Most children with ASD prefer some level of structure and familiarity in their day to day routines. While it is typically not possible to create the same amount of structure at home that children have at school, there are some ways to provide some structure at home so your child at least knows what to expect from day to day.
• Create anchor points in your day to give your child an idea of what to expect. You don’t have to plan out every moment of the day, but provide some general idea of what you will be doing each day. Below is an example:
o Breakfast
o Play with toys
o Electronic time
o Lunch
o Play outside
o Play with toys or electronic time
o Dinner
o Bath
o Bed
• Use visual supports to help communicate the routine or any upcoming activities to your child. What type of visual supports depends on your child’s current skill level. You can use pictures that you take on your phone, a written schedule if your child reads, or line drawings that you can typically find on-line. You may also use a calendar with a picture or something that represents being home on each of the days that school is out. Here is some additional information about how to use visual supports.
It can be difficult to find the positives in our current situation. After all, none of us planned for or expected this to happen. There are some ways to use the extra time we have with our children to connect and engage, and maybe even work on learning a few new skills.
Using motivation and interests
• Using a child’s motivation and interests creates opportunities to engage and also to help your child learn new skills. For example, is your child likes dinosaurs, you can read books with your child and work on skills such as sounding out new words, identifying objects in the pictures, or answering comprehension questions (Who, what when, where, and why). If your child enjoys certain toys or activities, join them. If your child initially prefers to play alone, just watch and observe while making an occasional comment about what they are doing. As your child becomes more comfortable with you being part of the activity, you can ask questions, model new ways of playing with the toy/activity, and work on other skills based on your child’s current abilities (eg: turn taking, pointing or using words to request, answering questions, tolerating a new way of playing, etc).
Exercise
Take time to get outside, or get some exercise indoors. Exercise is a great way for all of us to reset, especially when we start to get restless and anxious from extended time at home. Research shows that exercise can help decrease self-stimulatory behaviors, hyperactivity, and aggression. Add some movement time into your daily routine for the benefit of everyone in the house. You can take a walk, go to the park, or go outside and play ball. Anything that gets everyone moving is helpful.
Below you can access the weekly newsletters we began sending when school ended in March due to COVID-19. The newsletters include resources and tips of the week, with information families can use in day to day life at home.
March 19, 2020
Managing at Home During Coronavirus
March 27, 2020
Connecting with Your Child
April 2, 2020
Autism Awareness Month
April 8, 2020
Capturing Everyday Moments
April 14, 2020
Let's Get Moving
April 24, 2020
Just Pick One
April 30, 2020
Building Coping Skills
May 5, 2020
Your Feedback is Needed
May 6, 2020
Taking Care of Yourself
May 14, 2020
Preparing to Return to a New Normal
May 21, 2020
Challenging Behavior During Challenging Times
May 28, 2020
Come Check Out Our New Website Section
June 9, 2020
New Website Focus: "Learn About Autism"
June 16, 2020
New Website Focus: "Access Services and Supports"
June 23, 2020
New Website Focus: "Advocate and Form Partnerships"
July 2, 2020
New Website Focus: "Learning Helpful Everyday Strategies"
July 8, 2020
New Website Focus: "Make a Plan"
July 14, 2020
New Website Focus: "Learn About Family Health and Wellbeing"
July 21, 2020
2020 Oklahoma Statewide Autism Conference Update
July 29, 2020
Tips for Virtual IEP meetings
August 12, 2020
Tips for Remote Learning
August 20, 2020
Preparing for a "School" Schedule
August 25, 2020
Virtual Learning and Managing Screen Time, Part 1
September 2, 2020
Virtual Learning and Managing Screen Time, Part 2