3. Screen time is not always the demon we make it out to be.
My son connects with others through his fixations. As such, he spends way more time than I ever thought I would allow on his screens. He researches, he reads Kindle book after book, and watches You Tube videos – all about building computers, or aquariums, or dart frogs, or whatever the interest of the moment is – on his device. He then uses that information to connect with me, his family, his friends, the people at the pet store, and anyone else who will listen.
It helps him be a part of the world – not escape it.
So, if it means he is on the screen for an hour and I get the dishes done, I’m good.
4. Use Your Phone’s Hot Spot
Riding in the car, waiting in the doctor’s super loud waiting room, or being in an airport is a painful experience for my child. These have always been meltdown prone places for us.
This hack, more than any other, has decreased my son’s anxiety when we are out and about. By connecting to the hot spot on my phone, my son can put his headphones in (see #1) and then research, watch videos on YouTube or down load another Kindle book on his device (see #3). It combines the best of my life hacks into one super hack.
The even better news? He is more willing to set aside the media and engage with me, his family, his friends – with the world – when we leave the stressful environment.
5. Good Enough Really is Good Enough.
When my son doesn’t sleep well (and I therefore do not sleep well) for several nights in a row, the laundry piles up, and my husband can count on ordering pizza for dinner.
When we have therapies and doctors appointments that back up the calendar, my kitchen floor is sticky.
When I have spent the day wandering around the pet store with my son talking incessantly about all his favorite things, and really trying to focus on him, his sweet face, his bright eyes, his intellect – really, really taking in the moments – the bathroom might look a bit like a crime scene.
I am learning to say, “So what.”
I am learning that good enough, really is just that.
And sometimes, good enough is even the best.
What is your best autism momma life hack?
Reprinted with permission by the author. Original blog post can be found here.
About Shawna
Shawna is wife to a fun loving, makes her laugh all the time, stole her heart away husband. She is also momma to two uniquely challenged, wildly joyful little boys. She writes candidly about motherhood, special needs, and the beauty of everyday messes at www.nottheformerthings.com. And follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Great article Shawna. Really touches a chord with us parents. Especially loved the ‘so-what’ part. It’s such an integral part in relieving stress and being happier.
I have written a similar article on how what parents must keep in mind when the child is diagnosed with autism. Do have a look:
One thing you will forget when your child is diagnosed with autism