Children tend to thrive when they know what to expect. For children with autism, this need for predictability can be even stronger. Structure acts like a safety net. It provides a sense of control and predictability in a child’s life, which can reduce stress. At the same time, creating a structured, routine-filled environment is not always easy. The good news is that even small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Keep reading for practical tips to help bring more structure into your family’s day-to-day life.
Why Routines Matter
Routines can help your child understand what to expect. This may reduce anxiety and other unpleasant feelings and can prevent challenging behaviors. Through repeated exposure to a routine, children become better able to regulate thoughts, emotions and behavior (Selman & Dilworth-Bart, 2024). When they know what comes next, transitions between activities become smoother, and the day feels more manageable for the whole family.
For parents, routines can turn chaotic mornings, bedtime struggles or mealtime challenges into predictable experiences. When you create consistent patterns of activities, children can anticipate what’s expected of them, which often leads to increased cooperation.
Researchers investigating the benefits of structure have found that routines are associated with:
- Improved cognitive functioning
- Reduced stress on the child and caregivers
- Better emotional regulation
- Enhanced delayed gratification
- Improved impulse control
- Higher self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-reliance
- Better academic outcomes (Selman & Dilworth-Bart, 2024)
How to Create Routines at Home
One of the most important things to consider when developing a routine is whether it’s realistic for your family. Every family is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
1. Start small. Start with just one or two routines. Think about parts of your day that adding structure would result in the greatest impact. Focus on making these consistent before adding more.
2. Consider barriers. When making a new routine, think about what might make it difficult to consistently stick to. Are there time constraints, scheduling conflicts, stressors or other barriers that could get in the way? Taking an honest look at potential obstacles before you begin will help you plan more effectively.
3. Use visual supports. Children with autism often respond well to visual supports. Use visual schedules, first-then boards, or other visual prompts to help illustrate the steps of the routine.
4. Stay consistent. When trying out a new routine, ensure consistency for a few weeks before making any big changes. Give it some time to see if your child adapts. Most children need repeated exposure to new patterns before they feel comfortable and can follow them independently.
5. Break tasks down. Divide complex activities into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if your child is learning to get themselves dressed independently in the morning, you could break the routine of getting dressed into individual steps, like ‘take pajamas off,’ ‘put a shirt on,’ ‘put pants on,’ and so on.
6. Avoid being too rigid. Finding the balance between structure and flexibility is key. While routines provide comfort and predictability, it’s important not to become overly rigid in following them. Occasionally, minor changes are healthy and can help your child build resilience. This is especially valuable for children with autism, who may be more prone to inflexible adherence to routines.
You can support your child by modeling calm coping strategies when changes arise and by preparing them in advance whenever possible.
7. Work with your child’s therapy team. Your BCBA can support you in creating individualized routines with visuals and other supports that work for your family.
Building a Foundation for Growth
As families go about their daily lives, it can be easy for routines to fall by the wayside. But even simple, consistent habits can make a big difference in helping children with autism feel secure. Routines aren’t about rigid perfection. Rather, they offer a framework for daily life that enables growth and reduces stress.
At Quest ABA, we partner with families to create practical strategies that fit into real life. If you’re interested in learning how we can help your child thrive through structure and support, we’d love to connect with you.
References
Selman, S. B., & Dilworth-Bart, J. E. (2024). Routines and child development: A systematic review. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 16(2), 272–328. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12549