Welcome to
"Team Ryan 1995"!
About Us
Why this website?
Welcome to “Team Ryan 1995”!
I’m Jacquelyn, and Ryan is my autistic son, born in 1995. This website is part of our family’s succession plan, aimed at addressing one of our greatest concerns, “Who will take care of my child when I’m no longer able?”.
You can read more about this at this link (https://justautismandme.wordpress.com/2021/07/25/creating-the-next-layers-of-support/)
This website is to collate our key resources, aimed at both enriching Ryan’s life and fostering a harmonious balance within our family dynamic.
While our experiences may not perfectly align with every autistic individual, we hope that by sharing our story, we can offer insight and inspiration to other families navigating similar paths. Growing up, Ryan’s journey had not been easy. It took us a while to truly understand his autism and his support needs.
So, as you explore this site, tread with understanding and empathy, knowing that every piece of information shared here is rooted in our firsthand experiences and tailored specifically for Ryan.
And to fellow parents and caregivers, may our journey serve as a beacon of hope, reminding you that you’re never alone in this voyage of love and advocacy.
Warm regards,
Jacquelyn
Jacquelyn, April 2024
About Us
Why this website?
Welcome to “Team Ryan 1995”!
I’m Jacquelyn, and Ryan is my autistic son, born in 1995. This website is part of our family’s succession plan, aimed at addressing one of our greatest concerns, “Who will take care of my child when I’m no longer able?”.
You can read more about this at this link (https://justautismandme.wordpress.com/2021/07/25/creating-the-next-layers-of-support/)
This website is to collate our key resources, aimed at both enriching Ryan’s life and fostering a harmonious balance within our family dynamic.
While our experiences may not perfectly align with every autistic individual, we hope that by sharing our story, we can offer insight and inspiration to other families navigating similar paths. Growing up, Ryan’s journey had not been easy. It took us a while to truly understand his autism and his support needs.
So, as you explore this site, tread with understanding and empathy, knowing that every piece of information shared here is rooted in our firsthand experiences and tailored specifically for Ryan.
And to fellow parents and caregivers, may our journey serve as a beacon of hope, reminding you that you’re never alone in this voyage of love and advocacy.
Warm regards,
Jacquelyn
Jacquelyn, April 2024
About Ryan
Who is Ryan?
What makes Ryan happy
- Food – especially Fried and/or spicy food. Drinks only water
- Access to internet via iPad/computer – searches videos that he likes
- Access to Mirrors, Rocking Chair, weighted blanket.
- Alphabets, numbers. Books and toys with Characters like Toy story, jungle book, the adventures of spot, Sesame Street, Space Jam, James and the Giant Peach. Four Golden Princess (Chinese).
What makes Ryan anxious
- Noisy, crowded, hot places
- Unclear, repeated verbal instructions (he need time to process information)
- Angry, loud or excessive talking (even if not directed to Ryan)
- Eaten wrong food-
- Pork/bacon, Jackfruit, grapes/raisins, biscuits with cream/filling, sweets, chocolate (anything too sweet), potato chips.
- Vinegar or any food with vinegar in it
- Animal
- Any animals. he generally can tolerate but would not interact. Birds – figures/picture of birds, he will cover them with cloth or remove the items from his sight.
Communicating with Ryan
Ability to talk (expressive)
- Mostly one-word utterance of immediate needs, speech unclear
- Will write on paper or type what is he trying to say
Ability to Understand (receptive)
- limited, but will understand simple 1- step instructions.
- Understands best when paired with clear visual support, short sentence with key words.
Calming Ryan
- Lots of water – give him big bottles of water
- Towel for him to bite
- Back away, give him space and you need to stay calm yourself.
- Do not shout, keep talking to a minimum.
My Promise to Ryan
I want him to be around family & things that he is familiar with.
To be actively involved in family life, taking care of himself and doing things for others as well, such as helping with the household chores.
He feels a sense of achievement when he is able to do things himself. Don’t take that away from him.
ON things to do, what to eat, where to go…give him choices. Continue to offer him new experiences. He might need more encouragement and support when they are first introduced, but once he catches on, he can be quite good.
Keep him healthy. I do hope he can continue to exercise and moving on a daily basis. He will do so, if he knows at the end of it, he gets something he likes eg ipad access.
What I don’t want for the future:
The last thing I want is for Ryan to sit around the house, waiting to be taken care of, waiting for things to be done for him.
Ryan’s Story
Message to present and future caregivers
What I want for Ryan’s future
My promise to Ryan
that he will lead a life worth living.
A life that:
“Allows him the maximum level of Choice and Control
His days filled with genuine choices and interests
Has a balance of Work and Play
He is surrounded by people who loves him”