How to Make a Schedule for Child That Is Autistic
Autistic children are more successful when they can follow a strict schedule because they are so comfortable with a routine. Whether you're a teacher or a parent of an autistic child, having a daily schedule will help your day go more smoothly, since the child will have a better understanding of what is coming next. Use visual cues and post the schedule in a noticeable spot.
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Instructions
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Make a list of the things that your child needs to do. Be very specific in this list. Remember that an autistic child may not fully understand "Get ready for school" but can understand things like "Change clothes," "Eat breakfast" and "Brush teeth."
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Find pictures to represent each task. An autistic child may not yet be able to read, so pictures make communication easy. You can use the pictures from the Picture Exchange Communication System, which can make it easier to use a schedule both at school and at home. Alternatively, you can take a picture of your child doing each action and use those pictures. If you laminate the pictures, they'll last longer.
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Put the pictures in the correct order on the poster board. Use Velcro or tape to stick the pictures in the order for the day. It's best to make this changeable, so that you can reorder the schedule on days that there is something a little different. If your child is older, he may appreciate connecting these images with a particular time, so your poster board can have an image of a clock at different times and you put the picture next to the time.
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Create mini-schedules for different activities. For example, your child may need a schedule for how to brush teeth, use the toilet or change his or her clothes.
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Shift to a written schedule. As your child grows and becomes more aware of the written language, you can stop using pictures in favor of a written schedule.
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Tips & Warnings
Praise your child for doing a task correctly. This will motivate your child to continue with the schedule.
You can create a reward system that's attached to the schedule as well--when the child completes all of the tasks on the list, he or she can do something that he enjoys doing, such as watching a favorite TV show or reading a book.
Listing the full day's activities at one time can be overwhelming to an autistic child. You may want to create separate schedules for morning, afternoon and evening.
It will take time for your child to get used to the new schedule system. Expect some initial resistance.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit 7h20 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com
