Back to School [Tips for a Successful School Year with Autism]

August 17, 2016By

The countdown to school in Texas is on! In another week, the sleep ins are over and the schedules are back. For lots of parents, particularly those who have a child with autism, the return of a scheduled day is welcome. However the transition of actually returning to school can be challenging and anxious for the children AND their parents.

Back to School Autism
I know that when Max starts school each year, I am always a little nervous about what the year might bring. Last year when he started middle school was EXTREMELY stressful….from my end! 

Back to School Photography

If your school is open to it, your child might benefit from a visit to the school BEFORE it is over run with children coming for meet the teacher. They might be able to meet THEIR teacher (or teachers) in a more quiet setting so it’s not such a sensory overload. Communiaction with teachers will be very important. Kids with autism in a public school will have an IEP and so all teachers should be fully informed BEFORE your child arrives but many teachers appreciate any tips parents might have to help make the transition to a new school year easier. Writing your own social story about the school day with your child can be a great way to prepare them for how each day should look.

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Try and start the school routine before the weekend before school if possible. Sleep is key and adjusting bedtimes and starting morning routines as early as possible may help their adjustment to the school year.

If you have concerns about your childs social interactions with their peers it might be really helpful to reach out to other kids for playdates BEFORE school starts if it is an option. Many schools also have great social skills groups they incorporate with other typical children during class time which is helpful as the school year continues.

For non-verbal children, lots of visual support is essential. Social stories are really helpful here along with pictures. If you can map out the day with photos (example, waiting for the bus, getting on the bus, walking to their classroom, finding their chair, sitting in the cafeteria opening their lunch box) hopefully that will make the transition back to school a little smoother.

Obviously as parents and caregivers we are all usually anxious about a new school year, try to stay positive in front of your kids so they don’t see your stress. It’s enough that they try to manage their own! Hopefully many of us have a great support network but if you don’t PLEASE reach out to us here, we would love to help!

Here’s to a great school year!

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An Autism Diagnosis Can Lead to a Successful and Fulfilling life

May 14, 2015By

MAX ability to focus, high-functioning autism, adults with autismEven though our son Max is still young, I am often so amazed at his intense ability to focus and his attention to the finest of details.

He amazes me constantly with his ability to take information that he has read once and repeat it back word for word. It is often complex information like genetics, histories of past wars, or inventions from years ago! He LOVES to study something he finds interesting, research it within an inch of its life and then…move on to another subject. He can even refer back to different subjects he researched years ago!! I have no doubt that this skill will be such an asset to him in later life!

As these types of gifts are developed and honed, it would seem he would be a perfect candidate for places where those types of skills were in high demand, such as quality assurance and software testing. However, the social structure of many employment environments cause such great frustration for those on the autism spectrum, that only about 15% of adults with autism remain successfully employed.

As awareness about autism is raised, so are the expectations about what a person with autism can accomplish. More and more individuals and employers alike are realizing the incredible strength and vocational asset that those with these special abilities can provide. Aspiritech (http://aspiritech.org/) is one of those organizations who have recognized the specific skillset of those with autism and Asperger’s, and they have created an environment in which they can thrive!

Their mission states: “Aspiritech provides a path for high functioning individuals on the autism spectrum to realize their potential through meaningful employment.”

Indications of autism can be seen in early childhood, and can typically be diagnosed accurately when a child is around the age of two. It is so critical that proper treatments are started as soon as possible so that each child will have the MAXimum Chance possible for achieving a high-functioning status. This will give them a much better chance of gaining meaningful employment from forward-thinking companies like Aspiritech.

This is one of the reasons why our mission here at MAXimum Chances is so important to us. We are here to help families have every advantage for helping their child with autism experience a well-rounded, successful, and fulfilling life.

If you know of a family who has just received this diagnosis, or who cannot afford some of the treatments for their child with autism, please connect them with MAXimum Chances. We would love the opportunity to share some of our resources with them, and see if they qualify for treatment and financial assistance for one of our approved providers.

You might be the link to resources that can help a family find the support they’ve been looking for!

Join us online at http://Facebook.com/MAXimumChances and help us raise awareness about autism and the awesome asset someone with autism can be for a company that thinks outside the box and provides an environment where those with special needs can thrive.

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MAXimum Chances, your Child, and Autism

December 5, 2014By

_Autism Resource financial assistance autism treatment providersWe are thrilled to be your resource for matters of autism. Our hope is to help provide you with information that will be helpful, educational, encouraging, supportive, and even entertaining at times. The subject matter we cover here will highlight different areas of importance as you navigate your path in raising a child with autism.

A brief explanation of the general topics discussed on this site are listed here:

M – Medical Diagnosis – What does the Autism Spectrum entail, and what are your next logical steps to ensure your child has the maximum chance for success and personal achievement in life?

A – Advocate – Being an advocate is a two-fold approach. As you take your doctor’s advice on board, learn more about it through research, and what your experiences are as a parent regarding what works and what doesn’t work for your child. Ask questions, be bold and keep the communication line open, and always be learning.

It is also important to be your child’s best advocate with the schools, activities, home & family, friends, and wherever you see your child needs one – be one – we’ll help show you how.

X – eXpectations – What can you expect in areas of development, integration, medical treatments, and from the general public. How do you deal with current realities and expectations of yourself and others when they do not coincide?

I – Information – MAXimum Chances provides varied resources such as articles, books, studies, organization links, and support links (financial, personal, therapies, and groups) for families who have a child with autism, including Lachlan’s Corner just for siblings.

M – Multi-Faceted Treatments – What is working for others regarding treatments, what are acceptable practices in therapies, training, discipline, and diets? Each child is different and reacts differently to each new element introduced. Education and awareness is key to providing MAXimum Chances for your child.

U – Unity – Both parents need to be on the same page and have a common goal regarding treatments, therapies, knowledge about autism, meeting and choosing the right doctor, forming a support structure, and establishing routines that work.

M – Ministration – In the act of giving care, what are the common mainstream treatments as well as the lesser-known alternative treatments being discovered? (Click here to see the approved providers – we may be able to offer families financial support for those who qualify.)

Please take a moment to share us with those in your social media circles by liking the MAXimum Chances Facebook Page and sharing us with those who could use the resources and support we provide.

Together, we can help children with autism receive the MAXimum Chances they need to excel in life!

 

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