Using Schedules to Mangage Meltdowns at Home, School and in the Community

We know that change is  hard  for our kids on the autism spectrum. The smallest disruption in their schedule can send them into extreme meltdowns. The concept of waiting can also be hard for our kids. Its like they have an internal clock telling them it is time to go. The world does not always work in our favor. With that being said, how do we support our kids when change happens or we have to "wait" longer than normal. In my classroom I like to use schedule boards to visually show my kids  a change in schedule is happening. These boards also serve as a way to help support kids through the waiting process. These boards could easily be adapted to use at home or in the community as well. Consider times of day  at home when your child meltdowns. Is it when you are cooking dinner? Waiting for the bus in the morning? Waiting in a doctors office? Changes in night time routine? Consider those times of day and consider ways that you could embed a schedule to help support those stressful times for you child. Below is a schedule I use in my classroom when waiting for the last bus at the end of the day. 

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1. First I set a timer. For this particular schedule I use 10 minute increments. This could be longer or shorter depending on the length of time needed. 

2. The child checks schedule pulling off one visual icon at at time. The timer is set and child uses the bathroom. 

3. When timer goes off the child checks schedule and then completes home note

4. As the child is checking schedule the child puts icons in an "all done" bin. This could be any kind of container. This is an important component for the child to understand they have completed that portion of the schedule. 

5. Then I like to give my kids choice. This is also an important component to have ownership in the schedule. 

6. After ccompleting home note and packing bookbag I give the child thre choices of preferred acttivites. I let them choose their preferred activity and put it on the schedule. The child then checks schedule and completes activity. For this schedule the preferred activity chose was sensory bin. The timer is always set during preferred activities. When the timer goes off the child will then check schedule. 

They will complete this process of checking schedule until they get to the very end of the schedule. 

I have found using schedule boards to be effective in helping kids deal with schedule changes more approrpriately. It is a good way to give kids a purpose or job to complete during those times of  long waiting or changes to thier daily routine. Try it our for yourself . 

Enjoy your time with your family. Rest and be well. If you have any additional questions or ideas I would love to hear from you. See the possible. 

Dulce 

XOXO