Creating Daily Schedules for Kids on the Autism Spectrum
"I have a 4 year old boy, Chris, who has been diagnosed with autism (high functioning), and I need help on making a daily schedule or routine that will help us both. I’m currently at a loss. Nothing seems to be working. I would love examples of schedules. Please assist in this matter!" A daily schedule definitely benefits high functioning autistic ( Asperger’s ) children by providing the structured environment that is critical to their sense of security and mastery. If you spend any time in a kindergarten or elementary school, you will be amazed at the teacher's ability to organize the students’ day. When you understand the nature of attachment in your son, you will realize that shared communication and goals replace his attachment patterns. The daily schedule communicates the family's shared goals and allows the child to contribute to his accomplishment. Each time he follows the schedule, he has a small – but cumulative – experience of mastery of his environmen