Reaping Life's Advantages through Structured Living with Angelman Syndrome

In the life of a parent to a daughter with Angelman Syndrome (AS), organisation plays a crucial role in managing daily challenges and maintaining a sense of calm.

The individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, regularly gets rid of items they no longer need to focus on important areas of life. This decluttering process helps them manage whatever comes their way, as AS does not change how their life functions.

Organisation is particularly important in the preparation of Juliana's lunches. Due to her dietary restrictions, which include a long-term low-fructose diet, planning and preparing meals requires careful organisation.

In Juliana's room, decor is simple and minimised. This approach not only keeps the space visually appealing but also makes clean-up easier. Toys are tossed into baskets, and broken or fragile items are put away to minimise the risk of Juliana getting into them.

Clutter has a negative impact on one's state of mind, and the individual strives to keep it to a minimum. To achieve this, broken parts are discarded, and items are donated. This strategy not only keeps the home tidy but also contributes to the individual's well-being.

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 2016 found a direct correlation between health, well-being, and clutter. This finding underscores the importance of the individual's decluttering efforts.

Living with AS is difficult, and the individual keeps the rest of their life organised to handle the challenges that arise. Spring cleaning, for instance, is often triggered by seasonal changes, such as clocks springing forward.

One incident occurred where Juliana took apart a favourite ornament during Christmas. This experience highlighted the importance of keeping potentially dangerous items out of reach. In the TV room, everything has a permanent place, typically a cabinet or closet that Juliana can't open.

Organisation is beneficial for improving the individual's quality of life as a parent. By keeping important items away from Juliana and maintaining a clean and orderly home, they are able to focus on what truly matters - caring for their daughter.

It's important to note that this article is a news and information piece about Angelman Syndrome, not a source for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There is no available information about Sabrina L. Johnson writing a column on minimalism in caregiving.

Juggling life with AS is stressful, and the individual does not want extra clutter making their life worse. By maintaining a simple, organised home, they are able to better navigate the challenges of caring for a child with AS.