HomeSchool Resources and TidBits (SpecNeeds)

 " As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." https://homeschoolspecneedstidbits.com/affiliate-disclosure/ Hello Beautiful People! Can you believe that there are about 3 weeks left of 2021?! It has been such a whirlwind, yet we also have so much to be thankful for as well.  I found this Christmas autism poem online and it really defines what a long 18 1/2 months it has been like for our family and that the journey continues...  This poem was written in 2008 by Cindy Waeltermann, who is the founder of the organization Autism Link. Autism Night Before Christmas by Cindy Waeltermann Twas the Night Before Christmas And all through the house The creatures were stirring Yes, even the mouse We tried melatonin And gave a hot bath But the holiday jitters They always distract The children were finally All nestled in bed When nightmares of terror Ran through my OWN head Did I get the right gift The right color And style Would there be a tantrum Or even, maybe, a smile? O

"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." https://homeschoolspecneedstidbits.com/affiliate-disclosure/ Is it SAFE for your kids to return to school during a pandemic? My hubby and I asked each other that same question a few days ago when we received an email about our school district's reopening plan. There are so many things at stake: economy, opening of businesses, children's mental and emotional wellness,   parent's sanity and so much more that is happening in our world right now.  To top it all off, there is a pandemic that can kill you and your immediate family ***ARGH!!!***. If you are still on the fence about what to decide, in regards to sending your children back to school, the CDC has a great checklist you can check out and make the best decision for your family.  In our case, our son is autistic as some of you may already know and our concerns will obviously not be the same as your concerns when it comes to having your child return t

  Visual Recipes Good Morning(Or Afternoon/Evening, depends on where you are)! I hope this finds you well, practicing safe distancing and trying new things to create more beautiful moments and inspirations with your family. I thought that this would be a great way to show what may come in handy during the early days of back to school or anytime. As well as a learning moment for your autistic child/teen/adult or someone that likes to visualize what each step looks like in a recipe( I do!). I like to see what the end game will look like after I complete a recipe. Sure it may not look exactly the same but worth it to at least try something different.  I hope you enjoy these recipes by Tasty! Recipes and more visual recipes from other food vloggers as well. They are so fun to watch from start to finish, but it is also a game changer when you can pause, rewind, slow down and really visualize what each step will look like.  If anything, this will be a great life skill for your autistic son o

Home cooking when you are in a rush can be really stressful if you try to do it all yourself. But if your children are special needs, this skill is invaluable to their well being and quality of life. So you need lots of patience and time blocks when it is time to enlist them into some cooking with visuals and great pictures. So that the recipes are easy to understand and are less likely to cause any type of emergency set back.  Safety First The most obvious issue, especially when it comes to special needs, is safety in the kitchen.  They should always wash their hands well before engaging in any meal preparation, have an apron to protect their clothes and a work station away from any hot oven or stove.  Invest in the Right Equipment Be sure to have kid-safe mixing bowls and measuring cups. Also consider getting a chopper with a plunger. All they have to do is put the food under it and press down with both hands. Make it FUN Teach them fun and interesting things a

Summer 2019 5 More Weeks of school until Summer...ready to Dive In:-) We are all anticipating the start of summer, especially because there are lots of transitions and change coming our way. Our oldest will be a senior in high school, while our youngest son, who is autistic will be in eighth grade.  We have no clue once again what summer will look like when it comes to activities and keeping him occupied, especially since there are not very many opportunities geared towards him and his skill level socially or emotionally.  My plans are to keep him busy with workbooks, going to the park, ice cream breaks and keeping ourselves cool and comfortable. Late nights, movies, and all of the above.  What are your plans for the summer? How do you keep your autistic or special needs child or children busy? I would love to hear your suggestions and thoughts. Until then be blessed and take it one day at a time.  M.