How I Use Schedules and Social Stories as Aids.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnv4xRQEWM6Zsssc49ODER1N7Mv9UShZvh3cqf5o51USCxgmgfo3c6HsZ_VHw59-KNudgL_jXZPWH1zZXTw_XyNf-M6wN90-X7X50QstbL_yFaXwH3rJS1-iVyy7fs6U3JenJbF125iPc/s1600-h/stacywithboys%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stacywithboys" border="0" height="834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglls8Opue2tXsS_cMe0BQQJVLVjoglxahhzj3Zidlb6xmJe9XIVArhVV3xxfYyVO-Z7VglvEVt5ySziKX-EaMDMaRCuF23gS0VpHI4SXLwd0ghqM4EoveT8ttcLCmq7V5F5sCW9fhL4BuL/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="stacywithboys" width="644" /></a><br />Zion has always thrived on structure and schedules. As a result, we’ve always incorporated some sort of schedule, BUT, it was not always a visual one.  These days we have a visual schedule that he uses daily.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu2qQWd-bKcmAm7FGrLKbLZAAhkV_XtQuW_HAMDWBbXqOsoszJfTR8FNFt-z1glwXliK-A8v32UdmQ1deefE4k61XQgpAllV1VG2IdKEJL_ciS0QehElnD_H9ZEWjgm3p9lTuxfdxiqME/s1600-h/worksheet%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="worksheet" border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl46S3QYslRYqxaefwh4Ki2slxOy4FKkNytBHGkK8hBUDBd9qu79BFk8KPS27gUDyVMhSfOOJEqZuIrq-_4Hi7vkkbjuOSdwavKtoJgNSJ8WvT0JZs1lP_xV7YGm6RaynZYStuy_fOtsJ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="worksheet" width="694" /></a><br />It has been noted that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder/ASD have greater difficulties coping with unstructured time than neurotypical people and benefit from increased structure in their lives. I have found that to be true in Zion’s case. Having a visual schedule in place at home enables Zion to be in control because he knows what to expect. In addition, it fosters independence and calm. On a side note, I forgot to place IPad time on the schedule and he was quick to point that out! I recently had to get a poster that would fit all of our activities. The one shown only displays some of what we do on a daily basis.<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;"><strong>Social Stories and Back to School</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6T2kxy11zjSa3womG_HxD-YEuXvMvM2J0ArzBoXDEAeKb6ADMKlrWJSSUBo86WpJRrVrdCXr_C1APg436S2UY-S1TgWXO9wIYBMNHTIe8EYIrjrUznuQUMPK3BTWQ7FWSLA8l0SnuSJC/s1600-h/Photo%252520Aug%25252024%25252C%2525201%25252022%25252043%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Aug 24, 1 22 43 PM" border="0" height="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4z5JN3AlhuBV0j54hoGXsN97ABgLLtRwzql_JM05XYx-mVj5x2BeF_mM24vNFzwtEVcBV6PHKdksHxjS56C0zBzL5XXxxw8INFCDMb_KXj641f1QvCGrdZ8Sdc-TX0-X2omK2L6PfNMH/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Aug 24, 1 22 43 PM" width="604" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I was first introduced to Social Stories by one of Zion’s teachers. A social story can be a written or visual guide describing various social interactions, behaviors, and situations. In Zion’s case, if he’s going to be introduced to a new situation, a social story is useful to help him anticipate and cope in that new situation. A great example is the simple and age specific one of the fire drill above. Fire drills can be overwhelming for Z because of his sensory issues so in addition to using headphones, having a visual and written social story reinforces what needs to be done and helps him to cope.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfNxZxh_oyUJr2OsdaT1HdHNUygHxJV8FIV8QobmAPxi5BNilkaPRpM6dB4VCZSLcL5QjBML8V3KAvcpuwLizUgcdwCUasclOseaCqsI7cSzfd4gCfR_fuLuWeAlGrYY9xNOzI8ghX7Tv/s1600-h/bookshelf%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bookshelf" border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFwVkqAmfbZQ8IAiD7f5JN94VsMTzz85aghcHFdoKuwnUEFMMFMjFgynSbjL4Zzd-Ju-IwtqyvmSmeolajZf5sA3dtICVgQMcG8UAAvy2_krzoqsp-V1ys5clK3QTVeExc12jdloujuV8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bookshelf" width="700" /></a><br />He starts Kindergarten this week and we are in the process of  putting the finishing touches on a social story that tells his new classroom number and teacher. He actually already knows his classroom number as I’ve been verbally preparing him. I cannot express in words how proud I am of him! I always get so emotional when I talk about all the remarkable things he has done. <br /><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NPrsS32TcLA/U_okCOnhFRI/AAAAAAAALPw/LG4_aPlNP1A/s1600-h/Zionbacktoschool%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Zionbacktoschool" border="0" height="904" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod5pjtLdBHT7oz1-FJAVYoC8YpUkwEvSXpUjy5Eshut84X0P6XCPfsJ7GC5W6Oj6mJJH4CmN4ciLp_GTuITeN7ld2sdU1yHPmIbLhnhinFy0yHpuIZI3Qp9s0mhHuo2b7Hu6SYt0kRDqp/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Zionbacktoschool" width="604" /></a><br /><div align="center">Zion seems to be quite popular on the blog lately. However, I wanted you to get a peek at the behind the scenes at our home. I would love to hear from you. Are schedules a part of your routine? Maybe not social stories for everyone...Do tell. Have a lovely Sunday my friends. xx</div><div align="center"> </div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images by the lovely<strong> Tiffany Parsons</strong></span>

