For autistic individuals, having a structured routine is crucial to feeling grounded and reducing stress. Whether it’s a specific order of tasks or set times for activities, routines provide a sense of control in a world that can feel unpredictable.
I remember working with a client whose entire family embraced a routine-based lifestyle. The child, in particular, flourished with clear expectations, and their behavior improved drastically when they had a predictable schedule each day.
Why Routines Are Important
Routines create a sense of security by making the world more predictable. They can help reduce stress and make tasks more manageable. For many autistic individuals, routines are a way to cope with sensory overload or social pressures, offering a break from the unpredictability of the outside world.
Common Features of Autistic Routines
- Consistency: Repeating tasks or activities in a set order helps create stability and predictability.
- Repetition: Engaging in the same actions repeatedly, like having the same breakfast each day, offers comfort.
- Time management: Knowing when things happen during the day can help manage transitions between tasks.
- Personalization: Routines are tailored to individual needs, which means no two routines are the same.
Types of Routines
Routines can vary widely from person to person, but here are some common types:
- Morning and evening routines: These routines set the tone for the day and help individuals wind down at night. Common elements might include brushing teeth, having a specific breakfast, or a bedtime ritual like reading a book.
- Sensory routines: Many autistic individuals have sensory preferences. A sensory routine could involve wearing certain clothes, listening to calming music, or using noise-canceling headphones.
- Meal and snack times: Some people have set meal times with specific foods or order of eating. A predictable meal routine helps manage sensory sensitivities around food.
- Activity-based routines: These routines may include daily physical exercises or specific hobbies like drawing, playing a game, or engaging in a favorite pastime.
- Social routines: Some individuals have social routines, such as greeting people a certain way or avoiding certain social situations that cause anxiety.
- Transition routines: Moving from one task to another can be difficult, so having a transition routine (like a five-minute warning before a change) can help reduce anxiety.
How ABA Therapy Can Help
At Bluebell ABA, we know that the right routine can transform daily life for autistic individuals. Our in-home ABA therapy and school-based ABA therapy are designed to help create routines that bring comfort, security, and independence.
Ready to support your loved one’s journey? Learn more about how we can assist at Bluebell ABA North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a routine gets disrupted?
Disruptions can cause stress, but coping strategies like deep breathing or a calming activity can help ease the anxiety.
Can routines be flexible?
Yes! While some routines are more rigid, others can be adjusted to fit the person’s comfort level, especially with the right support.
How does ABA therapy support routines?
ABA therapy helps individuals create routines that work for their unique needs, making transitions smoother and reducing stress in daily activities.
Sources:
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/about-autism/preference-for-order-predictability-or-routine
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/autism-and-routine.html
- https://www.marcus.org/autism-resources/autism-tips-and-resources/establishing-routines-at-home
- https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/health-and-lifestyle/autism-and-visual-schedules/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5903955/