Routines for the Autistic Child

Children with Autism function on a different level than others do. Their sensitivity to the world around them is far more tactile then ours. From this most children with Autism require a set routine that they can anticipate. This allows the child to be more relaxed in daily life.

Establishing a routine at home can be difficult especially when there is more than one child in the home. In my home I have three daughters only one of which has Autism. Setting a routine was not an easy task. I felt it unfair to set the other children to the same routine as my other daughter, soI didn't.

Autistic children have a tenancy to respond better to visual communication as opposed to verbal. Thus pictures depicting certain actions can be a lifesaver. These pictures are better known as http://www.pecs-usa.com/ . Picture Exchange Communication System

PECS can be essential in creating a routine. PECS can be found free online and easily printed out. Many of the ones I have in my home are self-drawn with a pen and paper.

Make a routine list. Write down each thing you want your child to do throughout the day. I have found that including the time is not always a good idea for the simple reason that you never know if you will be able to adhere to a strict time. The order of the events is what is most important. Example.

Breakfast Brush teeth Write ABC's Play outside

Beside each activity place a corresponding image from the PECS and paste next to the written activity. When you and your child change from one activity to another, point to the picture and say the name of the activity at the same time.

It usually takes the mind of a child with Autism a couple of minutes to process new information and possibly longer. Therefore you should remind the child a couple of minutes before you change activities. A simple verbal reminder, making sure to engage eye contact.

After a while your child will be accustom to the routine you have laid out and start initiating that routine on their own. If you need to change your routine do so slowly with one activity at time making sure to allow for a proper adjustment period depending on your own child's abilities to handle change.

You will be amazed at how a daily routine will improve the behavior of your child and reduce the outburst that Autism Children are prone to having.

Learn more about this author, Kitty Bradford.
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