If you know, teach or have an Autistic child who has, what I like to call the “I can’t syndrome” it’s time for them to stop holding themselves back and make some changes!
A fun, innovative and effective way of doing this is to create an “I can’t” time capsule with your child and stage a burial.
Sound crazy?!
Let me explain what I mean by this, you or your child will write down all their “I can’ts”, spend some time on this part so that you don’t miss any out. Ensure that your child knows this is a fun activity rather than a “telling off”, make it exciting, tell them it’s an adventure, a journey to the future ect! Next tear or cut them out and place them all into a lunchbox or jar.
Then gather together your team/crew/fellow cadets and find an appropriate place to “stash” or bury the capsule. This can be a whole family, Class or even an independent activity, whatever’s most comfortable for your child. Decide on the length of time you will leave your capsule and tell your child.
What you will discover when you uncover the capsule is that many of the “I can’ts” are
now “I can’s!” If done correctly, it’s an amazing way of documenting your child’s progress. Just ensure that the length of time is enough to see substantial changes as there’s nothing worse for your child’s self-esteem than identifying unachieved goals.
Have fun and create a capsule with your child today, and who knows you may even want to slip in a few for yourself?!
Speak with you soon, until then
Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today!
Emma Ottaway
The Autism Support Specialist
