Featured image forBonaia’s Blog: Sharing Tips For People With Autism

We are sharing various tips and resources for people with autism.

The recommendations are from PATF’s Senior Program Manager, Bonaia Rosado, who is autistic. Bonaia has been with us for 10 years, this month! Some fun facts about Bonaia – she’s fluent in Spanish, and she’s a freelance painter!

Bonaia was diagnosed with autism as an adult.

Some Assistive Technology Devices Bonaia Uses In Her Workplace:

“My Casio watch timer – anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. I tell myself to work on a task for 20 minutes, then look at my email. When I check email, I set a timer for 10 minutes.”

“My iPhone has multiple alarms to remind me of medications or reminders to email one of my kids’ teachers or follow up on something.”

Penny and Bonaia sit at a small table smiling at each other.
Bonaia’s daughter, Penelope, was also diagnosed with autism

“I also use an old school Bullet Journaling, but now I use a notebook. Having a physical note pad to write on helps me track and prioritize.”

“Lastly, I also use a few apps. Setting my screen time on, with my iPhone, to monitor my time, so I don’t get stuck scrolling through non-work-related tasks.”

Bonaia’s Favorite Apps To Keep Track Of Things:

  • Microsoft To Do: Lists & Tasks – helps Bonaia categorize her workday (writing tasks, phone calls, etc.)
  • Airtable
  • Google Calendar
  • Smart Tasks – it’s color coded and helps Bonaia grasp time so she feels less overwhelmed

Bonaia’s daughter, Penelope, is also autistic.

Read about the various assistive technology they’re using to help Penelope communicate more easily.