Back to Basics: Routines

Why Routines Matter

If your family's routine felt a little different over the holiday weekend, you're probably not alone.

Holidays, vacations, special events, and even a busy week can interrupt our normal schedules. While those moments can be fun, they can also make it harder to settle back into everyday life.

That's because routines provide something many children, and adults, benefit from: predictability.

Understanding Routines

When we hear the word routine, it's easy to picture a strict schedule where everything happens at exactly the same time every day.

In reality, routines are much more flexible than that.

A routine is a familiar sequence of activities that helps bring predictability to everyday life. Whether it's getting ready for school, brushing teeth before bed, or packing a backpack for therapy, routines help children know what to expect and what comes next.

The goal isn't to create a perfectly scheduled day.

The goal is to create predictable moments that help your child feel confident, learn new skills, and know what to expect.

Why Are Routines Important?

Routines create structure in a world that can sometimes feel unpredictable.

When children begin to know what comes next, they often feel more confident and secure. Predictable routines can reduce uncertainty while creating opportunities to practice everyday skills in a familiar environment.

Routines can also help with:

• Building independence

• Reducing stress and anxiety

• Making transitions easier

• Encouraging communication

• Practicing daily living skills

• Creating opportunities for learning throughout the day

Not every child needs the same routine, and not every routine will work for every family.

The goal isn't to create a routine that looks like someone else's. The goal is to create routines that work for your child and fit your family's everyday life.

Routines Don't Have to Be Rigid

One of the biggest misconceptions is that having routines means every part of the day has to be carefully planned.

That's simply not true.

Life happens.

Appointments run late.

Children get sick.

Plans change.

A helpful routine allows room for flexibility while still giving children a general idea of what to expect.

As children grow, routines will naturally change too, and that's okay.

Everyday Moments Become Learning Opportunities

Some of the best learning opportunities aren't found in a therapy room, they happen during everyday moments at home.

Think about how much learning takes place while:

• Brushing teeth

• Putting on shoes

• Setting the table

• Helping prepare a meal

• Reading a favorite book

• Cleaning up toys

• Packing a backpack

• Waiting in line at the grocery store

These moments may seem ordinary, but they're often where children practice communication, following directions, problem-solving, independence, patience, and daily living skills.

Learning doesn't only happen during therapy sessions or at school. Everyday life offers countless opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

Routines and Visual Supports

Some children benefit from visual supports as part of their daily routines. A picture schedule, written checklist, or first-then board can help make routines more predictable and easier to follow.

Visual supports can also encourage independence by helping children understand what comes next without relying solely on verbal reminders. Over time, many children begin completing familiar routines with less prompting and greater confidence.

If you'd like to learn more, be sure to read Back to Basics: Visual Supports, where we explore different types of visual supports and practical ways to use them at home and in everyday life.

Here's a Practical Place to Begin

Choose just one routine this week.

It could be getting ready in the morning.

Brushing teeth.

Cleaning up toys.

Getting ready for bed.

Observe what is already going well.

Notice where your child may need a little extra support.

Start with small changes instead of trying to change your entire day all at once.

Small routines often lead to big successes over time.

Every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to autism support. As you continue learning, remember that progress often comes from observing your child, trying new strategies, working alongside your team, and discovering what works best for your family.

Learn • Observe • Support • Personalize • Collaborate • Stay Open-Minded

Back to Basics

Taking complex topics and breaking them into simple, practical steps for families.