The Importance of Routine For Children With Autism

83 / 100

The Importance of Routine for Children With Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in every 88 people in the United States.

It’s also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which means that it affects many different areas of development, including social skills, communication, and behavior.

Create A Daily Routine

Daily routine for children with autism helps kids learn how to adapt to changes in their environment.

They need to understand what will happen next so they can prepare themselves mentally and physically.

Routine for children with autism help them develop self-control and independence.

calm down

Establish a Bedtime Routine.

Establish a bedtime routine by using a timer to set an alarm clock at the same time every day.

This will help your child fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

It also gives him or her a sense of security and control.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends establishing a bedtime routine for children with ASD.

These routines should include activities such as brushing teeth, getting ready for bed, reading books, listening to music, and having conversations with parents.

Set up a Morning Routine.

If your child has trouble falling asleep, try setting up a morning routine.

Start by waking your child at the same time each day.

Then, give him or her something to do before going to sleep.

For instance, read a book, play a board game, or watch a favorite show.


The first step to managing ASD symptoms is establishing a morning routine.

A typical morning routine includes getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and going outside.

These activities help children develop self-control and independence.

routines for children with autism

Develop an Evening Routine.

After dinner, make sure your child goes to bed at the same time every night.

This will help him or her fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Also, develop an evening routine so he or she knows what to expect when getting ready for bed.

For instance, brush teeth, put pajamas on, turn off lights, and say goodnight.

For children with ASD, developing routines is essential because it helps them feel secure and comfortable in new situations.

Routines help kids learn what to expect from day to day activities, and they also help them develop self-control

Plan Activities Ahead of Time.

If your child has trouble sleeping, try planning activities before bedtime.

For example, read books together, play games, or do puzzles.

These activities will keep your child busy and prevent him or her from thinking too much about sleep.

For children who struggle with ASD, there are several things that parents can do to help them develop better social skills.

One thing that helps is planning activities ahead of time.

When kids know what they’re going to be doing at a certain time, they tend to feel less anxious and more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do You Create Routines For Children With Autism?

Routine is one of the key elements of any child’s life. It helps him/her develop self-control, learn social skills, and become independent. For kids with autism, routine is particularly important because they often struggle with following directions and making decisions.

autism routines

Blossom Children's Center

Autism & Routines: The Benefits & Importance for Autistic Children

About Brewgirl

Hey there!  I'm Betsy.  Mom, RN, special education teacher and blogger at The Autism Daily Brew.  Working hard to bring you the best resources in autism.