In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
- Unexpected Change<\/a><\/li>
- Using Routines<\/a><\/li>
- Our routine<\/a><\/li>
- Transition<\/a><\/li>
- Challenges<\/a><\/li>
- The good bits<\/a><\/li>
- Free Resources<\/a><\/li>
- How are we managing?<\/a><\/li>
- References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n
<\/span>Unexpected Change<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Change is always a big challenge for my boys, aged 4 & 6. Usually, we spend lots of time preparing them for changes with social stories, visuals, and a plan would be in place.\u00a0 Life doesn\u2019t always give you time for preparation, and the first couple weeks of the lockdown at home were difficult.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was actually ill at first, so we had lots of downtime with the TV and iPad.\u00a0 It probably helped that very few demands were placed on the kids at this time. It is not easy to explain why they couldn\u2019t go to school or soft play, but using visual social stories has really helped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Change can be a trigger for significant anxiety and then result in challenging behavior. This is also why routines are so important for my kids.\u00a0 Routines provide security in sameness, which reduces stress and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Using Routines<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Routine provides order within a constantly changing and confusing world.\u00a0 Routines provide predictability and make it much clearer what is expected to happen. Doing things regularly in the same order provides stability and understanding many autistic children need to thrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My son finds it difficult to predict what is expected of him, he cannot read people or understand what is being asked verbally. He can, however, learn a routine and then repeat it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our lives are full of little routines, from bedtime to hand washing.\u00a0 The familiarity of these routines allows the kids to be relaxed as they know what needs to be done and what comes next.\u00a0 Knowing that our kids need this structure, we decided to put a home school routine in place quickly and stick with it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just because you have a strict routine doesn\u2019t mean it is all work; we all need time off and build the downtime into the routine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Our routine<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We already have a set evening and bedtime routine that has stayed the same.\u00a0 Weekends are pretty relaxed with slow mornings, TV, and playtime.\u00a0 Monday \u2013 Friday from 9-3 pm is our home school time because the boys are still young a lot of the learning is play-based.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main rule is that the TV and iPads are off on weekday mornings and unavailable until after 3 pm.\u00a0 This means we don\u2019t have to fight to get their attention and come at 3 o\u2019clock when they are ready for some downtime they have the screens.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our kids are already familiar with Attention Autism, so this is how we start our mornings with a short attention-building activity.\u00a0 Then most mornings, this is followed by their TEACCH bags; TEACCH is a structured teaching method that helps us to do some tabletop activities, including some worksheets with my 6-year-old.\u00a0 Using methods the kids already know makes it so much easier. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/TEACCH-at-Home-3.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIf I gave my son a worksheet, he wouldn\u2019t do it, but if I put it in his TEACCH bag, he will because this is a learning format that he is familiar with and works for him. I remember when we first started to do TEACCH, it was hard to implement because it was a change, but once it is familiar, it becomes really easy, and the hard work was worth it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rest of the day is split between various activities, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Work-based<\/strong> activities like maths, science, reading, and writing
![\"Opens](\"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-content\/themes\/acabado-6\/img\/extlink.png\" "\\"Opens")
<\/a><\/li> - Play-based<\/strong> activities including stories, messy play, games<\/a>, art, and crafts<\/li>
- Fun activities<\/strong> such as LEGO, puzzles, baking, and music<\/li>
- Outdoor time<\/strong> is usually a break in the garden in the morning and a walk outside in the afternoon.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
I find my kids are better at concentrating first thing, so we get the more work-based activities done then and have the fun and play activities later in the day.\u00a0 Physical time and breaks are also really important as my boys are so physical. If the weather is bad, we try and do something active inside like dancing or some gym ball activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My plan is to now try and have theme weeks; we have just done senses and the human body. Using a theme is probably more for my benefit as it helps me plan out the activities for the week better. Plus I feel like they are learning something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Transition<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Moving from one activity to the next can sometimes be a challenge for the boys, and this is where our visual schedule is so important.\u00a0 Every evening I set up the schedule for the next day so that when the boys come down the next morning, they can see everything happening that day.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can see clearly what is happening now and what will come up next.\u00a0 I also have the schedule on an app on my phone, so we can still follow the routine easily when we are upstairs or outside.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/daily-schedule-3-768x1024.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIt is also really important that I let them finish the activity they are doing before we move on, we are so used to always warning the kids and they have a clear schedule that it is rarely an issue now.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Challenges<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest challenges for me was not having all the resources or knowledge of the systems in place at my son\u2019s school.\u00a0 He regularly does things like the Downs Ed reading program, Handwriting without tears, and TACPAC