How I Use Schedules and Social Stories as Aids.

Zion has always thrived on structure and schedules. As a result, we’ve always incorporated some sort of schedule, BUT, it was not always a v...

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A Playroom fit for a Princess.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCGi29OpubQcK2jMD2OcmYwpToCdZsv9U_qpVP6df4MIIIlwhOWlntF6iXSbLqPj00AH4KYMY_v0cbA9KEHZ_ewp65sE2Eq-PRtNnfZwOi8UQJK0sjwgCA-Scjv8ft585EB0nffslJXUu/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252025%25252C%2525209%25252058%25252037%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 25, 9 58 37 AM" border="0" height="904" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GkIiUMB8cQlFql8FbRrJqPbdJpvMS-6UeQKkdHpAg9lTlzrlNA9WYZQN5uJDfbmyLUHn37YUWJQS-iIHI3PbplXgsLvAPYDM1DBErhY9x-llO55DEGjj0eNJuX4mHnUw4J5JZL7Lscsk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 25, 9 58 37 AM" width="604" /></a><br />Once more another Instagram chance encounter led to the discovery of a talented diy-er and blogger, Jennifer Stagg.  Jennifer shares her insider secrets and videos of her latest projects on her blog, <a href="http://withheart.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #dd8484;"><strong>withheart.com</strong></span></a>. Today, we’re going to take a look at the amazing transformation of what was once their formal dining space into a space filled with lots of laughter, learning, and fun.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzVdVjLcIPZvEYgU6Ny_4dpQNmkY_sbrafY4pL-jAmTX2QTynS6gsvVSH8sHLvDaDSBrCHAj_kYIUX6RxBovuTewTwduhSawB3vjWBDM7OEV_hDqWtCsfBPSV4b6hQ2Yod033FVTkaCtq/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252025%25252C%25252010%25252004%25252043%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 25, 10 04 43 AM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYsoAHQB2O1o6hbOeGSM29iMeNh39Zq2XfliNJgDSuu-RRsrlO6G9fvuZxXF1vEcrab1GhezRCz-dn3UOG3_H9l_7ywzYzJB8OnpvWD-AbCIzrgzM-9HFn3tmbeyEMWoutA0xQ16KuOHO/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 25, 10 04 43 AM" width="700" /></a><br />According to Jennifer:<br /><br /><strong><em>I wanted to create a space just for my little girl— where she could make a mess, where her imagination could run wild.  A place all her own.  Most of what you see is DIY.  Even the rocking horse was a thrift store find, then a makeover.  I took a previously unused room in my home (an empty formal dining room) and made it into one of the most used rooms in our home.  We find ourselves hanging out in there daily and gather as a family to read stories in the teepee every night.  Our home is somewhere a child lives and plays, and I want my home to be child friendly and reflect who we are: parents.</em></strong><br /><strong><em><br /></em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCy5qosROzeOOPA2sMPF-WYJksPeU7XcBhPSaHvk5q1WtDgBmKOM4mAtaYtlvBkhj6g_dvB5EELnDJXNJIN4UXhx8EjJPoOP4mQEJnmtWUb4E-JQpWAB9mK2uVU2Ht4DsNQ9ILn07VA6I/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252025%25252C%2525209%25252057%25252033%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 25, 9 57 33 AM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTCmRL9UsYXmG0dQ2unBXxVzs_Or8t6shoFecKEENweOv6WMkXUixHyc-_RslvInAJhTwdfN_OqPY-NnuqWKzPNMSSFZYXBOM5yupEqBwlKOzjG34Eqa988FnNzNj-PjNKcBFHhP5d-ks/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 25, 9 57 33 AM" width="700" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWQiFnkXklSyDfzjuVV1zsnRBJEy-LlJu0nI5PMB8jql57yiiI5sRz2SOeOYZY34B6a8BoOaC_S4JQ9pp46EPWjxKgM6RQex84yLVwp0ws4XsOOenUeZCf__O-09WYEISks8DxPJDxGkR/s1600-h/Photo%252520Jan%25252012%25252C%25252012%25252000%25252055%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Jan 