Parents and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum are told early on that their children rely on them to build structure and routine into their day utilizing visual strategies such as calendars, mini schedules, "First and Then" charts, etc. This is all absolutely true and will continue to be one of the first questions that parents will get, "How have you structured your child's day? What visuals does your child have to help him understand the routine reducing his anxiety?" BUT, what is equally important is to teach these children how to handle when there is a change in their routine. This often times gets forgotten because our kiddos on the autism spectrum get so relient on these routines that it makes life calmer for the parents at home. Although, because of that third symptom of autism "restricted and repetitive behaviors and/or routines" if we don't teach the skill of change continuously then anxiety occurs creating meltdowns.
I found this article that I liked mainly due to the fact that it is short and gives easy to follow ideas. But one of the suggestions that jumped out at me that made me want to write this to all of you was how parents need to make sure that the little routines that they do everyday do not become so rigid that the child learn there is only one right way. Over the years this has come up so many times with the response being that the parents have created these rigid routines out of survival but sometimes without even realizing they are doing it.
With the new school year upon us in a matter of days now, read this and start to be more aware of the little routines that you may be creating that can become challenging in the future.
Good Luck!
Sabra Evans
Change Happens Article---Click this link
I found this article that I liked mainly due to the fact that it is short and gives easy to follow ideas. But one of the suggestions that jumped out at me that made me want to write this to all of you was how parents need to make sure that the little routines that they do everyday do not become so rigid that the child learn there is only one right way. Over the years this has come up so many times with the response being that the parents have created these rigid routines out of survival but sometimes without even realizing they are doing it.
With the new school year upon us in a matter of days now, read this and start to be more aware of the little routines that you may be creating that can become challenging in the future.
Good Luck!
Sabra Evans
Change Happens Article---Click this link
