Many families of children on the autism spectrum find that having a schedule is helpful. Often, the schedule involves simple words or phrases and some picture prompts.
Routine is important for a child who is autistic. It helps him understand what is coming up next. He can focus on the inevitable changes that go along with any routine. Here is an example: I always eat supper after I watch ________ TV show. I always drink chocolate milk and use my Thomas the train plate. Today we are out of chocolate milk. I will drink white milk instead.
The supper routine is established. The change in the type of milk will probably be upsetting, but it is one change to focus on. The child does not have to wrestle with when supper is served. That is part of his routine.
Use Smaller Picture Schedules to Establish Less Popular Routines
Within the supper routine there are many small parts. Kids on the spectrum quickly latch on to the parts of many routines. Suppertime is a good example. It may or may not be necessary to have a smaller routine chart for suppertime. There are other, less favored times of the day, when they can benefit from a smaller picture schedule. Here is an example of the steps that might be included in a bedtime schedule.
- Have a snack
- Put on PJs
- Brush teeth
- Read a book with Mom
- Listen to music
- Time to sleep
Put the smaller schedules in the places where they will be used. For example, put the bedtime routine in the bedroom, the mealtime routine in the kitchen, the bath time routine in the bathroom, etc.
The child’s main schedule in a central location in the house might have one picture that refers to bedtime. The child then moves to the area where that routine will happen. In this example, the routine will happen in the bedroom.
Use Reference Materials to Set the Schedule for the Child Who Is Autistic
Many books and programs have been published on using pictures to communicate with children on the autism spectrum. Some specifically talk about using pictures to establish a routine. Here are some resources to explore further:
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) created by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost
Treatment and Education of Autistic (TEACCH) and related Communication-handicapped Children
Ordered pictures give the child a visual checklist. They establish what things have been done and what will happen next. Using pictures for the child on the autism spectrum is a great way to communicate expectations.
Lynn Moore - Moore is a freelance writer, experienced special education teacher, and mother of two. She has worked as a developmental therapist for ...
