Tools to handle anything!

There was a time not very long ago that we had essentially no way to prepare meghan, give her the information that she needed to be successful in various experiences. I don't know if it has finally connected with her or the repetition has helped or it makes sense nonetheless, it is working.   Over the last few years we have acquired certain techniques that work so she can be successful but also she can have a say in the decisions. When we go anywhere we take the time to explain some of what may go on.  We use visual schedules which are pictures in an order so she knows what is going to be done and when she can leave which is a huge motivator.  We do what is called as foreshadowing basically telling her what is going to happen to prepare her and when we are teaching something new we have the visual schedule with us and use it as a guide during the activity so she can learn it.
Everything lined up today.  I had the picture of the doctor that I showed to her several times before we got to her office, and wrote down the order in which this appointment was going to go.  When we got in the room the doctor and I wrote down the order and all the steps in this visit.  We took the time to cross off each step as we finished it.  It was very good experience and meghan responded excellently to it.  I also thought the staff did it right as well.  I think another factor is that I was calm and confident too.  Our kids can pick up on our emotions very well and I think if we can control our emotions our kids will do much better.  So the next time you are going to go somewhere new or a stressful situations have your tools with you.
1.  Explain in terms that they will understand what they are expected to do.
2. Bring visual schedule or written schedule so they know when the visit will be over.
3. Explain in simple terms prior to visit, use a book or write a social story so they get the idea into their head ahead of time.
4. Bring digits, comfort toys to use as distracters or if there is wait time.
Like I said everything lined up.