Many neurodivergent learners thrive on structure. In fact, when there is an interruption to the routine, it can lead to anxiety, anger, or trigger a meltdown. If your child thrives on routine, then you know how unpleasant an interruption to the structure of the day can be for both you and your child.
There are times when a change in schedule just cannot be avoided but if your child does well with structure, do your best to maintain a predictable schedule daily.
Here are a few tips to managing transitions and routines, to keep your days running smoothly:
- Establish daily routines. Bedtime, wake up time, brushing teeth, making the bed and anything else your child is required to do daily. The routine reduces anxiety and sets expectations.
- Give a 5 minute warning when it is time to transition from one activity to the next. Abrupt changes can trigger anxiety or meltdowns. Preparing your child for what is coming next with a heads up makes it easier to move on to the next activity.
- Be consistent. This can be hard because some days, you might not feel like being structured. Understand that your child needs the structure and it makes the day run smoother for him. Keep this in mind. Also if you have had a particularly busy day, try to have the next day be a day for recovery. You may see the anxiety have a delayed manifestation. You don’t want to be blindsided with a meltdown when you are away from home.
- Have a plan for meltdowns. Know what you can do to calm your child: a quiet place, soft music, breathing exercises, a comfort pillow or a special toy. Have these things easily accessible should the inevitable happen.
In addition to reducing anxiety and meltdowns, managing transitions and routines have the added benefit of fostering skill development through consistent practice with tasks, developing independence in your child, and improving focus on tasks. Predictability with regular daily routines can also contribute to increased self-confidence.