Routine revamp — helping kids with autism in times of uncertainty

Changes in routine are tough for all of us, but especially for those who thrive and depend on predictability—particularly children on the autism spectrum. A sudden shift in routine can trigger meltdowns or anxiety, affect their ability to regulate or cause them to lose motivation.

I am by no means an expert, but I have gained valuable knowledge over the years from speech therapists, occupational therapists, teachers and paraprofessionals. I’ve gotten to witness how preschool classes structure their days. I even got to join my son in his therapeutic 2-hour weekly class when he was 2 years old (one of the perks of separation anxiety). I absorbed as much as possible about how they structured that time, activities they worked on, techniques they used, concepts they focused on and tools they provided.

The therapists constructed a visual schedule for him for that 2-hour period of time. It helped ease the stress of transitions and showed him what to expect. (Example: First we play with toys, then we have music time, then we do a sensory activity, we have a snack, we play outside, then I get to go home.) It taught me some kids truly benefit from an hour-by-hour schedule. During times of uncertainty or any major life changes, it can restore some balance to their world.

Visuals, simple structure

Even at home, you can create a loosely-structured routine for just about anything. For example, our speech therapist designed a visual schedule for my son for “riding in the car” — a seemingly simple task, yet he had struggled with it after preschool came to a halt. The schedule lists each step (put on my shoes, gather my things, walk to the car, sit in my car seat). The goal is to look at it together, cross off each step and keep him on task so he knows what to expect. The key is consistency.

Our preschool teacher stayed in touch during springtime, emailing resources such as social stories. “Why Can’t I Go to School?” was one title that explained the coronavirus in simple terms for kids. If your child wasn’t enrolled in preschool this year and you haven’t had access to resources (such as visual schedules, online learning tools or videos), there are several printable visual schedule templates online. Check Pinterest, too. Explore the school websites for extra learning tools. You can even draw out your own on paper, a dry erase board or chalkboard.

Energy-busters

With fewer places to go the past couple of months (other than drive-thrus, walking trails or doctor appointments), children have had fewer opportunities to get their energy out—a very important part of autistic kids’ days. My son, for example, has his best days when we plan a special activity, such as a playdate, trip to the trampoline park, zoo day or park visit. It provides him with additional sensory input, a change of scenery and a chance to reset. Because that was not an option, I had to get creative—just like most parents had to.

I resorted to blowing bubbles in the living room when it rained outside. My son chased them around, popped them, jumped up and down. Sometimes we just played music from our Amazon Alexa device, and that got him moving. We utilized the small trampoline in our house. 

Tip: Try clearing one room in your home (a playroom or open area downstairs or even the living room). Reduce clutter so your child has space to run around.

Small consistencies 

Before lunch, if it’s nice outside, we try to get as much sunshine as possible, running around the yard or on our deck. I’ve started leaving our deck door open, when the weather permits, and let him take specific toys out with him. The key is consistent toys so he associates them with this activity. One day I brought his portable tee-pee tent out. He liked the predictability of this, and the next day he tried to drag it out by himself while signing, “Help.” Little consistencies like this can help your kids feel secure during a shift in routine.

Try to incorporate activities into your schedule even if it’s not necessarily a place you can go. We did teletherapy once a week with our speech therapist. My son has a visual schedule for that as well. We perfected our technique each week, and it was a positive consistency. He knew he would see her and laugh with her and learn with her once a week for an hour. We practiced colors, watched videos and listened to music, and she is great at guiding me through simple learning activities we can do at home.

I want to share a simple activity she suggested: working on preposition words (in, on, out, up, off, under). Repeating these simple words gives him opportunities to hear and imitate these words. We’ve been using plastic containers and toy boxes and putting toys or pieces of Play-Doh in them. I’ve tried using phrases like “put in” or “take out.” If we use Play-Doh tools I will give instructions like “cut” or “roll” for him to repeat.

Reach out to your pediatrician, Parents as Teachers contact, teacher friends, speech therapist or occupational therapist friends (or someone who can point you in the right direction of a good resource). Practice building a home routine and incorporating little consistencies into your day. Help your child adjust to life without social opportunities or a school structure. Most importantly, try to be patient with yourself and your child. You will find a new groove, no matter what bumps in the road you encounter.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, 4-year-old son and two dogs.