If you’re the parent of a child with autism, you know that organizing your life and staying on top of your schedule isn’t easy. You need to establish consistent systems for your household so that you can uphold your responsibilities while putting your child’s well being first. Here, Talli presents some organizational tips that won’t stretch your budget, from utilizing convenient storage options to digitizing your child’s health and education records.

1. Use the Right Storage Tools

It can be tough to keep your home tidy when you have children. But kids with autism are especially sensitive to environmental disturbances and overstimulation, so maintaining a clean home can help them feel safe and stable. Block off a weekend to declutter and clear out items you don’t need anymore. Next, consider changing up your furniture arrangement in order to create room for any new items you need to purchase. Purchase clear bins and label them to store your child’s toys, games, and other belongings.

If you have the space, dedicate a room to play and learning for your child. You can create cubbies for their items and help them learn to put items away where they belong. This space can be a great place for your child to feel free to make a mess, explore, and clean up without getting in trouble. And having a multipurpose room like this can even raise the appraisal value of your home.

2. Digitize Medical Records and Business Receipts

Chances are, you have to manage lots of paperwork, including medical and school records for your child along with business-related papers and receipts. Losing even one of these documents can be frustrating, so you’ll want to implement an organizational system that ensures you can always find them. You can digitize these documents and store them in folders on a cloud platform for easy access.

At times, you may have to send medical or academic documents to healthcare providers or educational administrators. It can be difficult to email large PDF files containing multiple images, so look for a free PDF compressor tool online. Compressing PDF files lets you shrink down the file size while maintaining the quality of the file’s content, including the text and images.

3. Consider Grocery Delivery

You might spend lots of time planning meals and cooking for your child. Consider turning to grocery delivery to save time - you can look at services offered by different stores in your neighborhood to determine the most cost-effective option.

4. Maintain a Household Calendar

Do you, your partner, and your older children all have access to a central household calendar? If not, it’s time to set one up so that you can ensure your schedules are all aligned - and so you don’t overlook any important appointments or family commitments! Raising Children Network recommends putting up a physical calendar where everyone can see it, as notifications from a calendar app could be accidentally silenced. Go over your calendar each week to ensure that errands are delegated fairly.

5. Assign Simple Chores

Depending on your child’s abilities, you may be able to help them get the hang of simple chores. Instilling these basic life skills in your child can make life a bit easier for both of you. They will be able to help out around the house, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are more prepared for adulthood.

Scope states that you may want to start with working on personal hygiene skills, cooking easy recipes, cleaning up around the house, and sticking to morning and evening routines. A therapist might be able to help you with appropriately assigning these tasks.

Find Strategies that Work for Your Family

If your child is on the autism spectrum, you have a lot on your plate, and staying organized can get pushed to the backburner. But you don’t have to sacrifice household organization if you take the right approach. By applying these tips, you can declutter your home, store your child’s records safely online, and fairly delegate household chores and errands, all while saving money.

Do you have a little one at home? Are you looking for ways to keep track of all of the important details? Then check out the Talli app!

 Article by Kristin Louis from parentingwithkris.com

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