The Importance of Rigid Schedules for Autistic Kids Why Its Not About Being Stiff
As an autistic parent myself I have often felt the weight of societal expectations around rigid schedules for my child. Some people say that being on a schedule is stodgy and inflexible while others claim that it’s essential for autistic kids to thrive. But what does it really mean to be on a rigid schedule and how can we balance structure with flexibility in a way that honors our neurodivergent childrens needs?
For many autistic individuals routines are not about being strict or rigid theyre about being able to regulate their nervous systems and feel safe. A daily schedule is a tool that helps us anticipate what may come next whether its mealtimes sleep routines or sensory activities it gives us a sense of control and predictability in an often overwhelming world.
But why do so many people assume that autistic kids are inherently inflexible when it comes to schedules? Isnt the idea that we need rigid structure just another example of ableism masking as support. I believe its time to challenge this assumption and explore what a more flexible approach might look like for our neurodivergent children.
One thing is clear however – rigid schedules can be incredibly beneficial for autistic kids who struggle with anxiety or sensory overload. By creating a daily routine that includes set times for meals sleep activities and even transitions between tasks many autistic individuals are able to better regulate their nervous systems and cope with stress. But what about flexibility? Doesn’t this mean sacrificing structure for the sake of spontaneity.
Not necessarily. In fact research suggests that having some level of flexibility can be just as beneficial if not more so than a rigid schedule. When we have too much structure it can create anxiety around transitions between activities and make it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances. On the other hand having too little structure can lead to overwhelm and a lack of predictability.
So what does this look like in practice for autistic kids who are learning to navigate their schedules? It might mean having set times for meals and sleep but also allowing for flexibility in terms of activity choices or self-initiated transitions between tasks. Alternatively it could mean starting with small increments of structure and gradually building up over time rather than attempting a rigid schedule all at once.
Ultimately the key is not about being stodgy or inflexible but about finding a balance that works for our unique neurodivergent childrens needs. By embracing flexibility while still honoring their need for structure we can create routines that are both comforting and empowering.