<\/a> at school.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\nShe gave me crib sheets
<\/a> explaining the order activities are carried out at school and has lent us resources from school to use at home.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>The good bits<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now we have a routine in place the kids are doing really well, yes some days, it\u2019s hard to keep their attention, but on the whole, they are both engaged and joining in, which has been amazing.\u00a0 Speaking to other parents, many kids thrive without school’s social pressure.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know it will be hard to go back to a different routine, but whilst we are in this position, I enjoy spending time as a family.\u00a0 The boys are interacting together far more, which they rarely did before.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I love the slower mornings, the kids still get up early, but we don\u2019t have to jump out of bed and be ready in an hour. We can take our time.\u00a0 This has allowed us a lovely time as a family snuggled up in bed, reading stories or leisurely cooked breakfasts.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The slower mornings have also allowed us to work at independent dressing skills and the things we often just do for the kids because it is quicker, and we are in a rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Free Resources<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Companies are all trying to help with homeschooling; it can be a little overwhelming with tons of emails with suggestions for home learning activities. Having said that, there is some amazing stuff out there. Twinkl is fantastic
<\/a> for worksheets and visual learning resources; I have been printing loads while it is free. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) website
<\/a> has added some activity ideas to their website and included the visual symbols on a printout, which is useful for kids like mine who rely on visuals.\u00a0 I have started doing TACPAC with my son, which is a great sensory activity to music perfect for sensory seekers, and they are offering a set for free at the moment.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>How are we managing?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It has surprised me how well we are coping; all things considered, every home will be different, but putting the routine in place has worked really well for us.\u00a0 My main priorities are that everyone is happy and healthy, so for the kids to be thriving is fantastic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the kids, anxiety levels are reduced, and my husband and I are far less stressed and able to enjoy family time more, which is not always the case when stress levels are high.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We cannot control when things will change or how that will happen, so I am focused on a happy home, and thankfully so far, we are doing ok.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope you have found what works for your household; I recommend asking your school for help or advice, but when this isn\u2019t possible, other professionals may be able to help, such as speech therapists or health visitors. I always find other parents are a brilliant source of information and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can read Jade’s previous blog post about struggling with sleep by clicking here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/jade-2.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nJade writes about autism on her blog,\u00a0The Autism Page
<\/a>. Jade is a\u00a0full-time mom\u00a0to her\u00a0two boys, aged 6 & 4.\u00a0 After her\u00a0eldest son was diagnosed with autism,\u00a0she began blogging to share information and resources to\u00a0help other parents.\u00a0 Jade lives with her husband and boys in the West Country, UK, between Bristol and Bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>References<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- https:\/\/www.twinkl.co.uk\/<\/a><\/li>
- https:\/\/pecs-unitedkingdom.com\/support-at-home\/<\/a><\/li>
- https:\/\/tacpac.co.uk\/news\/free-access-to-set-5<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Published on 05\/10\/2020. We hope everyone is keeping safe during this difficult time. Changes in routine are never easy, and they can be even more challenging when sheltering in place.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3266,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[195,243],"tags":[16,68,210],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/dreamstime_m_108095669.jpg","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3237"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3237"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3237\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7492,"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3237\/revisions\/7492"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3237"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safesleepsystems.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- https:\/\/www.twinkl.co.uk\/
- Work-based<\/strong> activities like maths, science, reading, and writing
