It’s always been something I’ve needed to make my life easier as a caretaker. It was a way to take back control of a stressful situation. ⁣

Devon is autistic, intellectually disabled, nonverbal, and incontinent. We keep some of his waterproof pads in a drawer in the living room and use them to protect the furniture before he sits down. ⁣

One day, before mealtime I pulled out the dining room chair and I said “hold on I have to get your pad”. He walked over to the drawer, opened it, and pulled out the pad!!! I was so shocked. I said “good job” and I started tearing up. Now, when we ask him to get his pad, he goes and gets it himself. ⁣

By setting up systems for everything in our home to have its place and following a routine, it set an example that I didn’t realize my son was absorbing. This is one of the many ways organization can improve lives.