![3 Au-mazing Tips to a Successful School Year]()
by Adriana Santiago | Sep 21, 2018 | Uncategorized
Click the image to watch the video for an EXCLUSIVE tip.
I know the school year just started and lot of us are getting nervous. That’s why today I’m giving you 3 au-mazing tips to have a successful school year!
Tip Number 1:
Communication Log. This is extremely important. You definitely have to have a way of communicating back and forth with the teacher. Whether you’re using an email system, whether you’re using an actual paperback system, whichever way that you choose, there has to be a communication log. I don’t want you to start school and just look into the notebook and check to see what’s happening. These are au-mazing tips – you’re not going to be a regular parent, you’re going to be an AU-MAZING parent. That means we’re taking everything that we normally would do to the next level. In this communication log we’re telling:
- all the things our child knows well
- what does he like and what doesn’t he like
- behavioral patterns
- things that you know upset your child
- things that you know will help your child when they have a breakdown
- manners of which you should talk to your child.
Tip Number 2:
You have to go meet the teacher! Meet the teacher, meet the therapist, go all the way down to the gym teacher. Meet everyone that is involved with helping your child throughout the year. Why is it important? It’s important so they can see a face, so they can see that this child has a parent that’s actively involved. Take time out of your school day and create a time to meet, every parent of a child with a parent of autism should. There’s always a meet the teacher event, and if your school doesn’t have one or you can make it, reschedule or schedule it for another time. Definitely by the third week of school you should meet the people involved with your child. The only way you can create a system and strategy, the only way you can work on an IEP, the individualized educational plan, together is by visually meeting each other. By putting the education log into something physical and practical, now you get to express to them “this is what I want, these are the expectations.” You get to tell them what your expectations are, and they get to tell you their expectations so you get to be on the same level.
Tip Number 3:
Now here’s the thing that ties everything together: the support. Ask them, “how can I support you?” The question that always helps everyone feel involved in supporting each other is asking, “what can I do at home to support this process? What can I do to support YOU in this process?” Let them know we’re on the same team, let them know we want to work together. We are a cohesive team all looking forward to the child having a successful year. You have to know clearly what a successful year looks like to you. If you don’t know, they won’t know. Ask for support, plan, and execute expectations.
Make sure you watch the video to get access to an exclusive BONUS tip! It’s one that’s extremely important, and it’s something that I do every single year. Go watch now to find out how to have an even more successful school year!
by Adriana Santiago | Sep 14, 2018 | Uncategorized
Pet Peeves
Talk Autism Parenting Strategies5 Pet Peeves for the beginning of the school year
Posted by Dr. Ali Griffith on Thursday, September 13, 2018
This topic stems from when I had a parent in my Autism Acceptance Fest group speak about what’s going on in the beginning of the school year. I wanted to make sure that I share some of the things that my other parents shared for how the beginning of the school year is going … We do understand as autism parents that our strategies, and our fights, and our ways of getting through, are different.
Today I just wanted to give you guys a chance for us to have this discussion so you know you know you’re not alone.
Number One:
So Zachary started middle school, and middle school means a whole new life. A whole new set of arrangements I have to get into, a whole new bus. So the bus was late the first four out of five days. I’ve been spoiled for the last few grades because we haven’t had many bus issues. However, new system, new school, new bus system … he keeps being late. As a result of that, now I’m getting the late calls. We started having bussing issues because it’s a whole new school, and they’ve been having difficulty arranging new kids and patterns, and Zachary has been late for school. I don’t know if any of you guys have a child on the spectrum and they’re late for school and have this issue, but when Zachary is late for school he goes into complete overwhelm. We have to deal with the “mommy I’m gonna be late,” and the crying, and the whole mix of changes of emotions. So this week I had to take him to school to make sure he’s going to be fine. I don’t like him to be late, he’s in middle school now, why have a new system and be late for school? So you know I’m already on top of that. I have to call OPT and make sure they understand that we can’t keep doing this … so how are we going to make this better? I’m a forgiving parent, so I’m going to give them two weeks to get it together, and if you don’t get it together, then we have do what we need to do. So that’s one pet peeve.
