the spectrum. He receives 12 supplements 2x a day, chelation every other weekend, HBOT, OT, Speech Therapy, PT and we have the therapy swing in our home.
Today(6 yrs old) he is mainstreamed into Kindergarten. He is our hero.
His success is our responsibility. Whatever it takes...
peace & laughter
Kelly C
For Some Great Resources
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