How to establish routine

This article will look at the importance of routine and
consistency for children with Asperger’s. Children with
Asperger’s not only need routine, they crave it! To be
honest all children really benefit from routine but
it is even more important for children with Asperger’s.
Establish daily routines as early as possible and stick to
them. Your child will also have to be prepared for changes in
routines, as we all do, so provide them with a method
to deal with change. Because as we all know the best
laid plans can easily come unstuck. Like for example a
trip out in the car being delayed or postponed because
of a puncture.

The preparation may include visual reminders, such as a
schedule and timer (maybe like an egg timer for
younger kids and just a regular watch/clock for older ones).
Dependent on the age and ability of your child the schedule
can be just writing or have pictures/images too. Another
great idea I have seen used is an “oops” card. This is
basically a piece of card with the word “oops” written
across it in big letters. The children are then taught that
this means that there is to be an unexpected change.
After time, and a number of experiences of this, they soon
begin to associate the card with a change. And cope much
better with the change, as a result. So in a strange
roundabout way the “oops” card that indicates a change
to the routine coming up actually becomes something
consistent in their life. And as you know children with
Aspergers cope much better with consistency.

When changes need to occur, make sure they have plenty
of time to adjust to the change. Give them verbal cues
of changes that will take place, in increments as needed.
Routine will also need to include a time for homework,
a time for bed, and a morning routine in order to make
their transition to school successful. To the extent that
is possible, avoid changes in routine. When change is
necessary, give them the tools to deal with that change
(like the “oops” card). This may all seem like a lot of
work – and in the beginning it can be. But overall it
saves a lot of time and energy for everyone. By taking a
“short cut” of not providing any planned consistency the
result is likely to be a more distressed child with a lot
more difficult and challenging behaviors to cope with in
the long term.

To briefly summarize then it is very important for parents
to help their child by providing consistency and routine
for them in their day-to-day life. Within this a system
to help the child cope with the inevitable unplanned
changes that can occur is also needed. Taking such an
approach will save time and energy for everyone in
the long run.

Copyright © 2007 Dave Angel