Showing posts with label autism tips. Show all posts

Autism Communication Tips

Remember a few weeks ago when I told you about the bus change? Well that night I talk to my son about it. I know he has difficulties with handling change, so I find it important to keep him in the know.

When I talk to him about his new bus schedule, I tried to explain that he would be getting home later. He started going to a mini meltdown. After, I got him semi calm, I asked, what are you having a hard time with?

My thoughts initially were that he knew what I was saying and was not happy with the fact that he would be on the bus for an extended amount of time.
There was actually a miscommunication. What he was battling with is the word "later". He yelled "I know what later means! It means tomorrow and that means I won't get home until tomorrow!!"

So what he was thinking was he would leave school at 2:45pm and he would not see his family, eat dinner, or anything until the next day. Wow. That would make anyone feel slighted wouldn't it?

He has interpreted "later" as a synonym for "tomorrow" because often times, if I say "Jon, we will do it later". It ends up being the next day, or perhaps even the weekend.

I managed to find better words so that he understood that I was just saying the other children would be dropped off first.
 He got pretty upset and screamed and stomped to get his frustrations out.

At least this time, I knew it was for the right reason. :)

More ASD Communication Tips:

Autism & Shoes

One of the key characteristics of autism is sensory sensitivities. Krisjon (Jon) has always had challenges with shoes. Most of the quality shoe brands tend to be a bit heavy for his liking. Also, he's in first grade this year and many of the children his age are tying their own laces. His fraternal twin brother being one of them.

It was a bit disheartening his kindergarten year, watching the frustration on his face, as a few of the children were tying shoes even at this age. He became completely discouraged at times. I tried double knotting the laces before he left in the mornings, but for some reason it didn't seem to hold up throughout the day.

Jon would come home often, with his shoe laces dangling, because his teacher would tell him, she doesn't tie shoes (thanks for nothing). There was a sweet little girl who told him not to worry, if his shoes need a bow, she would help him, and she always did. Thank you precious Ivy.

It's the beginning of another school year and we are still working on getting the hang of shoe laces, but I wanted to find shoes a bit more suitable for my baby this year. 

My first thought was to simply tuck his laces, but I knew that wouldn't work, because the strings in the shoe would bother him. The shoe lace holders, are a bit toddler-ish and I don't like to single him out unnecessarily.  I thought about shoes with the Velcro straps, but let's face it, they're just not that fashionable.

As I continued my quest for the perfect shoe, I came across a pair of black shoes, they were sturdy but lightweight. They were naturally wide, given extra wiggle room. The laces were short and knotted at the end. Oh my gosh, they were made to wear untied and they are hella cute!

Converse All Stars you're a life saver! My baby is stylish this year and has his confidence back. 

Autism and shoes you've been mommy hacked!

Special Needs Acronym Cheat Sheet

If you are just embarking on your journey of having a child with special needs, you may quickly learn that this adventure comes equipped with its very own language. Like any foreign language it can become quite overwhelming. Have no fear my dear, Kris has got you covered!  I've created this acronym list just for you. It is a PDF so you can use it to refer to or print it out to have on hand.



Autism Resources



A collection of resources that proved helpful when our child was first diagnosed.  Each opens in a new window so feel free to click on as many as you need.

  Autism Support Groups

MD Junction
Great site for asking questions and getting answers. Also an awesome support group for people who are facing similar experiences. You are also able to create your own diary which is a really nice feature. The diary can be public or private.
My Autism Team
Great way to build a team of support

Teaching
Educate Autism
Lots of free printables (body parts, emotions, colors, shapes and more!)

Picto-Selector
Great resource for PECS (picture exchange cards) FREE!

File Folder Heaven
Some nice freebies.

Tools for Educators
Lots of tools for teachers such making cross word puzzles, word searches and more!

Timer Countdown
FREE timer (Choose your own time and create) Good for cooking, quizzes, quiet time and more!

TEACCH
Help teaching children with autism. Courses available.
Coloring Printables
100's of FREE coloring pages

Safety/Awareness
ID CARD
A great source to create an ID card with contact information or awareness info
customizable and printable. Also good for teacher field trips etc.
Informative
 Autism Speaks
 Download the FREE first 100 days package. Helpful resource for newly diagnosed children.
  Autism Research Institute
up to date research information.
Autism Web
information for families.
Autism Link
information and a store to purchase autism awareness items.
Dr. Temple Grandin
A doctor on the spectrum. She shares some very helpful tips for individuals on the spectrum, and also gives insight to what's its like being on the spectrum.


Video quick tips for autism support.

 Looking for a specific tip?  Hover over the top left corner and click the drop down button on the playlist to reveal topics. (Click on the tip you would like to watch)
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