Most people may be aware that young people with autism tend to be resistant to change, but why is this the case?
The link between autism and routines exists due to their neurological constitution; “The preference for routine and predictability among individuals with autism is deeply ingrained in both the neurological structure and psychological makeup of the autistic brain.” https://theneurodivergentbrain.org/routine-and-predictability-in-the-autistic-brain/
People with autism may endure higher levels of anxiety. This can be triggered by something changing; maybe a new homework routine, a new teacher or a bus taking a diversion.
Why is Change Difficult?
It can be a huge challenge for an autistic person to cope with a routine alteration. New situations that neurotypical people may take in their stride can be quite overwhelming for those with autism.
Expectations are important for most people; for those with autism, they can be essential. Due to their specific neurological programming, an unforeseen uncertainty can cause anxiety to rise, which can cause dysregulation or even a “meltdown.”
To use an example, those with an autistic profile can experience heightened sensory issues. If, for some reason, a child is suddenly presented with a new classroom for the day, there may be different lighting, new equipment, smells and temperatures. Communicating these difficulties to a teacher may be hard, exacerbating tension.
Coping with Change
There are alterations we can make to ease the pressure for an autistic young person, helping them transition to a new situation more smoothly.
Information in Advance: It is not always possible to notify people of upcoming changes that will occur. However, wherever possible, it is beneficial to give notice to a person with autism (or their parent) of the details of any change in school that is approaching.
Concrete Information: Any mention of a change in routine could be supported with tangible information that is visual, maybe pictorially around the classroom/home, or via a more solid image, such as a social story or a timetable.
Offer Advice and Listen: Talking to a young person through their impending change in routine could allow them to ask questions and help erase some of the potential stress. The worries of an autistic young person feel very real; a huge weight can be lifted by having someone they can converse with.
Do a Trial Run: If, for example, a child is starting swimming lessons weekly during the school day, it would be very useful to run through the actual routine with them in advance of the change.
Relaxation Techniques: Keep an eye on an autistic child experiencing a change to their normal pattern. Spotting signs of early dysregulation can be halted with the provision of a calm space to retreat or a mindfulness technique.
Work with your Child’s School
Try to maintain a constant flow of communication between you and your child’s school. The more information they have, the more prepared they can be in advance of changes that occur.
Sometimes events occur randomly; informing your child’s teacher beforehand will allow them to react appropriately in such an event.
Tina, from Daventry, is mum to Alexi, who has autism, now aged 13. She explains, “Alexi had a lot of phobias when she was young; it is much more manageable now. Back then, she had a fear of strong winds, the kind that don’t occur too often. I am not sure why I didn’t think about prewarning the school; I suppose I thought it was very unlikely to happen.”
“On one occasion in year three, I was called into school as Alexi was becoming highly stressed due to an episode of extremely windy weather. I was able to calm her down, but I realised then that I should have told the school in advance what to do in that situation.”
Autistic children can be greatly comforted by a calm, understanding presence when anxious. Tina continues, “The teaching assistant had taken her downstairs to a more soundproofed room and was doing a great job soothing her. However, had they known in advance, the immediate situation would have been easier.”
“Following that episode, I chatted to her teacher. It arose that a male teacher was soon to temporarily teach the class as she was due for an operation. I knew this could be a problem; my daughter feared unfamiliar male voices. We spent time listening to male teachers on YouTube; she cried quite a lot, but it helped. When her new teacher began, she was anxious every morning, but it did lessen, and the situation was manageable.”
Changes in Routine without Warning
- Stay calm, no matter what is happening around you. Maintain your softer speaking voice, if possible. Talk to your child/pupil in clear, brief language.
- Ask your child/pupil if they would like to leave the room (if it’s an option). If agreed, find refuge elsewhere, explaining where you are going.
- Let your child/pupil know that you understand their feelings; empathise with their emotions.
- If accessible, offer a source of sensory comfort, such as a squeeze toy, singing or a chewy snack.
Many autistic young people will always prefer a predictable, routinised lifestyle. However, sometimes this cannot happen. As our autistic community goes through their schooling, there are steps we can take to minimise the anxiety they can endure during times of change. We can’t eradicate the angst, but we can make a difference.
Useful Websites:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/dealing-with-change/all-audiences
https://www.wikihow.health/Help-an-Autistic-Child-Cope-with-Change
https://autismguide.co.uk/emotional-issues/autistic-triggers-change/
Please note: The information provided within this blog, by SENsational Tutors, is for general information purposes only. We appreciate that every person is unique, and any advice/experiences mentioned within the content of each blog may not be reflective of your own personal experience. All information on the site is provided in good faith and is for educational informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with appropriate professionals.
