A lot of us have routines. If something or someone affects our routine it throws us off. However, we adjust and just roll with it. For people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it’s not that simple. It’s not just upsetting but changing their routines can feel like chaos for them.
Our son started an integrated preschool program when he was 3 years old. An integrated preschool is a type of educational program that brings together typically developing children and children with developmental disabilities in the same classroom. The goal of integrated preschools is to provide an inclusive learning environment where all children can learn and grow together. It was an amazing learning experience for him. However, we also found out he was having difficulties with the structured environment. We started using an autism chore chart to help him transition from one activity to the next.
What Are Transitions?
To put it simply a transition is shifting from one activity to another. When we actually took the time to think about it we realized Santana has always been a creature of habit. He has a routine and he doesn’t like to deviate. Even if we are driving somewhere if we take a different route he gets upset. It’s crazy how much kids remember!
What is an autism chore chart?
An autism chore chart is a visual tool that is designed to help children with autism (or special needs) develop and maintain daily routines and responsibilities. The chart typically lists specific chores (household chores) or tasks that the child is expected to complete, along with a visual representation of the task and a space to mark when it has been completed.
The purpose of an autism chore chart is to provide structure, consistency, and predictability to the child’s daily routine. As you know our son thrives with a routine and predictability. Having a clear set of expectations for different chores and responsibilities is a great way to help him feel more secure and confident in his daily life. If we are being honest I’m a person who needs to write a chore list for everything. It doesn’t matter if it’s for grocery shopping or just a daily to-do list. I feel less overwhelmed when I have visual supports in front of me.
When he was in daycare they had visual schedule cards they had posted. They would do all sorts of activities throughout the day. However, if Santana wasn’t interested (which was a lot) he would just go and play. Nobody would make Santana come join the rest of the class. They would just let him do his own thing. So, he would pretty much spend his day playing.
Why do some autistic children have a hard time transitioning between tasks?
Autistic people may have difficulty with transitions due to challenges with flexibility and changes in routine. Autistic individuals often rely on structure and predictability in their daily lives to feel safe and secure. Transitions can disrupt this sense of stability and cause anxiety, confusion, and discomfort.
Sensory processing difficulties can also play a role in why autistic individuals struggle with transitions. Transitions may involve changes in sensory input, such as a change in lighting, noise level, or physical environment. These changes can be overwhelming and cause sensory overload, leading to increased anxiety and difficulty coping with the transition.
How can an autism chore chart help?
Autism chore charts can be customized to meet the individual needs and preferences of the child. For example, the chart may include pictures or symbols instead of words to make it more accessible for children with language delays.
Overall, an autism chore chart can be a useful tool for parents and caregivers to help children with autism develop important life skills and routines, while also providing a sense of structure and predictability in their daily lives.
Here are some tips for creating an autism chore chart (or choice board):
- Keep it simple: The chart should be easy for your child to understand and follow. Use picture communication symbols instead of words if necessary.
- Choose appropriate daily tasks: Select daily chores that match your child’s abilities and interests. For example, if they love animals, you can assign them the task of feeding pets.
- Break down larger tasks: If there are bigger chores that need to be done, break them down into smaller steps so that they don’t seem overwhelming.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key! Stick to the same routine every day so that your child knows what to expect.
What are some other visual aids you can add to your routine?
One of the biggest things our son had a problem with is not understanding what was going to happen next. So instead of just catching him off guard and just making him stop something, he’s enjoying abruptly. We started giving him something like a warning. So, we started using a timer.
They have different ones but the one we found we set for 2 minutes. We tell Santana “Okay in 2 minutes we have to clean up.” When it gets to 1 minute it lights up, so he knows something is about to happen even if he isn’t quite sure what it is yet. When the timer is up it buzzes and changes color again. We then put our hands up and say “ALL DONE!” This has been a good way for us to prepare him for his next activity.
Another great tool is a sand timer. I keep a sand timer on the bathtub. When he has 2 minutes left I go through the same routine. He loves watching the sand and knows once it’s all gone it’s time to get out.
We love how useful the autism chore chart has been
It is important to note that not all autistic individuals experience difficulties with transitions to the same degree, and each person’s experience may be unique. It’s always been important to me to share our experiences because you never know if someone else may be going through the same thing. As a parent of a child with autism, one of the biggest challenges I face is creating and maintaining a routine. Utilizing a chore chart has been a great resource to help our son understand what is expected of him each day and provide structure to his routine. We’ve noticed fewer meltdowns and improved behavior. By breaking down tasks into manageable steps and providing visual cues, the chore chart has helped simplify daily routines and reduce stress for all of us. It was also important to us to allow our son to have some input in its creation while tailoring it to his specific needs.
Are there any other sensory tools that have been beneficial for your loved one? I would also love to hear about any visual resources you love using!
Kish
I agree, kids do remember everything! My son is a creature of habit and if we do anything out of our normal routine he will ask a ton of questions. I love the idea of using a timer. That gives him a warning of what’s to come next so that he can transition into something else without having a meltdown. Great job momma, thanks for sharing!