How To Help Support Individuals With Autism Daily Routines

Every individual with autism has their own daily routine to help them live their everyday life , just like a neurotypical (individual's without autism) do to. Although a neurotypical individual's routine is not as extreme as an individual with autism , it is important to help support an individual with autism's routine. Supporting an individual can help the person with autism to achieve their goals , targets and help them live a normal life as possible.

Visual Supports :  Visual supports can be a very useful way to help individuals with autism , as they might find visual supports easier to understand and communicate with. It is important to consider an individual's communication preference in order to support the individual with autism . Not every individual with autism will need visual supports ,but for individuals who do may include the follow :

. Photos 
. Pictures 
. Symbols
. Real Objects 
. Calendars 








Colour Coding : Another way to help support an individual with autism's routine is colour coding , this may help the individual understand what tasks and responsibilities are compulsory to carry out and which are moderate. 
For example :
Red - Urgent
Yellow - Pending
Green - No rush 
This will help keep a structure and routine for the individual with autism in order for them to carry out their daily routines. 

    




Lists :  Many individuals without autism often use lists to remind themselves of things they need to do. This also can help individuals with autism to help organise and prioritise things they need to do. Lists can be written or they can be visual by using pictures or symbols. Individuals with autism need structure and creating lists can help provide reassurance for them to see their achievements.


For example : 

   






Electrical Equipment : Computers and mobile phones may be a useful way to help support an individual with autism as you can store information and set reminders on electrical equipment. 
For example :

-  Storing important information such as dates and times for social events , meetings , appointments and special occasions.

- Setting reminders relating to paying bills ( adults with autism ) 

- Texting an individual with a reminder to do something.



 








Task boxes , envelopes and files : Work and tasks can be sorted into set places such as task boxes , envelopes and files to help make sure the individual with autism does not misplace important information such as bills , letters and appointment cards and reminders. 

       






Social stories and comic strip conversations : For individuals with autism who struggle with verbal communication may find social stories and comic strip conversations easier to understand and can help their daily routine. 



 

 





Teaching materials for time and sequence : Teaching materials can include things such as sequence cards , games , timers and clocks can be used to help support an individual with autism daily routine. This can help the individual understand concept of time and schedules. Teaching materials can be used for a variety of different scenarios and tasks.
For example : 
- Completing everyday tasks around the home environment.
- Helping complete tasks in a working environment. 
- Learning activities in education.
- Planning meetings , appointments and social events and occasions.
- To help in travelling and using transport.


    

Household tasks : When it comes household tasks helping to provide a schedule , calender or rota for an individual with autism can help support them to have a structured routine each day.
For example :
Monday - Do the washing , drying , ironing and put away in wardrobes.
Tuesday - Doctors appointment at 2pm , post mail at the post office and prepare tea.
Wednesday - organise bills , clean bathroom and kitchen.
Etc...

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The Day-To-Day Difficulties That An Individual With A Mental Health Problem/ Condition Will Face

Many people who do not have a mental health problem/ condition or an understanding of the topic, often have an unintentional ignorance of understanding how difficult day-to-day life can be and how demanding and stressful life can be for an individual with a mental health problem. 

Every individual with a mental health problem day-to-day difficulties will differ, not every person will experience the same difficulties as each other, but will have an understanding of how hard others may find it due to the struggles they experience themselves. 

Day - To - Day Difficulties 

Coping With Day-To-Day Activities -  

Depending on the extent of the individuals illness ,individuals may experience struggling with preparing meals , getting dressed , personal hygiene , cleaning the house , looking after children and following a routine / schedule. 

Coping Financially -

People suffering with a mental health problem/condition may find their finances difficult to cope with. Individuals may struggle with budgeting, planning and keeping track of bills and payments. 

Employment 

Mental health problems/conditions can effect an individuals employment opportunities. A person with mental health problems may find it difficult to communicate and engage within the working environment. Deadlines and managing their work may be struggling for the individual due to the stresses of their mental health condition.  

Self-Image 

Mental health conditions can affect a person's self-esteem and how they view themselves. Self-hate and anger towards themselves can often lead the individual into a depressive state of mind and could increase further mental health problems. 

Education 

Like employment a person's education could be affect if suffering with a mental health problem , due to their social and communication abilities. The individual may isolate themselves from others around and find it difficult to concentrate on there education.   

Relationships

Mental health problems/conditions can have a negative impact on the sufferers relationships. The individual can often isolate themselves from loved ones and lack communication. This could cause stresses for others around including the sufferer. 

Sleep

It is common that individuals with mental health problems/conditions have difficult sleeping due to their anxieties and stresses they face. Lack of sleep can often lead to sleeping disorders because of being trapped in a routine of having lack of sleep. 

Eating

Individuals with a mental health problem/condition are more likely to have dysfunctional eating habits , whether it is over eating due to feeling comfort from food or starving themselves due to having a lack of appetite. Both could lead to eating disorders and become very unhealthy for the individual.   

Psychical Health 

A person psychical health could also be affected because of the pressure and stress the sufferers mental health condition can cause. For example somebody who sufferers with serve anxiety could lead the individual to have blood pressure problems. 

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