8 | Organizing Styles and Autism with El Sangalang, The Therapeutic Organizer
Enjoy my conversation with professional organizer and mom of a son with Autism, El Sangalang. We talk about her journey with her son and the strategies that she considers when she is working with clients whose family members are neurodivergent. We also discuss the four different organizing styles developed by Cas Aarssen and how we work with each style. See below for a link to find out YOUR organizing style!
El is a Certified Organizational Specialist through Cassandra Aarssen, creator of the Clutterbug Philosophy. She is also an ADHD Specialist and member of the Institute of Challenging Disorganization. She has a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from RUSH University in Chicago and has worked for over 20 years in sub-acute facilities and hospitals caring for acute Neurologic and Orthopedic patients, including Burn Injury. She realized that she could meld her OT experience of helping others with her passion for organizing and thus, "The Therapeutic Organizer" came into fruition.
Growing up, she liked her room being neat and tidy. But it wasn't until 6 years ago, when her now 15 year old son was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, along with ADHD and Anxiety that she learned, first hand, just how important being organized would be. Having a functional home with a routine schedule has been crucial for her son and her family to be able to achieve a more comfortable and relaxed household. She learned what her family's Clutterbug organizational styles were and quickly saw the benefits this had on her son and family. She knew that she wanted to help others find that same relief.
She specializes in helping busy parents (especially those with neurodivergent kiddos) create a workable schedule and environment that is peaceful and less stressful. She is a strong advocate for Autism Awareness and Acceptance. El's specialized and unique therapeutic approach with individuals on the Autism Spectrum, ADD/ADHD & Anxiety ensures that customized organization and storage solutions will be tailored to your specific needs, space, budget and organizational style.
She's also committed to helping older adults during life transitions and downsizing as well as those with a physical dysfunction or recovering from an injury. She helps declutter, arrange and organize the home to prevent falls or risk of injury. She's trained in teaching and incorporating fall prevention, energy conservation, and body mechanics to optimize health, well-being and create a safer home environment.
She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, yoga, strength training, gardening, playing the piano and carving out time for crafts and hobbies. She is in the process of learning more about energy healing and is currently studying to become a Reiki Master.
Links we discussed:
Clutterbug Quiz: Learn your organizing style. https://clutterbug.me/what-clutterbug-are-you-test
Institute for Challenging Disorganization: https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/
Children's Long Term Care Support Page: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/clts/index.htm (Wisconsin State only -- please contact your specific state to see what waiver programs are available in your area)
Where you can find El:
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