How do I find the right resources for me?
Most parents, caregivers, or anyone curious to learn more information about autism, neurodivergence, or disabilities in general, have tried a quick Google search and been absolutely overwhelmed by the information out there. Do I pay for a webinar? Do I take a class? Do I dare ask social media for information?
The amount of information on the internet is both amazing and exhausting.
As part of our first ever e-guide, Parenting Together: Nurturing Every Child, we made a short, easy-to-read worksheet that guides you through how to narrow in on the best type of resources for you. Everyone learns different and it is so important to remember to follow YOUR own learning style.
By the way, if you’d like to check out the full 14-page guide, click here.
How do you learn best?
Okay, this one might be the toughest one, but let’s get it out of the way! How do you learn best? What is your ideal learning environment? Really think about how you actually learn, not what you think is the ideal way to learn.
Let’s consider an example. Many people talk about how, during the early days of the COVID lockdown where the majority of life was remote/virtual, their mental health suffered because they were just not able to concentrate at home over their computer. For students, their grades suffered. For parents with jobs that shifted remotely, their productivity suffered.
Now, let’s consider the other side of the coin. Others thrived in this environment. They were able to work or learn from the comfort of their home and were actually more productive.
These examples are two completely opposite ends of a spectrum. They’re only for example purposes and there are many more individual differences and circumstances. But, the point is that people learn differently. Everyone has a different idea of how they would like to receive information.
Let’s take a look at some of the questions!
Am I am introvert or an extrovert?
Do you enjoy meeting other people? Or does the idea of small talk stress you out? Remember, there is no right or wrong answer! It all depends on YOU. Maybe you’re really an introvert, but you need to push yourself to get out of your comfort zone and meet other autism parents. Or, maybe you’re a social extrovert but still know that you need to learn on your own!
Do I prefer online events or in-person?
Let’s think on our “ideal” situation, because circumstances differ. Maybe your family only has one car or takes public transportation, so in-person events are out of the question. Or, maybe you prefer online events simply because they are a more practical solution for your busy schedule. That is totally valid and worthy of writing down on the worksheet!
Do I prefer reading books or watching videos/webinars?
Maybe you like doing both! Your capacity to choose one or the other may just vary depending on how busy your life feels in this moment. Maybe you ideally love to read books for information, but you need answers to something NOW. In that case, a webinar is better. But, in the future, picking up a book on the situation might be helpful.
What information are you looking for?
This might be a tough one if you are new to your child’s autism diagnosis, or maybe new to an IEP, or perhaps you just started early intervention and don’t know what questions you even have yet.
The majority of parents have been there. It’s okay! This is why reflective questions are so important. It helps you narrow down on what you’re actually looking for.
We recommend writing down ALL your thoughts and questions, or going through our guide to determine where you’re at. Then, start a journal, digital note, or word document and write down all of your questions.
Let’s brainstorm.
What do I hope to gain? For example, general knowledge, empowerment, making friends, support, a specific skill, etc.
Maybe you read that question and think, “All of the above”. You will get there! As two people in the field of education, our go-to strategy is to always break things down into small, doable steps.
What feels the most important priority right now? Perhaps it’s preparing for your child’s diagnostic evaluation. Or, maybe you’re trying to decide of ABA is right for your family. While everything definitely feels like the top priority, make a list. Decide what will be the first thing you tackle, find the best way to get that information (see questions above), and start your journey.
How much time can I (realistically) give?
This is a big one! While all parents are pretty used to a jam-packed schedule and taking on multiple things at once, life moves a little differently if you have a child with individual support needs. Notice how we keep that term broad? Because whether your child is neurodivergent or neurotypical, some children need more individualized support.
Think about your schedule. What are ideal times to learn new information? Maybe it’s listening to an autism podcast on the drive home from school drop-off, or tuning in to a free webinar while folding laundry, or finding 10 minutes of blissfully silent reading time once the kids go to bed.
Consider all the questions we’ve posed and now think about when you can fit that in.
When (day and time) can I schedule this? For example, Thursday mornings at 6 before the kids wake up.
Whether you actually put it on your physical, digital, or mental calendar (we can guarantee that 99% of parents have a good chunk of their tasks and appointments memorized or scattered in their heads!), “schedule” this time in!
