Better Sleep for kids with ASD- using visual schedules

Teaching the skill of following a schedule can increase your child’s potential for independence and decrease the potential for errors and behaviors in the routine, long term prompt dependency on adults, and confusion or anxiety when using them.
Schedules have so much value so consider using them in your bedtime routines.
In this video I go over elements to consider when setting up a visual schedule, the value of implementing one, and what skills to work on to help reduce problem behaviors during the bedtime routine.
Here is what to consider when creating a visual schedule for your child 👇🏻
➡️ use moving pieces- velcro stickers or icons. The value of an interactive schedule includes, improving fine motor, engaging with sensory input, increasing focus and attending to the activity, Improving memory, and allows them to learn to manage and control their own schedule.
➡️ use pictures that are clear and age-appropriate. Reduce confusion and stress for your child by ensuring that the pictures are good representations of the items are activities within the schedule.
➡️ pre-teach pictures and icons ahead of time so that your child has a good understanding of what they represent. Do this by running matching skills so they match picture to picture or pic to objects, run receptive identification, run ‘GO TO’ and ‘GO GET’ skills asking them to go to the location or go get an item based on the photo/icon you’re showing
➡️ know where to keep your schedule, consider either a centralized location of the house where your child will come back to that schedule as they move through the routine or, if that might be too difficult for your child due to transition issues, consider a schedule that moves with you throughout the house
➡️ don’t make the entire schedule about ‘The ask’ ensure that you embed enjoyable activities into your routine as well. This will help build motivation within the schedule and can help with increasing behavior momentum, getting your child to go through the schedule with more autonomy.
#autismsleep #autisum #autismspectrumdisorder #bcba #parenting