Sticky Notes Save the Day (again)

Saved by the sticky notes!!!! Yesterday was a BIG change in Nathan's routine because I picked him up mid-day from his junior high and took him over to the high school to tour the Special Ed room and meet his new teacher for next year (See sticky note number 1.) Once he read the sticky note, he came along happily, patiently went on the tour, and ate lunch in the cafeteria. He even skipped down the ramp (because that is 16-year-old boys do on ramps, right?)

It is difficult for Nathan to process things we say verbally, so we often have to write him little notes (like these) so he understands what is happening and doesn't have a melt-down. Often kiddos with autism are visual learners and we have found that a simple note or memo on the calendar will help Nathan be okay with a change in the routine.

Going grocery shopping with Nathan also used to cause a major tantrum until we discovered that if Nathan had a checklist with him and checked it off as we shopped that he would go along happily. What a difference a few years makes in learning what makes your child tick! (See sticky notes #2 & #3.)

So, in case of emergency break out the sticky notes and pray that Nathan is in a good enough mood for a change in routine:).