12, 12 00 55 PM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU59hCEr2PS3cl0-uMxSRez-lHBvK_d6QWkeQ6xbhcOOfhGICsDiWWpVcWVJDK1Mg5CuJSY9gifU3cXuahiDOnEg0VH56MHd5qnXn2jVXPlT8yDhVMuSheuDtgV2UjE6fU0KHW1LwCrrUY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Jan 12, 12 00 55 PM" width="700" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVdL7V-V7LiYLt2kGF-Yn754rFAJifH5yxcvby0xIxDrB0kVAbgah8ufiezyHAhSx0tjw6CeqCPPOArWn6hqp7cdMWCFWbd29xY-2R1ZE0Qg9tHPcCYxQ2bm_AaBTXFQo0SAlbnV6F_Px/s1600-h/Photo%252520Jan%25252012%25252C%25252011%25252058%25252041%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Jan 12, 11 58 41 AM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhs5LbL5XyvuwScCj92Pxx1qbrd9DUcWbaUobX11i19EKwVlPDxMnFhrtNL0yGo-nIT8RXr3i9q9gPbvgBZJKTA9V387MtRQLq7l25Rl_uSZuN3sQc-KvpK8PsuZ4bBdD-h79w1lKGRuE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Jan 12, 11 58 41 AM" width="700" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiGRNHe2rWO8wF34a1WH-EPBMJ_gMidwzmaq751j1N9D9p_XIz6eOskFoTFuxXKcP9jcplC004u4kjxh8m7sLbtEboQQYdkDtPwhGz4xpETiiNUJ3IGsculIFDNZQD3EzNJs83JUOvY_3/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252025%25252C%2525209%25252053%25252041%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 25, 9 53 41 AM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92SKnLPHULayKhMy-UClLdqjnsX4H46Hc8s5pCqV7m-GTIP_Zu5bDqOhZCpf4R7rT73Eqa6EsHi_zZK9ODItMAoSfVHzSE-aRSBMvrF2GXVm5L_USokouXviZFi7_6zCdnbpbge42i_m6/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 25, 9 53 41 AM" width="700" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf65wbLB2A75EpkY1kNDCiBawF9JAFVDFqeQCccsFtThH5GcMo97SeSUB7rAVftd2NlEW-zHq38HrtXhpKINt1T3pMRrmHcFfcRhbJZ9MyZQMiFSf0iYqf2yjgWygSVhTw3ux3UiPFk4m3/s1600-h/Photo%252520Dec%25252025%25252C%2525209%25252053%25252050%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Dec 25, 9 53 50 AM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYCNnUMn9VkjkP5LcNOsNU79DGNDkUoCB9-elQei9D0EQo3LTRyYgU9XGcQrgaB8z4MEVvdIKMFlV0k9CZM1KsCPxWjRbEg-EpV-nZr2XuSbU9P5NgCuGkoW7SUpJUFwEfhc2SETukJeC/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Dec 25, 9 53 50 AM" width="700" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwS4nUBUFEtU5CGHcwfIxXJ9Ng0T36742rNm0JLTysYtDRL_FFgBV3wtSTX2ePgQtpDQLpj9NqBPvODjRQE573qK0NQd969sUg1Vv2eZbhdX3MEfqz9vQoYmx0WWKgKdP_C68_YEkOFH1R/s1600-h/Photo%252520Jan%25252012%25252C%25252012%25252001%25252012%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Jan 12, 12 01 12 PM" border="0" height="1048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6jnofoI8-suwCaYAPREUZckTdTylMavQ8KuIiVnGO_1MxqfqBJGg4EDSbeYRrinG6NZ5rEDjNznCCYkV24M9W_mYuyoPCoeruy-aUlef0csOdRyFOaGYKCo3v2-cqhUxfCPjEklH9iFO/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Jan 12, 12 01 12 PM" width="700" /></a><br />Just beautiful isn’t it? You have to see their daughter’s reaction when she saw the room for the first time! Click here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsZV-7ZYFPU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsZV-7ZYFPU</a>. Thank you so much Jennifer for sharing this lovely playroom with us today. Head on over to Jen’s <a href="http://withheart.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #dd8484;"><strong>blog</strong></span></a><span style="color: #dd8484;"><strong> </strong></span>for more inspiration. Blessings and happy<br />Thursday! xx

A Playroom fit for a Princess.

Once more another Instagram chance encounter led to the discovery of a talented diy-er and blogger, Jennifer Stagg.  Jennifer shares her ins...

Read more »