routines

One of the major discoveries we have had this year is the amazing impact of visual schedules and routines in the life of our angel.  Last summer we started posting a 4 month calendar on the wall of his room so that he could anticipate events that may be coming.  It was incredible how much he loved that.  I also regularly talk with him about what to expect each day and it is very important to him that he know what is going to happen before it happens.  Recently I dedicated an entire wall to displays of visual agendas and routines for our family.  He loves it and thrives on following them.  It is a great tool for getting him to do all the things he needs to do each day.  When it is on the schedule and he knows it, he doesn't fight it nearly as much, if at all.  It is actually beneficial to our whole family, we all accomplish a lot more when it is all planned out.  But I must admit it is not as easy for me as I wish it was.  I love lists and schedules, but over the last several years of being a stay at home mom I've gotten used to being able to do things when I want to do them.  And I don't have anyone making me stick to my schedule, even if I plan it out.  I'm doing my best to do it because I know it is what is best for my angel and myself and my family.

habit training

One of the big struggles we have had is with potty training.  Still not sure what all the difficulty stems from.  Suffice it to say that it has been the greatest source of discord in our home.  Over the past 4 years I have tried absolutely everything I could think of to make progress in this area. I've talked to people, read books, searched the interenet, everything.  We finally conquered the daytime wet training a couple of years ago, but could never get the solids.  Recently I read (another) book on potty training, this time one specifically for children with autism or other developmental difficulties.  One of the suggestions was habit training.  Thinking about my angel, I thought, this might actually work.  Thing is, it takes a long time to see if it produces results.  We have been doing it for a week now and have had one success, which is a big deal.  I am crossing my fingers and praying and really, really hoping this works.

lately

I have been overwhelmed with everything lately, again.  Every time I think about the struggles we are having or go to a meeting about ASD related issues I literally feel like I want to throw up.  Yeah, you could say it stresses me out.  I have to tell myself it is all just fine and calm down.  Honestly sometimes I wish I could just not think about it at all.  But I love my little angel and I will do anything I need to do to help him out.