A Regular Routine Is A Must For Autistic Adolescents
In order to successfully parent an autistic child, one of the most important things a parent needs to know is that an autistic child needs routine. Children with autism live in a world full of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. By having a routine, they are reassured in the knowledge that they will know what will happen next.
Children with autism are extremely uncomfortable with changes that upset their schedule and as a result they do not know how to handle or to even cope with those changes; consequently if this happens, a tantrum will almost inevitably ensue because they are no longer in their comfort zone. Autistic children have a difficulty seeing the big picture because they lack perspective and as a result they get attached to small details. So they cling to their routines because it makes them feel safe; their mood remains at an even keel, peace of mind is in tact, and their anxiety levels are stable.
It is important that their routine be something tangible, something that they can touch and see like a physical schedule this way they already know what their day will consist of, in terms of activities thus creating consistency and predictability for them. A physical schedule will also provide to them a sense of accomplishment.
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