Autism Tee - Designing a Vacation Activity Schedule

Jan. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Autism Tee

Extended breaks from a routine can be refreshing and rejuvenating for many of us. That being the case, it is often comforting to fall back into your own pattern of daily life. Some of those affected by autism, though, have a very tough time adjusting to changes in their schedules and their surroundings. Therefore, a typically reinforcing vacation can spark numerous behavioral challenges and may leave you wondering what happened!

While it isn't possible to recreate an individual's school or daily schedule during holiday breaks and longer school absences, it is possible to help add a little more structure. Rigidity, on your part, is not the goal here (it is a vacation after all!) but most individuals with moderate to severe autism will often choose to follow a short activity schedule when given the choice.

A short schedule such as this will most likely resemble what he/she is using at school; and therefore ease their anxiety or frustration. Unlike a school activity schedule, your vacation schedule can be composed of mainly fun or relaxing 'activities' with a few educational or chore associated items added as you see fit. An example of a vacation activity schedule could look like this: Try Internet #1 - Autism Tee @ http://autismcure01.webs.com and live your family life normally right now!

10:00....
Watch TV
Play Outside
Computer

11:00...
Clean-up Room
Empty Laundry
Practice Piano

12:00 Lunch

Notice that there are choices when it comes to leisure and chore/educational activities. Also, sometimes there aren't any choices, such as at Lunch Time. Making sure that this schedule is followed to a tee is not the goal here. It will add some structure to their day and (very importantly) give you the ability to add unsuspected activities like Going to Grandmother's House.

These unplanned events have the potential of intensifying a routine-break anxiety flare-up. When these trips/events are added to the vacation activity schedule in advance, it can help prepare the individual for this change in their routine. Try Internet #1 - Autism Tee @ http://autismcure01.webs.com and live your family life normally right now!

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Worry about your child’s future? Not sure what to do to help?
Try Internet #1 - Autism Tee @ http://autismcure01.webs.com and live your family life normally right now!