Scheduling for a Child with Autism — How to Create a Daily Schedule

Almost all children thrive when they have a routine. When they know what to expect, what’s expected of them and when they will do what, they are more likely to not only succeed but enjoy doing even the most mundane tasks.

Routines are even more important for children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A main reason for this is that children on the autism spectrum often struggle with change and transitions.

When you set routines for your child with autism, it helps them feel more comfortable and sets them up for success. Not only that, but it also helps streamlines the responsibilities and “To Do List” for parents.

If your child has autism, you might be wondering how you can create a daily schedule that works for you and for them. Below are some tips on scheduling for a child with autism.

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Why Routines are Important

It’s worth repeating that routines are good for any child, regardless of their developmental level and abilities. It’s just that routines are even more important for children on the autism spectrum.

Routines provide children with ASD a structure that they can easily predict. This allows them to orient themselves better to different situations and adjust when they need to move from one thing to the next.

Since transitions are often challenging for children who have ASD, routines help them ease the pressure, stress and related anxiety that often come with it.

How to Create a Daily Schedule for a Child with Autism

There’s no one “right” way to set a daily schedule for a child with autism. This is especially true because every child on the autism spectrum is unique. As such, you are going to have to cater your daily schedule to your child’s unique strengths and challenges.

That being said, here are some general ways that you can better handling scheduling for your child with autism.

Identify What Tasks are Important

First, make sure that everything that your child has to accomplish in a day are laid out. Some examples can be doing chores, eating, bathing/hygiene and doing homework.

After you identify these tasks, it’s key to break them down into small steps. Then, lay out the steps your child needs to take in a way that they can understand everything that’s expected of them.

Something like a bedtime routine, for example, can include steps such as brushing their teeth, putting on their pajamas, going to the bathroom, reading a bedtime story, getting into bed and turning off the light.

Create a Visual Schedule

After all the steps are laid out, it’s time to put them into an organized schedule. Remember that many children with autism are visual learners. Because of this, it’s important to use visual aids and tools as much as possible — and not just words.

So, instead of writing down tasks next to a time on a chart, add in pictures or other visual cues so your child can understand better.

You can also use timers to help your child with transitions between each step on the daily routine. This is another visual aid — and an auditory one — that will help them.

Refer Back to This Schedule

Children with autism may need constant reminders. This helps them stay on track and understand every step.

That’s why it’s important for you to constantly refer back to this schedule throughout the day. Prepare them not just for the first task of the day and everything that lies ahead, but remind them of upcoming transitions.

When your child follows the steps well, make sure to praise them, as they thrive with positive reinforcement.

Be Consistent Yet Flexible

Children with autism may have major problems with even minor changes in their daily routine. So, try to stay as consistent as you possibly can with their daily schedule.

At the same time, you’ll need to remain flexible. If your child isn’t having a good day or is just struggling with transitions that day, don’t get frustrated. Be prepared to adjust something in your schedule to help them get through it.

Blue Gems ABA Helps Children with Autism with Routines

Routines are very important for children with autism, so setting a consistent daily schedule is very important. This will help them understand what’s expected of them and what they need to do when, while also relieving any associated stress, pressure and anxiety with upcoming transitions.

At Blue Gems ABA, we help support children on the autism spectrum by administering applied behavioral analysis treatment. Also known as ABA therapy, this science- and evidence-based approach to learning and behavior helps children with autism gain the social, communication and daily life skills with which they often struggle.

To learn more, please contact us today.