I’ve had to update this post because when I initially did it the autism routine disruption was COVID shutting everything down. So my son went from going to school like normal to zoom school. Then after about a year, he went back to school but it was different. Everyone was wearing masks and different protocols were in effect.
Our kids have been through so many changes in the past few years. Even as adults a lot of our social skills went out the window. And I don’t even want to mention how our mental health really declined during this time. Some of us are not the same people we were a few years ago. Even though our kids have shown so much growth and progress the autism routine disruption was something we really had to address.
How does autism affect routine?
Predictable routines and environments tend to provide comfort and stability for autistic people of all ages. I often talk about how my son loves routine. He does the same thing at the same time every day you could set your clock by it. Oftentimes he asks me for food at the same time even if he’s not hungry because he knows that’s what he should be doing. The problem comes in because he doesn’t eat it, he only wanted it because it’s his routine.
Why is routine so important for autism?
Like most autistic kids, Santana thrives with a routine. It gives them peace in a world that can be crazy and chaotic. It helps them feel safe. If there is a sudden change in routine, or if a routine is disrupted, this can have a very negative effect on the child’s behavior.
Why do some individuals with autism find changes to routines so distressing?
When we had to abruptly stop going to school Santana was in a state of confusion. Even though I did my best to explain what was going on, nothing made sense to him. And then he would have a meltdown. He was inconsolable. I completely understood because routines give him comfort and stability. And if you really think about it the world was also doing the same thing. Nobody knew what was happening next so everything got chaotic. The first thing people do in times of uncertainty is hoard food and supplies!
Is it possible for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder to not be disturbed by changes in routine?
It’s always important to remember that all autistic people are not the same. What affects or disturbs one person might not affect another.
What are some autistic routine examples?
How to handle disruptions in routine:
- So what can you do when you have unexpected changes in your routine? Try establishing a new routine. You can start small to gradually introduce new situations to your kiddo, or when there is going to be a change in your daily routine.
- Create a safe space at home. I try to make sure our home is a safe space for him. As a parent, I want to always support him and give him the freedom to be himself. I have also created a sensory room/space for him as well for whenever he is feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated.
- Being consistent in our strategies. More than anything the thing that is going to help him make sense of our everyday movements and actions is consistency. Autistic kiddos naturally like repetitive actions.
- Take breaks. We spend a lot of time doing schoolwork, homework, and therapy sessions. It seems neverending. Even though we know early intervention is key. We still always make time to just be a regular family! We let the kids play in the backyard or just relax and watch a movie together as a family.
Routines are important to the needs of autistic individuals
Change is constant. And no matter how hard we try there are some things that are really out of our control. Whenever there is an autism routine disruption it can create chaos in what is an already chaotic world for autistic children. We are doing our best to help our son regulate his emotions as best as he can.
[…] of children know how much preparation goes into the holidays. There is a huge disruption in routine during the holidays because we usually go on winter break during that time. I’ve said this […]