Number Two:
The second pet peeve is transitioning. A whole new change, a whole new school, how are we getting used to our kids being in this new school? You gotta create a system, and you gotta let them know ahead of time. You have to keep some sort of schedule. You have to keep talking to them about this being something new. You’re gonna have a new teacher, and you’re gonna have new rules.
Number Three:
Communication is key. You gotta keep that letter of communication back and forth between parents. Are you still communicating, are you writing letters to each other? If they’re not answering, how else are you gonna get them to respond to you? One way direction is not a conversation, it’s you speaking to yourself. We can’t keep it one way, we gotta make sure it’s a back and forth discourse.
Number Four:
What is going on? How are their academics going? What are they teaching our children? Since some of our kids don’t explain things in detail, we need to know that learning is going on. So you gotta show me what you’re doing – send me a book home, let me know what you’re working on. I don’t want to play guessing games! I don’t think school is the only place Zachary learns. I believe he learns at school, and I believe he learns the majority at home. Whether it’s with me, another teacher, a program at home, or a tutoring system, either way, I don’t rely only on the school. So, you need to let me know what is being done at school.
Number Five:
Not staying angry. You can’t stay angry, you have to make sure you go to the school, you have to make sure they’ve seen your face so they associate your child with it. You’ve got to stay in contact. A lot of parents are not in active roles: you’re not not going in, you’re not finding out information, you’re not letting the principal see you. They have to see you. They have to associate your child to someone. Create a relationship and don’t only expect it to be done from the school. You have to be involved.
These are pet peeves I’m seeing from parents, pet peeves from schools, when I’m with my client’s. I’m seeing the constant complaints. So this is what you need to do to get it going. I’m giving you the pet peeve, and I’m giving you the strategies to fix it. So don’t tell me you can’t stay stuck in negative, you can’t stay stuck in this is not happening, unless you are doing your part and making noise. I’m not saying it’s a perfect lifestyle. I’m living it also. Some of the things you’re going through, I have to go through also. What I do know is to expect the best, to expect the most, and make some noise. Talk about it, be involved, and most importantly, don’t settle for less for you or your baby.
by Adriana Santiago | Sep 6, 2018 | Parenting with Autism
I work to create support groups and coaching for families who have children on the spectrum. Being an Autism parent myself, I understand the struggles, and obstacles that sometimes may come with parenting a child on the spectrum. I have also recently written a book, #1 Best Selling AU-MAZING GIFT: A Journey to Autism Acceptance.
This past month, I have had the pleasure of interviewing some Au-mazing moms from all over the world to get an idea of what their experiences have been like. I find that when we can connect through each other’s experience, we can also find ways we can help each other.
This week, I spoke with Au-mazing Parent Lashonda Scott. Here is her story:
What were the first signs/symptoms you child has Autism?
Lack of eye contact, spinning, obsessed with parts of a toy.
What was your first reaction to your child’s “Autism” diagnosis?
Nervous, overwhelming, scared, confused.
If you could give one piece of advice to another parent what would it be?
Be your child’s best advocate, never give up on them! You are stronger than you think!
What is one of the hardest parts about being a parent of an Autistic child?
You never know what to expect day to day, minute to minute. Feel like I’m failing as a mom (parent).
What is one the most rewarding part about being a parent?
Seeing the growth in my son and when he gives me hugs.
by Adriana Santiago | Aug 29, 2018 | Parenting with Autism
I work to create support groups and coaching for families who have children on the spectrum. Being an Autism parent myself, I understand the struggles, and obstacles that sometimes may come with parenting a child on the spectrum. I have also recently written a book, #1 Best Selling AU-MAZING GIFT: A Journey to Autism Acceptance.
This past month, I have had the pleasure of interviewing some Au-mazing moms from all over the world to get an idea of what their experiences have been like. I find that when we can connect through each other’s experience, we can also find ways we can help each other.
This week, I spoke with Au-mazing Parent Katelynn Graham. Here is her story:
What were the first signs/symptoms you child has Autism?
