Autism spectrum disorder is a form of neurodevelopmental disorder that affects behavior, communication, and social interaction. A common characteristic of ASD is having a strong preference for routines. Kids with autism tend to have a difficult time with changes in their schedules and environment. This may affect their cognitive development in New York. Here are a few reasons why children with ASD like routines:
- They provide a sense of stability and predictability to reduce anxiety.
- They provide a sense of control and help kids with autism feel less overwhelmed.
- They help reduce sensory overload through a predictable environment.
- They provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to reduce stress.
While creating and maintaining routines can be challenging, it can aid in your child’s overall growth and language development in New York. It’s important to be consistent to maintain routines. If possible, try to keep the same schedule every day, including weekends. This will help your child learn what to expect and do wonders for anxiety.
Similar to your child’s quality childcare environment, use visual aids at home. Many children with autism are visual learners, which means visual aids can be helpful in following routines. A visual schedule with pictures will help your child understand what to do next.
Routines should also be simple and easy to follow. While consistency is important, be flexible when necessary. If an unexpected task or event comes up, try to adjust your child’s routine as needed while still maintaining some level of predictability.
Sharon Baptist Head Start is your trusted provider of a high-quality educational program in Bronx, New York. Reach out to us to learn more about our programs.
