Routines

If you are seeking some samples on how to keep a daily schedule to provide consistency for your child, here is a sample daily schedule shared by the Boston Children's Hospital Autism Spectrum Center.

Sample Daily Schedule

Breakfast

Stay consistent with your child’s breakfast routine. Starting the day at the same time helps everyone to stay on schedule for the rest of the day. Try creating a healthy menu together to work on functional life skills.

Academics and Learning

Pick a designated area in your home for academic work. This will help with routine and consistency. You can also talk with your child’s teacher. Ask for their school schedule; this can help you plan their at-home schedule.

Sensory/Movement Break

Move your body! Incorporate movement or sensory breaks throughout the day, designating some time for movement can help your child focus on less preferred tasks. Caregivers too! Don’t forget to incorporate some exercise into your day.

Daily Living Skills/Chores

Have your child help with chores around the house. Base these tasks off your child’s strengths and goals. If they’re working on sorting or folding, have them help with the laundry!

Outside/Free Play

Make time to be outside, keeping in mind social distancing. Play in the yard, go for a walk, explore nature. Use your discoveries as a fun learning opportunity. When staying inside, have a dance party, play board games, finish an art project, or start a puzzle.

Lunch

Use meal prep as a time for teaching. Measuring, counting, mixing, stacking measuring cups. Cooking together can be a great opportunity to work on a variety of life skills. Visual recipes help maximize independence.

Read and Rest

Tailor reading and book time to your child’s ability. This might be your child reading on their own, story time together as a family, or listening to an audiobook. Don't forget about your local public library!

Academics and Learning

You can ease back into academics with fun activities, including Virtual Field Trips. Check out local attractions like the zoo or aquarium as well as locations around the world for virtual learning opportunities.

Dinner

Look online for healthy fun recipes for the whole family. Include your child in the preparation for dinnertime to help with chores and routine.

Wind Down

Stay calm and be mindful. Practice deep breathing and relaxation together. Model calm behavior for your child. Using calm strategies before bedtime helps with the sleep routine for both you and your child. Spend some time talking about tomorrow’s schedule. Limit time with electronics.

Bedtime

Keep bedtime consistent each night in both routine and time. This will make sleeping through the night and waking up in the morning easier.