At around 16 months, we started noticing that Lucas was flapping his hands, having violent meltdowns & would start jumping whenever he felt upset.
What was your first reaction to your child’s “Autism” diagnosis?
I wasn’t really shocked since is been suspecting it for months. Instead, I immediately went into action & started making calls to get his therapies set up.
If you could give one piece of advice to another parent what would it be?
Getting an autistic diagnosis isn’t the end of the world for you or your child. It’s simply the start of a unique & beautiful journey.
What is one of the hardest parts about being a parent of an Autistic child?
Trying to help & teach others how to understand Lucas because he’s developed his own unique form of sign language. It’s often looks close enough to the actual sign to tell what he’s trying to say. Just most professionals don’t want to accept anything but the proper sign.
What is one the most rewarding part about being a parent?
That’s a toss up between seeing Lucas blossom & do something nobody thought he’d be able to do and being around him when he’s in one of his super affectionate moods.
by Adriana Santiago | Aug 21, 2018 | Parenting with Autism
I work to create support groups and coaching for families who have children on the spectrum. Being an Autism parent myself, I understand the struggles, and obstacles that sometimes may come with parenting a child on the spectrum. I have also recently written a book, #1 Best Selling AU-MAZING GIFT: A Journey to Autism Acceptance.
This past month, I have had the pleasure of interviewing some Au-mazing moms from all over the world to get an idea of what their experiences have been like. I find that when we can connect through each other’s experience, we can also find ways we can help each other.
This week, I spoke with Au-mazing Parent Delasber Sanders. Here is her story:
What were the first signs/symptoms you child has Autism?
My first sign was that she had not truly talked by the age of 2.5. I believe that I knew it before because of her inability to engage with me… but, I was in denial.
What was your first reaction to your child’s “Autism” diagnosis?
My first reaction was pure hatred of God and nothing but tears.
If you could give one piece of advice to another parent what would it be?
Breathe and realize that the child you have after the diagnosis is the same child you had before.
What is one of the hardest parts about being a parent of an Autistic child?
One of the hardest parts for me is that no one understands that I need a break.
What is one the most rewarding part about being a parent?
The most rewarding part for me is just knowing that I made this amazing little girl and she is the light in my darkest tunnels of despair.
by Adriana Santiago | Aug 16, 2018 | Parenting with Autism
I work to create support groups and coaching for families who have children on the spectrum. Being an Autism parent myself, I understand the struggles, and obstacles that sometimes may come with parenting a child on the spectrum. I have also recently written a book, #1 Best Selling AU-MAZING GIFT: A Journey to Autism Acceptance.
This past month, I have had the pleasure of interviewing some Au-mazing moms from all over the world to get an idea of what their experiences have been like. I find that when we can connect through each other’s experience, we can also find ways we can help each other.
This week, I spoke with Au-mazing Parent Laura Cody. Here is her story:
What were the first signs/symptoms you child has Autism?
My son John had odd behaviors but we had no other kids. At a little over a year My son Noah looked at us and said momma and dada. John still wasn’t saying that to us just about us. Like dada is over there. No “Hi dada”
What was your first reaction to your child’s “Autism” diagnosis?
I wasn’t surprised at all. I had suspected something was up for a while.
If you could give one piece of advice to another parent what would it be?
Don’t think “Not my Child”. I took my son out of early intervention per my husband’s request. Now my ex-husband and He may have lost a lot of valuable time.
What is one of the hardest parts about being a parent of an Autistic child?
The meltdowns. Having to tread lightly so I don’t make it worse.
What is one the most rewarding part about being a parent?
He still hugs me. I’m not sure a kid at almost 11 off the spectrum would do that. At least not in public. He just doesn’t care.
by Adriana Santiago | Aug 10, 2018 | Parenting with Autism
I work to create support groups and coaching for families who have children on the spectrum. Being an Autism parent myself, I understand the struggles, and obstacles that sometimes may come with parenting a child on the spectrum. I have also recently written a book, #1 Best Selling AU-MAZING GIFT: A Journey to Autism Acceptance.
