Understanding the Importance of Consistency in Autism

Importance of Consistency in Autism

In general, children thrive on routine, but for those with developmental and spectrum disorders, the importance of consistency in autism cannot be overstated. Consistency, routine, and repetition are all important fundamental aspects for the development of children with autism spectrum disorder, and this predictability and use of patterns can help in many significant ways. In fact, a good amount of research has shown that the implementation of a predictable, daily routine for children with autism can help them function more independently, as well as improve social and emotional health [1].

Routine and Autism

The link between routine and autism is strongly supported by the key role that consistency and predictability play in the everyday lives of children with ASD. With repetitive patterns of behavior, activities, and hobbies, children with ASD can bring stability and comfort into their lives. Some of the more prominent benefits that stress the importance of routine for autism include:

  • Reducing stress and power struggles - Anybody regimented to a schedule or routine can find relief from stress and anxiety. When children with ASD grow more familiar with their surroundings and expectations, routines can help them navigate their life with confidence and less worry.
  • Improving cooperation and motivation - When children with ASD feel safe and secure, their stress levels are down, and this can lead to them being more receptive to strengthening existing skills and learning new ones.
  • Creating an environment of security and comfort - Making sense of new behaviors, sounds, or events is often difficult for children with autism. Creating a secure environment can establish order, enabling children to thrive in their own comfort.
  • Prompting a genuine sense of ownership over their day - Accomplishments should always feel rewarding, and getting through a structured day can provide a sense of satisfaction after achieving certain goals and milestones.
  • Building stronger caregiver-child connections - As these feelings of security and comfort arise, children with autism may be more apt to connect with caregivers and others in social environments. 
  • Helping with learning - Very often, being introduced to a new environment can be stressful and make it harder for a child to effectively start therapy or school. As a child gets comfortable in their new routine, they will begin to focus better during therapy/school and start to develop new skills and learn more effectively [2].

Why is Routine Important for Autism?

For children with autism, routines are extremely beneficial because they tend to be predictable and reliable, making them genuinely feel more safe and secure. Because children with ASD tend to do well with repetition, it’s no surprise that they learn best with daily routines in place. The feeling of fulfillment is also a huge factor, and accomplishing these daily goals can bring on satisfaction and contentment.

Autism Routine and Structure

There are a number of ways to structure a daily routine for a child with ASD, and much of this predictability is dependent upon family endeavors and flexibility of lifestyle decisions. Regardless, certain activities like mealtimes and bedtimes occur daily, so most families find creating patterns around these activities helpful [3]. 

Here are some steps to help structure a routine for children with ASD.

  • Identify each task that you wish for your child to complete each day, and list the steps. This can include brushing their teeth, washing their face, reading a bedtime story, and doing routine things at similar times each day, such as eating, getting ready for school, going to sleep, and waking up.
  • Use the steps to create a schedule in whatever form works best for the child, such as a picture, a task list on the fridge, or even a video. With the latter, it can sometimes be helpful to take a picture whenever your child completes one of these tasks, to provide a visual reference they can refer to.
  • Refer to the schedule throughout the routine. You can also consider using alarms and timers at each step in the routine, providing an allotted time for each, such as when it’s time to go to bed. When these steps are completed, provide your child with praise or other reinforcements.
  • Consistency is key to a productive routine. Complete every step in the routine, and do them in the same order. Though it may take some time for your child to adjust accordingly, it’s important not to give up. Once the child is consistent with the routine, changing factors can also make them upset.
Autism Specialty Group

As one of South Florida’s leading behavioral health organizations, Autism Specialty Group offers professional, in-home ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. Our core values and objectives come from understanding the needs of our children, their parents, and the community, while providing the highest level of service, state of the art treatment and support systems, and an excellent team of accomplished professionals.

For any questions regarding our services, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

References

Marcus Autism Center. (n.d). Establishing routines at home. Retrieved December 14, 2021 from 

https://www.marcus.org/autism-resources/autism-tips-and-resources/establishing-routines-at-home

PediaPlex (2021, June 29). Importance of Routines. Retrieved December 14, 2021 from

    https://pediaplex.net/blog/importance-of-routines/

Therapeutic Pathways (2021, May 7). Why Children with Autism Need Routines at Home.

    Retrieved December 14, 2021 from

    https://www.tpathways.org/blog/why-children-with-autism-need-routines/

Autism Specialty Group