Autism Awareness Month - Ordering Special #1

 AUTISM & CRAFTING 
AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH APRIL 2022

Autism is near and dear to my heart. Every year during this month I like to add some simple activities people on the spectrum might enjoy. Of course, all kids might love these activities and some of our loved ones with special needs may have a physical age that is different from their developmental age so when I write this post I want you to know this is meant to be inclusive for anyone, but I will be talking a little bit about my personal story and tips I've learned along the way crafting and making activities for my son, who is now 6 years old, so you may hear me say "kids" or "little ones" or "loved ones" but if adults on the spectrum enjoy this as well know they are included here. These activities are for anyone who may enjoy them.

If you have any questions or would like to share your stories leave a comment below.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional or medical expert. The tips I'll be sharing throughout the month are from what I've learned on our journey. Every person on the spectrum is different. You should always consult the family/ caregiver/ professionals for your loved one if you plan to incorporate them into your crafting or plan to send cards or activities to them. Ask about safety considerations and consider any accommodations they may need.

ORDERING SPECIAL

For ONE WEEK ONLY - April 1 - 7, 2022, when you place a $50.00 or more order (before tax) with me in the online store using HOST CODE: GZP29SRG *here is a link that will add it to your cart* https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=GZP29SRG you will receive the 5 card kits pictured above, a PDF Tutorial, video link and a pack of Resin Star embellishments.

Important: I will start working on the card kits after the Host Code closes. That means I will start working on kits on April 8th and will need several days to get everything cut and ordered so it can be shipped to you. I will get the kits out in the mail no later than April 16, 2022. The PDF Tutorial and video link will be sent via email the day the card kits ship.  Plus, I'll pay to ship the card kits to you. The order you place online will ship from Stampin' Up! The card kits and Host Code gift ship from me.   

The cards in today's Ordering Special were inspired by my son. He loves bright colors. He loves repeat patterns and it has trucks on it. I chose the Best Delivery Stamp Set for this card class. When you receive your kits you could use any stamp set that your loved one may enjoy but I highly recommend Best Delivery if you have loved ones who adore trucks or wheels or vehicles. I also appreciate that the stamp set has a font that can be easily read. Everything is clear print and not a fancy script font. They also do not have any embellishments on the cards. When my son was younger he had a tendency to put everything in his mouth. We've moved past that phase but if your loved one may do that, avoid any embellishments that could be removed from the card and eaten. 

Note: You will get a pack of embellishments from me as part of this special but save those for other fun projects. The cards for this class are smooth and flat and will be easy to mail. My son likes to carry the cards around and line them up and play with them. Whatever works! 

Pacific Point (part of the Brights Collection)

Granny Apple Green (part of the Brights Collection)

Mango Melody (part of the Brights Collection)

Flirty Flamingo (part of the Brights Collection)

Poppy Parade (part of the Brights Collection)

CREATING IT WITH THEM 

If you have opportunities to include loved ones in your crafting, please do. Inclusion is a sensitive topic for me personally. I understand not everyone knows what autism is or maybe you are afraid to ask how you can help or what you can do. That's normal. It took time for me to be able to talk about it and be open with tips and ideas as well. 

Sometimes it's about what your loved one likes vs. what they don't. Expectations are different for children on the spectrum at times but that doesn't mean they can't do it or can't participate. My son needs frequent breaks. My son tends to max out around 6 minutes on any given activity. So I plan our crafting around that and, don't get me wrong, I don't make him make cards with me everyday but he has a curiosity and interest in what I'm doing. He loves exploring the craft room and I pay attention to what he likes. I focus on the "like" and "can do" vs. "Don't like" or "can't do." Remove "can't do" from the thought process altogether. Make it positive for them.

My son struggles to color with a pencil or hold a marker for longer than a few seconds but he LOVES big motions and movements. The Stamparatus and Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine both have big movements. The Stamparatus plate goes up and down and you can give it a good push. You can also remove the plates, flip the plates... lots of big movements there and he could stamp 5 images in about 5 minutes. He loves to crank and squeeze. He's very sensory seeking in that way. 

IF YOU PLAN TO CRAFT FOR THEM

Sometimes families and caregivers are in the thick of appointments and therapies not to mention school and work. It can be exhausting. If you have time to make the activity for them it would be appreciated I am sure.