We are ready to "to get ready" to implement a routine. Let's make a trial run. I am going to choose a behavior routine for when the schedule changes.
The first thing I want to do is get all my visual supports and teaching tools ready. I am going to have a visual schedule of the day. It might look something like this.
Let's look at the afternoon schedule. The last item is free play. Things come up. There are dr. Appointments, therapy, picking grandma up at the airport and a sister's school concert. If there is a change in schedule I put a small visual beside the schedule item that is changing. I do this in the morning or as soon as I know about the change. I use a small star but you could use any visual you would like. This shows the child visually of any changes that will happen during the day and gives him a chance to adapt to the change long before he has to handle it. I go over the schedule and the changes with him so he knows what to expect.
I would also have a social story or behavior chart the behavior expectations and things he might do to handle the change, We will go over the social story and behavior expectations many times before the change occurs. After, going through this process many times, line star on the chart may be enough for a good transition. It will take several times through this type of change before it is advisable to drop some of the steps. I will share some more of these visual supports and a social story next week in the routine series.
In preparation for beginning this type of behavior routine, you may want to put together a calming or transition box. This is a portable container that has some sensory play materials that may help lower the child's anxiety that comes from a change in schedule or expectation. This can be a fun activity of picking out items to put in this box.
Here is a link to an article with pictures and lots of suggestions on ways to make this type of box from the chaos and the clutter blog. There are lots of great things on this blog so take some time to look around while you're there.
I chose a social emotional routine to illustrate because it is much harder than a brushing teeth or getting a backpack ready for school. The social/ emotional / behavioral routines take a lot more effort to develop and teach but they will bring a lot of structure and calm to household. We will finish up the last few parts of this routine next time!
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