A Calendar
Over the years of raising two fine young men, one typical and one with autism, I have come to believe that a large calendar is an invaluable organizational tool. When the boys were younger, I used to have a smaller whiteboard that displayed one week at a time. Developmentally, it made more sense to do it that way when they were younger.
Now, I do a full calendar for the month. Here is last month’s calendar with some of the more personal events blocked out. You’ll notice that each school day is noted for Michael. Recently, he was resisting getting on the bus in the mornings, despite liking school and being happy there. We use the ‘school day’ notation to help him understand the expectation that he rides on the bus each of these days.
Stew Leonard’s (a fun local grocery store) is marked on July 2nd because Michael had been asking to go. This is one way we help him understand that we hear his request, and we will take him when we’re able. You’ll also notice special activities on Fridays at school. We make sure Mikey knows these are happening, so he is prepared.
A Sense of Understanding
Understanding your own schedule and having the ability to mentally prepare for the day ahead is an important part of a full human experience. The visual of the calendar helps Michael to have a feeling of control over his own life. He wants to go to Stew Leonard’s and although he cannot always go immediately upon asking, he can see me write it on the calendar and it helps him to know I hear him. I am acknowledging the things he wants, and I am trying to make them happen as soon as I can.
I think the calendar in our house creates a sense of calm, of control, of understanding. This simple visual aid is a way we can say, you deserve to have some control over your own life the same way we all do. You’re a full-fledged member of the family and we’ll help you get what you need.
A Basic Life Lesson
The calendar also makes responsibilities clear. Full, adult humans (and kids too) have stuff they must do! If it is on the calendar, we get it done. Dentist appointment, check. Haircut? Done. The calendar has the balance of the responsibilities and the rewards. Family BBQ? Sweet!
Happy Summer, Everyone!!
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About the Author
Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink* 
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