We have two boys with autism and anxiety. Both the autism and the anxiety mean that our boys are in GREAT need of a structured and predictable everyday life. Quite simply, it is crucial for them to have a good day that they know what the day will bring.
So far, we have used Mobilize Me to structure the day for our youngest son, Nikolaj. He has been very happy with it, but as he gets older, he has developed a greater need to structure his own day. Even though he is only 10 years old, he has a strong desire to be independent.
Nikolaj takes charge
We parents usually structure his day in Mobilize Me, but suddenly we noticed that he had created a lot of reminders on his iPad. For example: “Remember to brush your teeth, Mister!” and “You need to turn off the computer now!”
When we asked about it, Nikolaj explained that he really likes being in charge of HIS own day! That made perfect sense, and since he has such a strong need – and is also really good at it – we want to give him the opportunity to move on to PlaNet.
With PlaNet, he will have much better opportunities to independently create his own weekly plan, while we can support him and add a little extra from the sidelines. PlaNet is very simple and intuitive in its design, so just by watching his big brother use it once, he already knew how it worked.
PlaNet makes Nikolaj mobile
Until now, he has used his iPad for his schedule/Mobilize Me, but he really wants to be able to use his mobile phone instead – and for that, PlaNet is brilliant.
By having PlaNet on his phone, he also becomes more mobile in the sense that he can, for example, carry the phone with PlaNet open in his hand while packing his school bag, using the checklist he created. He has seen his big brother do this with his PlaNet, and he thinks it’s genius.
All in all, the transition from Mobilize Me to PlaNet is clearly a big step towards being more independent, having more influence over his own day, and becoming more mobile.
We are confident this is the right choice, says Tina Weidinger, mother of Nikolaj.
