Children with autism often insist on adherence to routine and display rigid, repetitive behaviors. Routines are one way that kids with autism are able to make sense of the world, cope with anxiety and face everyday challenges. Therefore, any change from their routine may provoke anxiety or meltdowns.

Much of the therapy that children with autism receive focuses on learning to adjust to new situations. However, it’s important to recognize that there are many benefits of using schedules to help these kids handle changes in routine in the short-term. Let’s explore the benefits of schedules for children with autism.

1. Predictability and structure

Schedules help create a predictable environment. Knowing what to expect can foster a sense of stability and well-being that reduces stress. When they are less stressed in general, children are more likely to have the wherewithal to cope with uncertainty in the future.

4. Easier transitions

Transitioning between activities can be challenging for kids with autism. Schedules help prepare them for upcoming changes, to smooth the transition and reduce the chance of sensory overwhelm.

5. Improved sleep

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help children develop better sleep patterns. Getting enough sleep, and restful sleep, is vital for overall health and wellbeing.

There are as many kinds of schedules as there are kids who benefit from them. Creating an effective schedule for children with autism requires careful planning to ensure it is clear, consistent and supportive of their needs. Below are some questions to consider.

1. What is the child's level of communication?

Make sure you present the schedule in a way that your child can understand. Incorporate visual aids like pictures, symbols or color-coded charts to help kids who may not be able to follow a written schedule. Some children might need an additional prompt such as a tap on the shoulder or reminder to check the schedule when they’ve completed one step.

2. How much information can the child process?

Some kids can handle having the full day’s schedule laid out from start to finish. Others may find this too overwhelming. Find the sweet spot for your child so that they are armed with the information without ending up in a state of paralysis. Break down tasks and activities into smaller, more manageable steps. Use clear and concise instructions for each one.

3. What other skills can be incorporated into the schedule?

Depending on the child’s stage of development, you can add other skill building aspects to a schedule. Give kids a sense of personal responsibility and agency over their day by letting them choose which of two activities to do first. Introduce time concepts by adding an image of a clock with the time at each point on the schedule. Improve reading skills by labeling images on a schedule to help build up word recognition.

It may take some trial and error to find the right method for schedule creation to help your child. Work alongside them as much as possible to include them in the process. Experiment with where to keep the schedule as well, so that it is accessible to your child. Let the schedule and routines grow and change with your child’s shifting needs; you’ll be surprised what a difference it can make!

Check out our free tracking tools to help you get started. Curious about more strategies to support your child with autism? Read more on the blog!