Hello, dear visitors!
Today, I'm going to bring you something a little different and a little special. Mr. Sean Morris wrote an article for me to share on my blog about something near and dear to my heart, the special needs community.
I am very happy to host this Guest Post, and I hope it helps you, dear reader, in some way. Now, without further ado, I present Mr. Sean Morris with Daily Routines for ASD: Helping Your Child Live Better.
Kids with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) typically require a daily routine of some kind. Depending on your child’s unique difficulties, and preferences, you may or may not need a strict routine each day. However, some routine to each day will infinitely help your child cope with any difficulties they may experience. While it is best to observe your child and work with a counselor to create the optimum routine, here are a few tips for forming a routine for kids with ASD.
Set a Morning Routine
Most kids with ASD struggle to get going in the mornings. Grogginess and general displeasure at being awake can make for behavioral issues or other disruptive patterns. So, even if the rest of your daily routine is loose, set up a reliable morning routine to make things easier on both you and your child.
A good regimen might include a consistent wake-up time, the same or similar breakfast foods each day, getting dressed directly after, and brushing teeth. Find something that works well for your unique situation and stick to it.
Make Life Skill Lessons a Constant
Teaching your child to learn valuable life skills to facilitate independence is very important for parents raising a child with ASD. Many will struggle with basic self-care such as buttoning clothes or tying shoes. Do your best to work life skill practice into your regular routine. For some families, this is accomplished through special programs at school or with the help of a therapist.
Behavioral therapists who specialize in ASD are an extraordinarily helpful tool for families with ASD children. The sessions can provide a short break for frazzled parents while helping their children learn to cope with life’s daily difficulties.
Set an Evening Routine
Kids with ASD will also struggle with going to bed at the end of the day. As opposed to morning difficulties, kids with ASD will be unable to wind down at the end of a day. In fact, many kids with ASD suffer from sleep difficulties which in turn exacerbates daytime hardships for both child and parent.
To help your child sleep better, set up an evening routine. A set series of expected actions at the same time each night will train the brain to learn when it should sleep. A good sequence might be to turn off screens, have the child change into pajamas, brush teeth, and listen to a bedtime story. Of course, each child is unique, and you should utilize trial and error to find out what works best for you and your child.
Raising a child with autism is a challenge. You learn something new about your child every day and try your hardest to make sure they are happy and healthy. Routine is one of the best ways you can make both your and your child’s life easier and less stressful. Given that all human minds thrive when provided routine, you may be surprised just how much your child’s routine benefits you as well. Work with a counselor and establish consistent routines to maximize your child’s potential and help him thrive.
Sean Morris is a former social worker turned stay-at-home dad. He knows what it’s like to juggle family and career. He did it for years until deciding to become a stay-at-home dad after the birth of his son. Though he loved his career in social work, he has found this additional time with his kids to be the most rewarding experience of his life. He began writing for LearnFit.org to share his experiences and to help guide anyone struggling to find the best path for their life, career, and/or family.
Image via Pixabay by Master Tux
Thank you once again for stopping by. Have a wonderful day.
All the Best,
Y. Correa :D
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