What Do Autistic Routines Look Like?

Unlock the secrets of autistic routines to support your neurodivergent child’s daily life, offering them comfort, predictability, and a chance to thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• Autistic routines provide predictability and reduce stress.
• Routines aid in managing sensory overload and improving life skills.
• Adapting routines requires balance between consistency and flexibility.

Why are routines important for autistic children? Routines provide structure and predictability, helping autistic children manage sensory sensitivities and enhance their ability to cope with daily challenges.

The Reasons Behind Autistic Routines

Autistic routines are more than just a choice; they’re super important for many kids on the spectrum. Here’s why:

1. Predictability: Routines give a sense of safety and predictability for neurodivergent kids. Knowing what comes next helps lower stress and makes the world feel easier to handle.
2. Coping Tool: Routines can help kids deal with sensory overload or strong emotions. They offer a comforting and familiar structure that helps kids feel more relaxed.
3. Skill Practice: Regular routines let kids practice and get better at essential life skills, like taking care of themselves and interacting with others.

Read more: Working With Autistic Children | Teachers Guide

Understanding Common Autistic Routines

Autistic routines can be different for each child, but there are some common ones that many parents will recognize. Let’s look at a few examples:

1. Morning and Evening Routines: A set wake-up and bedtime routine can help kids begin and end their day happily. This might include activities like brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast in a particular order.
2. Mealtime Habits: Many neurodivergent kids have specific likes regarding food, such as eating the same meal every day or arranging their food in a certain way on their plate.
3. Transitions: Smooth changes between activities are very important for kids with thinking and learning differences. Visual schedules, timers, or verbal cues can help them prepare for changes during the day.
4. Special Interests: Kids on the spectrum often have strong interests in certain topics or activities. Including these passions in their daily routine can give them motivation and a sense of achievement.

Read more: Color Behavior Charts | Free Printable

The Balancing Act: Adapting Autistic Routines

While routines are essential for many neurodivergent kids, finding a balance between being consistent and being flexible is crucial. Here are some tips for changing autistic routines to handle new situations and encourage growth:

1. Introduce Small Changes: Slowly add new activities or changes to existing routines. This lets kids adjust at their own speed and lowers the chance of overwhelming them.
2. Use Visual Supports: Visual schedules, social stories, or other visual aids can help kids understand and adapt to routine changes.
3. Work Together: Include your child in the process of making and changing routines. This helps them feel more in control and responsible.
4. Celebrate Success: Recognize and celebrate your child’s accomplishments as they adapt to changes in their routine. Positive reinforcement helps build confidence and strength.

Goally | Visual Scheduler for Autism

Does your child struggle with getting ready in the morning independently? Goally’s routine app on the best tablet for kids breaks down large tasks into small, achievable steps for autistic kids. Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step.

Supporting Autistic Routines at Home

As a parent, you play a significant role in helping your child create and keep healthy routines. Here are some tools and strategies to support autistic routines at home:

1. Consistency: Stick to established routines as much as possible, and adapt when needed.
2. Visual Aids: Use visual supports like schedules, charts, or timers to help your child understand and follow routines.
3. Clear Communication: Clearly explain expectations and give plenty of warning for any changes to the routine.
4. Patience: Be patient and understanding as your child faces the challenges of adapting to new routines or changes in their surroundings.

The Power of Autistic Routines

Supporting and embracing autistic routines can significantly impact your child’s well-being and growth. By offering a predictable structure, helping them practice skills, and promoting flexibility, you can help your neurodivergent child reach their full potential. Remember, every child is unique, and what might work for one may not work for another. Stay curious, keep learning, and enjoy the journey of finding the best routines for your child. With the proper support and understanding, you can help your child succeed in their own unique way. So, go ahead and unlock the secrets of autistic routines – you can do it!

Helpful Resources

• Autism Research Institute
• Autism Speaks
• Autism Society

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FAQ’s About Autistic Routines

What are autistic routines?
Autistic routines are structured patterns of behavior that provide predictability and comfort to individuals with autism.

Why are routines important for autistic individuals?
Routines help reduce anxiety and sensory overload, making daily life more manageable and predictable for autistic individuals.

How can parents help establish effective routines for their autistic child?
Parents can create visual schedules and use consistent cues to help their child understand and follow daily routines.

What tools can support autistic routines at home?
Tools like visual schedules, timers, and reward systems can help reinforce and maintain routines for autistic children.

Can changes in routines affect autistic individuals?
Yes, unexpected changes in routines can be stressful and disorienting, so it's important to introduce any changes gradually and with clear communication.

This post was originally published on 04/16/2023. It was updated on 08/20/2024.