Using a daily schedule during COVID-19 can be extremely helpful for individuals with ASD. Below are some tips for implementing a daily schedule and the importance of using one!
Why use a visual schedule?
During quarantine all of our routines have been disrupted. Some individuals are now working more than ever as essential workers, some may have lost their jobs and be worried about bills. Many parents are now expected to homeschool their children or provide therapeutic interventions. So why is it important to use a visual schedule during this time? Consistency!
While it may seem overwhelming at first to implement a visual schedule, there are so many benefits for you and your child.
1. Comfort
A new routine can be scary, so a visual of what the schedule is can help individuals on the spectrum know what to expect in their day. In the same way that we may reach for comfort foods or cling to our routines more tightly during this time, children find comfort in routines.
2. Structure
During this time, you may be observing regression or changes in your child’s speech, their sleep patterns, their behaviors, and more. Structure is a great way to help combat these big changes. If a child doesn’t know when they have access to a tablet, they may continue to ask for the tablet all day, which can lead to a meltdown. Similarly, if a child has difficulty sitting for meal times, a visual schedule and clear expectations that they need to sit while eating will help them transition more smoothly when schools and therapy centers reopen.
3. Limited verbals
A visual schedule is perfect for younger children or children who have receptive language challenges because it requires limited verbals. Instead of you repeating an expectation or activity, you can hold up a picture of the activity for your child.
What to Include
When creating a daily schedule, you can include any activities you typically do throughout the day with your child! For example, you may include brush teeth, eat breakfast, TV time, toy time, walk outside, lunch time, quiet time, tablet time, sensory time, etc. Creating your own schedule may seem overwhelming, but your child's teachers and therapists can help! Additionally, you have control over which activities you want to include. There are also many examples on Pinterest that can be used as a starting point.
Creative Activities
During this quarantine, it can be an opportunity to introduce novel fun activities for you child! For example, you can cook edible dough with your child or make honey paint together. If you are able to be home with your child and spend extra time with them, creative sensory projects can be a great way to encourage communication and attention.
Providing structure through a visual schedule can help you and your child have successful days during COVID-19. Additionally, the schedule can help limit anxiety about what is coming next or frustration about why a certain activity is not available at a certain time.
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