Breathing exercises have recently become a highly effective co-regulation strategy for Michael

Breathing exercises have recently become a highly effective co-regulation strategy for Michael. We hadn’t introduced this well-known approach before because Michael lacked the imitation skills and motor control necessary for blowing air in and out. But now, we use it daily. Michael often gets dysregulated when his screen time is interrupted by ad pop-ups from search engines. Instead of removing what causes his emotional triggers, we manage through them with repeated exposure and practice. Why? Simply removing the triggers doesn’t solve his inability to regulate his emotions. Also, contrary to the prevalent information promoted by some professionals and content creators, in our case, screen time has been beneficial. Michael is learning language, literacy in reading and writing (typing), navigating computer technology (his interests), communication, and emotional regulation through access to screen time and the Google search engine. However, for this approach to be effective, we engage screen time in parallel activities and provide as much supervision as possible, ensuring there is always immediate feedback, corrections, and opportunities for engagement, connection, and communication. Much like promoting outdoor play and exploration, screen time can be used to engage together. As adults, we need to find creative ways to do this and be consistent and persistent in monitoring and tailoring the content our children are exposed to and consume. 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 👑 The Full Mini-vlogs on our education, therapy and lifestyle approach on the Instagram Subscribers’ Page 👑 ⚠️“Screentime” is nothing more than a tool—it is not the fault of the tool itself, but how it is used. This is why the promotion of removing screentime altogether is often prevalent, as it is much easier to take away a tool than to correct its use and find ways to make it beneficial to one’s individual purpose and goals. And it is often easier to point the finger and blame technology, than to hold accountable for how it’s being used. 📌At the age of 4, teaching Michael how to navigate the search engine imparts several valuable lessons: 1. Digital Literacy: Understanding how to use technology effectively, which is essential in today’s digital-age. 2. Critical Thinking: Evaluating search results and identifying sources. 3. Problem-Solving: Finding information to answer questions independently. 4. Information Literacy: Learning how to locate, assess, and use information appropriately. 5. Vocabulary Expansion: Improving language skills through exposure to various search terms and content. 6. Interest Exploration: Deepening his knowledge in areas of personal interest. 7. Patience and Persistence: Developing the ability to refine search terms and persist in finding the right information. 8. Adaptability: Becoming flexible and adaptable to new technologies and changing search interfaces. 9. Emotional Regulation: Learning to be patient manage his emotions for interruptions. 10. Parent-Child Bonding: Strengthening the bond through shared learning activities and guidance. 👉🏻 It’s similar to deciding whether to send your child outside to play on their own or to join them in their play. When screen time is approached as a parallel or joint activity, it opens up opportunities for engagement, connection, and learning. By participating alongside your child, you can guide their experience, provide immediate feedback, and create meaningful interactions. This approach turns screen time into a shared experience, much like playing together outside, and enhances the educational and developmental benefits of technology. #heartwarming #cute #toddler #parenting #autism #ASL #signlanguage #nonspeaking #nonverbal #autismawareness #autismjourney #neurodivergent #parentingtips #representationmatters #cute #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #parentingautism #communication #inspiration #motivation #milestones