Children flourish when they follow a daily routine. Repetition helps all kids, but those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) especially need structure and consistency. While reducing ambiguity in the kid’s everyday experience, establishing a daily routine at home improves the relationship between the caregiver and the child.
While some families thrive with a more flexible approach, others enjoy a highly regimented schedule with regular routines. However, some activities, such as mealtimes and bedtimes, remain constant, and many people might benefit from creating a structure for these routines.
Difficulties with transitions
Transitions between events, from one place to another, or from one person to another present significant challenges for people with ASD. New expectations or changes associated with transitions can cause severe anxiety in individuals with autism. An environment that provides clear expectations and a predictable routine helps to focus on learning and promotes higher engagement in tasks.
Daily routines to reduce stress
Routines help us to control our environment, to feel that everything is business as usual (predictable, in order), to tune into certain processes. And if, for example, our morning routine is disrupted – the coffee maker breaks, the Internet is down, a stain is found on a freshly ironed shirt – we become anxious, worried, and experience not the most pleasant emotions. Therefore, everyone needs “islands of safety”. But in order for a child to form exactly positive routines, you need the help of an adult.
If your child has trouble sleeping, think about such an important daily routine as the process of falling asleep. It can look like this: turn off the tablet – take a bath – eat a light snack – play with mom or dad in the constructor – after the phrase “it’s time to sleep” to lie in his bed. This is a situation in which the child and his or her family can perform the actions in the same way and in the same sequence every day.
With this routine, the child will more quickly begin to understand what is expected of them, be less anxious, and ultimately exhibit less undesirable behavior. This will allow the whole family to be comfortable and spend less energy putting the child to bed.
Routine throughout the day
Morning routine:
- Wake up and get out of bed.
- Exercise (simple exercises that your child can do with you).
- Brush your teeth.
- Wash your face.
- Get dressed in clothes for the day.
- Eat breakfast (you can create a visual schedule with pictures or photos so your child knows what will happen one at a time).
Daily routine for meals:
- Sit down at the table.
- Wash your hands.
- Call everyone to the table for lunch or dinner.
- Serve food one at a time, giving your child time to get used to new foods.
- Politely say “bon appetit”.
- After eating: put away dishes, wash hands.
Routines for spending time outdoors:
Walking can be good for relaxation and physical activity, but it also requires structure to make your child feel comfortable.
- Dress for the walk (including shoes and jacket).
- Go outside and walk a specific route.
- Play in a designated area (such as on the playground or with toys outside).
- Pause for a rest or snack.
- Return home and change clothes.
The role of daily routine in developing independence
Routines help children with autism not only reduce anxiety, but also develop important life skills. When a child regularly performs tasks in a specific sequence, they begin to understand what is expected of them and learn to complete them independently. This is important for building self-confidence and increasing independence.
Over time, as the daily routine is mastered, the child becomes more confident in his or her behavior and learns to adapt to changes. For example, if changes occur in a familiar routine, the child will more easily adjust to them and learn new skills, which helps develop flexibility and the ability to cope with new situations.
Routines and emotional regulation
For children with autism, emotional regulation can be challenging, and the presence of a structured routine can significantly help in managing emotions. Predictability in daily activities reduces the likelihood of unexpected events that could lead to stress or frustration. Knowing what to expect next can help the child feel more in control of their environment, decreasing the chances of emotional outbursts or meltdowns. This sense of security fosters emotional resilience and allows children to better manage their reactions to the ups and downs of daily life.
Routines and social interaction
Daily routines can also promote social interaction and communication skills. For instance, mealtime routines often provide an opportunity for children to interact with family members. Clear, consistent routines help children understand social expectations—such as when to greet others, share, or take turns. By repeating these actions, children with autism can learn essential social cues and become more comfortable engaging with others in various settings, whether at home, school, or in the community. Routines not only support independence but also strengthen social bonds, helping children build confidence in social environments.
Conclusion
Incorporating a daily routine is essential for children with autism as it provides structure, predictability, and a sense of security. These routines not only help reduce anxiety and manage transitions but also foster emotional regulation, social interaction, and the development of independence. By following consistent patterns throughout the day, children with autism can build self-confidence, gain valuable life skills, and adapt to changes more easily. Ultimately, daily routines contribute to a more harmonious and supportive environment for both the child and their family, promoting a sense of stability and well-being.
