Lynn Moore's Blog

Posted by Lynn Moore

One way to deal with unexpected change in plans due to weather is to have an alternate weather plan in place. By that, I mean to have some established “this is what we do if it rains” plan. Look at the great red umbrella picture that accompanies this blog. Kids on the autism spectrum often love a particular color, and that color is often red. Why not use the preferred color to ease the transition into the change in plans? Maybe a rainy day means all kinds of favorite red things can be used: red umbrella, red boots, red raincoat, a specific red shirt. The list can go on forever. The idea is that the weather means special, preferred items can be worn or used. They can only be used on the bad weather days.

Activities can be included in the bad weather back-up plan. Perhaps a favorite DVD or CD will only be used on rainy days. Perhaps a rainy day is the day to get the toy trains out of the closet for play.

How will the change in plans be introduced to your child? If you are using a special calendar with the child’s activities, have a picture that denotes that rainy day fun is now on tap. Use the picture icon to cover up the existing plans. Here is an additional tip. Allow your child to make the calendar change. Especially, if he is changing the plans to preferred activities, he will feel in control that something he likes is about to take place.

Although it is hard to imagine, winter is just around the corner. Use these same ideas to set the tone for “snow day” fun when everyone is off work and school.

Whether the weather outside your window is sunny or rainy today, I wish you all a relaxing, family-fun day!

Lynn

Posted by Lynn Moore

The shelves in the Easter aisles are filled with great buys if you are filling an Easter basket for the child with special needs. I have seen plastic eggs in the normal array of colors which are great for color recognition and sorting activities. I have also seen eggs with textures. Glitter eggs and those that have a raised design (zigzags, stripes, polka dots) are manufactured to be kid-friendly. They offer special value for the child with a vision loss who is identifying eggs by how they feel or for kids with sensory needs. The designs themselves (pictures and geographic designs) add to the possibilities for language development fun while celebrating the holiday.

Easter basket time is also a great opportunity for building fine motor skills. Coloring books and sidewalk chalk are always popular.

If your child is working on speech skills and building the facial muscles needed to talk, consider buying a bubble set.

What great Easter basket buys have you found?

Happy hunting . . .

Lynn