ASDfamily

 As Christmas rolls around, I drag on. They don't know the difference. They don't know why we open gifts. They don't know why we go see lights. They don't know why the tree gets put up or gets taken down.  All of this is fine.  But sometimes I just want to see the joy on their face when they see that they got ehat they wanted. They can't ask for anything.  That's all fine and dandy.  I'm just happy that they are happy. 

 Have a plan Have the places written down (where they'd go) Contact people to help you look (law enforcement,  neighbors, family, friends) Think about why they'd elope (to get out of a stressful situation, getting out of doing something, etc) Watch the child to see their behaviors that led to the elopement Keep information up to date Carry information  Secure all homes, vehicles, fencing, doors, etc Have a safe location  Be alert  Try to teach them safety (swimming, crossing streets, stranger danger, etc)

 Put medicine away Make instructions clear for caregivers  Write things down Model responsibilities  Save the poison help number (1 800 222 1222)  Have a plan if something happens (poison, choking, elopement, drowning, etc)

 Contact law enforcement  Have a plan Yell their description (like: age 4, brown hair, blue eyes, red shirt, black shorts, etc)  Make people aware. Neighbors, friends, family, law enforcement, etc. Wonder why they are elopinging  Have an idea where they'd go

Remember stranger danger  Have a plan for elopement  Try to carry glow sticks when it's dark Make a plan Have a schedule/visual schedule 

 You're not alone. It might seem like it from time to time. Bring this to your parents attention and talk to them about your feelings on the matter. Be open.  Be proud. Never judge.  Spend quality time alone with your sibling. Spend quality time alone with your parents. Share. Educate yourself. Educate others.

 Connect. Find ways to connect with the child. Even if it's through play.  Help find support. Sometimes we don't always ask for help.  No judgment. Be judgment free. For everything.  Education is important. Take time to educate yourself.  Try to understand.  Make time for them, their needs, etc.  Create a routine  Be supportive 

Creat a team. Sometimes it takes a village.  Be an advocate. You know your child the best!  Stay informed.  Self care is important. Shower, face mask, meditation, etc. Whatever makes it peaceful.  Find joy in everything.  Celebrate everything. Especially small things  Get the child/adult involved in the community  Never underestimate  Always try to understand  Patience  Don't pay attention to the looks, comments, advice, etc.  Always praise Lots of hugs 

 Positive vs. negative attention: it is easy to give the attention to a child who is acting negatively. We often overlook the good behaviors or a child.  Benefits of praise: praise can encourage good behavior. Point out the good behaviors. It's more likely that the child will continue to have good behavior.  Praise: sharing, taking turns, kind words, not hitting, following instructions, all efforts, etc.  Say other things then great job or good job. Say things like great job putting your plate in the sink. Instead of saying great job not whining say great job for stay calm in this situation.  More can be found at www.verywellfamily.com

 Both kiddos waved bye to dad as he left for work. They will go to the window and wave. My oldest creedy said bye while waving. 🥰

 Behind the seat organizers, take breaks, role play, remember their sensitivities, prepare, plan, seating arrangements.  More information can be found at www.moms.com

 Been so busy lately. Jax needs to be seen by a doctor today as his eye is Swollen. Yesterday (12/4) Creed signed that he wanted more. We saw the Christmas lights on 12/1. Kids enjoyed it. Many meetings coming and going. 

 1. let them know what will happen next 2. set expectations  3. be consistent  4. follow through  5. acknowledge them for complying with your requests 6. tell them what you expect. be specific.  7. allow them to earn privileges 8. give choices more can be found at education and behavior