Sharing is caring!

If you are looking to help your autistic child with functional life skills, I’d love to talk to you about how to use time management resources for autism. 

Some of these are so simple and my absolute favorite? Using visual schedules. Visual schedules and supports are incredibly important resources for autism and I truly believe that all starts at home.

But, where does a parent begin? There’s already so much to take in when it comes to parenting an autistic child — believe me, I know!

We are huge fans of using visual schedules. It helps my autistic daughter with predictability and gives her some control over her routine. From home-made schedules to schedules that are used in the classroom; visual schedules have been a key asset for my daughter. But can visual schedules assist with time management as well? I absolutely think so.

The Daily Schedule Cards are a perfect starting point for creating a visual schedule at home.

You’ll find these cards in the Autism Family Guide.

Visual schedules can be a huge asset when it comes to supporting autistic children. Including with time management.

How to Use Visual Schedules as a Time Management Resource for Autistic Children

As mentioned already, visual schedules have helped my autistic daughter with her routine. Whether it’s bedtime routines or daytime routines. Or preparing for a back to school routine.

Having a visual schedule helps to let her know when something is going to happen and the sequence.

This is incredibly important for her because it keeps things structured and predictable- both of which are huge. At the same time, I also know that even the most carefully laid plans may crumble or have a little hiccup.

Doctor’s appointments, for example, may run late. Or you may hit an unexpected traffic snag.

At home or in school, on the other hand, you can use visual schedules to help bring much needed structure to the day.

How to Use a Visual Schedule for Time Management for Autism

Often, a visual schedule comes with activity cards and a time card. On the designated chart, you’ll have spaces for both. Some visual schedules may also include space for “first this, then that” or “next” depending on how much structure the individual child needs.

In My Personal Schedule, for example, I have included several chart options. While in my Preschool Schedule, I have kept it to mostly day/afternoon activities.

You can see all of our available printable packs here: Printables for Autistic Children and their Families

With both schedules, you can use the time element to help an autistic child:

  • Understand when the activity ends
  • Understand when the next activity begins
  • Create a transition between activities

Time management can be challenging for any age or ability- believe me, I know. It’s something that I’ve struggled with quite a bit as well.

The Daily Schedule Cards are a perfect starting point for creating a visual schedule at home.

You’ll find these cards in the Autism Family Guide.

How to Teach Time Management to Autistic Kids

And as a mom of an autistic kid, time management is one of those things that I strive to stay on top of. For her sake and for mine. During the school year, or when she’s in camp, I know that I have a certain window of time during the day.

While I can make a few to-do lists for the day, I’ve also learned that time blocking is huge when it comes to making the best use of my time. So, in a similar fashion to the visual schedules (but without the visuals), I plan out my day.

  • Morning (breakfast prep & making lunch, getting her ready for school, getting her on the bus)
  • Mid-Morning (work)
  • Break for lunch/home preschool
  • Mid-Afternoon (work)
  • Afternoon (get her off the bus, settle her in, afternoon play)
  • Evening break for dinner prep, dinner, bath
  • Late evening (bedtime routines, finish up any work that I can before calling it a night)

Actual time and time spent varies, but this is the basis of my routine on any given weekday. Still, I try to leave some room for flexibility or special activities.

Is this routine perfect? Not by any stretch. But it’s adaptable and it meets our family’s needs.

As my daughter has grown, so have her needs and her abilities. Where she may have needed more of my assistance in the past, she is now far more independent. Yes, she still needs some help. Maybe she always will. But, at the very least, her time management skills are improving- and I think in part to the use of visual schedules.

To get started with visual schedules, download the Autism Family Life Toolkit for Parents of Autistic Children

The following two tabs change content below.

Kori

Digital Product Creator at Kori at Home
Kori is a late diagnosed autistic/ADHD mom. She is currently located in Albany, NY where she is raising a neurodiverse family. Her older daughter is non-speaking autistic (and also has ADHD and Anxiety) and her youngest daughter is HSP/Gifted. A blogger, podcaster, writer, product creator, and coach; Kori shares autism family life- the highs, lows, messy, and real. Kori brings her own life experiences as an autistic woman combined with her adventures in momming to bring you the day-to-day of her life at home. Kori is on a mission to empower moms of autistic children to make informed parenting decisions with confidence and conviction.

Latest posts by Kori (see all)

Similar Posts

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
3 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
trackback
6 years ago

[…] How Visual Schedules Can Assist with Time Management Skills | Kori at Home […]

trackback
6 years ago

[…] How Visual Schedules Help With Time Management […]

trackback
6 years ago

[…] How Visual Schedules Help With Time Management […]