This past month, I have had the pleasure of interviewing some Au-mazing moms from all over the world to get an idea of what their experiences have been like. I find that when we can connect through each other’s experience, we can also find ways we can help each other.
This week, I spoke with Au-mazing Parent Beth Stonick. Here is her story:
What were the first signs/symptoms you child has Autism?
His lack of eye contact.
What was your first reaction to your child’s “Autism” diagnosis?
It was sort of like “not surprised.” I had suspected for a long time that we were missing something and we finally had some more answers.
If you could give one piece of advice to another parent what would it be?
Never give up. Go with your gut. You are your child’s champion and advocate. If you feel something is being missed, keep searching.
What is one of the hardest parts about being a parent of an Autistic child?
Always feeling like a failure.
What is one the most rewarding part about being a parent?
The little achievements. Things that are ordinary for everyone else but it is such a big success for your little.
by Adriana Santiago | Aug 3, 2018 | Parenting with Autism
I work to create support groups and coaching for families who have children on the spectrum. Being an Autism myself, I understand the struggles, and obstacles that sometimes may come with parenting a child on the spectrum. I have also recently written a book, #1 Best Selling AU-MAZING GIFT: A Journey to Autism Acceptance.
This past month, I have had the pleasure of interviewing some Au-mazing moms from all over the world to get an idea of what their experiences have been like. I find that when we can connect through each other’s experience, we can also find ways we can help each other.
This week, I spoke with Au-mazing Parent Jamila Tucker-Mulero. Here is her story: Jamila Tucker-Mulero
What were the first signs/symptoms you child has Autism?
Non-verbal and no eye contact.
What was your first reaction to your child’s “Autism” diagnosis?
I felt like the world just stopped and fell on my shoulder.
If you could give one piece of advice to another parent what would it be?
Do your research and educate yourself. Take a deep breathe and know you can get through it.
What is one of the hardest parts about being a parent of an Autistic child?
Seeing my child wanting to make friends and play, but the other kids do not want to play with him and he doesn’t understand why.
What is one the most rewarding part about being a parent?
Seeing my child/children grow and so improvement in their lives.
by alishagri3 | Aug 1, 2018 | Uncategorized
by alishagri3 | Jul 27, 2018 | Parenting with Autism
I work to create support groups and coaching for families who have children on the spectrum. Being an Autism myself, I understand the struggles, and obstacles that sometimes may come with parenting a child on the spectrum. I have also recently written a book, #1 Best Selling AU-MAZING GIFT: A Journey to Autism Acceptance.
This past month, I have had the pleasure of interviewing some Au-mazing moms from all over the world to get an idea of what their experiences have been like. I find that when we can connect through each other’s experience, we can also find ways we can help each other.
This week, I spoke with Au-mazing Parent Shantea Lankford. Here is her story:
What were the first signs/symptoms you child has Autism?
I have 2 children with Autism, both presented a little different. My daughter was always different from birth, she did a lot of headbanging at a really early age. At around 2 years we noticed she couldn’t follow directions, wasn’t answering really to her name and daycare brought up that she did not play with her peers. My son started off developing well, answering his name, trying to sing, and pointing. Suddenly it stopped and it was always frustrating and was not speaking at all.
What was your first reaction to your child’s “Autism” diagnosis?
For my daughter it was really like the stages that you go through with grief, I went through them all. However, I am in an education mode right now. My son, I was taken by surprise and the manner of timing was even earlier for him. I took it a lot harder with him.
If you could give one piece of advice to another parent what would it be?
I would say that you should always try to keep a fresh mind even though it is hard to do with all the responsibilities. However, even if it’s the 5 minutes in the shower take that time to recuperate.
What is one of the hardest parts about being a parent of an Autistic child?
The hardest part would be the not knowing their thoughts and feelings. Definitely, for my son who does not speak at all, we have communication devices but I would not know if he is harmed or emotionally hurt by someone.
What is one the most rewarding part about being a parent?
My time to learn my children and get to know them is slowed down a bit. So we have a lot of celebration for the things that we otherwise to take for granted.
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