Life with kids can feel like a constant balancing act, and for families with children on the autism spectrum, navigating daily routines and unexpected changes can sometimes feel like a tightrope walk without a safety net. At Tellos, we understand this deeply. We believe in providing compassionate, in-home ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapy that truly makes a difference in your family's life, not just your child's.
ABA therapy is like having a supportive coach come alongside your family to help your child learn important skills and navigate daily life more smoothly. It's about understanding how your child learns best and using those insights to help them thrive.
One area where ABA therapy can make a significant impact is around routines and transitions. We all rely on routines to provide structure and predictability. For children on the autism spectrum, this need for predictability can be even stronger. Changes in routine, even seemingly small ones, can sometimes lead to frustration, anxiety, or challenging behaviours.
Why are transitions and changes in routine so difficult for autistic children?
The intensity of distress seen during a transition stems from a deep-seated need for predictability and differences in how the autistic brain processes and manages change.
Reliance on Predictability
Routines provide a sense of safety and control. When a routine changes, the child's brain perceives this as a loss of control, leading to significant anxiety.
Cognitive Rigidity
It can be difficult for a child with autism to mentally switch gears from one activity to the next. The effort required to stop a preferred activity and start a new, potentially less preferred one is cognitively demanding.
Processing Delays
It may take longer for an autistic child to process and understand the instruction about the upcoming change, leaving them feeling rushed and confused.
Uncertainty about the Next Step
Without a clear understanding of what happens next, the anxiety spikes, often manifesting as resistance or a meltdown.
Does having a strict routine help reduce anxiety in autism?
Absolutely. Structure and predictability are powerful tools for managing anxiety in autistic children. A well-designed routine acts like a visual anchor for their day, reducing the emotional work required to figure out what's happening.
Reduces Cognitive Load
When the sequence of events is known (e.g., Dinner → Bath → Book → Bed), the child doesn't have to expend energy worrying about what comes next.
Builds Confidence
Consistent routines increase independence. When a child knows the steps for getting dressed or preparing their snack, they can successfully complete the task, which boosts their self-esteem.
Sets the Stage for Flexibility
Paradoxically, establishing a strong, consistent routine is the foundation for teaching flexibility. You must first establish trust in the routine before you can gradually introduce small, supported changes.
What are examples of visual schedules for autism?
Visual schedules are the gold standard for supporting routines and reducing transition anxiety. They translate abstract time and sequencing into concrete, understandable pictures or written words.
First/Then Boards
Simple two-step schedules used to encourage completion of a less-preferred task by showing the immediate preferred reward that follows.
Daily Strip Schedules
A vertical or horizontal strip of pictures representing the entire day's sequence (e.g., Wake Up → Brush Teeth → Breakfast → School). Pictures are removed as each task is completed.
Mini-Schedules
Used for a single activity that involves multiple steps, like "Getting Dressed" (Put on shirt → Put on trousers → Put on socks).
"Finished" Pockets
When a task is completed, the picture card is placed in a "Finished" box or envelope, providing a clear visual cue that the activity is truly over.
What is a first/then board and how do I use it for transitions?
The First/Then strategy is a powerful positive reinforcement tool used to make challenging transitions more manageable. It clearly shows the child the contingency between an undesired task and a guaranteed reward.
How to Use It
Place a picture or written cue for the non-preferred activity ("First") next to a picture or cue for a highly-preferred activity ("Then"). For example: "First, tidy toys... Then, iPad."
Function
It motivates the child to complete the "First" task because the "Then" reward is immediately visible and predictable. It manages the expectation and provides a clear end point to the challenge.
Keep It Immediate
The reward must be accessible as soon as the "First" task is completed to maintain its reinforcing power.
How should I warn an autistic child about a transition?
Giving advance warning is crucial for allowing an autistic child time to process the change and mentally prepare. Without a warning, the transition feels abrupt and upsetting.
Use Timers
Set a visual timer (e.g., sand timer, digital countdown timer) and state clearly: "When the sand runs out, we are going to bath time." This provides a concrete, neutral visual cue.
Verbal Prompts
Use two simple verbal warnings: a 5-minute warning ("In 5 minutes, it will be time to put the blocks away") and a 1-minute warning ("One more minute!"). Be consistent with the exact phrasing.
Integrate with Visuals
Point to the visual schedule to show them what is currently happening and what is coming next. Say: "See? We are playing now, next is reading."
How does ABA therapy help increase flexibility in children with autism?
ABA therapy doesn't aim to eliminate routines; it aims to build flexibility within the routine. Our therapists use systematic, positive strategies to slowly expand your child's ability to cope with minor changes.
Planned Variances
Our therapists gradually introduce small, supported variations into the routine. This might be eating a snack in a different seat, using a different coloured cup, or taking a slightly different route to the park.
Teaching Coping Skills
We teach your child functional behaviours to use when a change happens, such as asking for a "break" or using a relaxation technique, instead of resorting to meltdowns.
Reinforcing Tolerance
When your child successfully tolerates a small, planned change, the tolerance itself is heavily reinforced with praise and rewards. This positive experience teaches them that changes are not always threatening.
Tellos: Partnering with You on Your Family's Rhythm
Our goal at Tellos is to empower your family to thrive. We believe that by focusing on compassionate, individualised support, we can help your child develop the skills they need to navigate their world with greater confidence and ease. Learning how to create supportive routines and manage transitions is a cornerstone of this journey, paving the way for a more harmonious and fulfilling life for your child and your entire family for years to come.
If you're curious to learn more about how Tellos can support your family, we invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Let's talk about how we can help you find your family's rhythm.
People Also Ask Questions
- Why are transitions and changes in routine so difficult for autistic children?
- What are examples of visual schedules for autism?
- How does ABA therapy help increase flexibility in children with autism?
- How should I warn an autistic child about a transition?
- What is a first/then board and how do I use it for transitions?
- Does having a strict routine help reduce anxiety in autism?
