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Routines and children with disabilities

By Raising Children Network
 
 

Routines can really help children with disabilities, and can be even more important for children who find it hard to understand or cope with change.

Routines make things more predictable and lead to less frustration. Also, repeating things in the same way each time helps your child learn how to do daily activities.

Parent story

Because our daughter’s needs were high, it almost seemed like the family routines we had went out the window. Getting a diagnosis and referrals to services and professionals was a tremendous relief, but then we were so busy that we still lived pretty much in chaos. It’s so much better now that we have a routine that we usually stick to. Even if we can’t all of the time, I feel much better knowing it’s there and we can eventually get back to it.

Some tips for helping children with intellectual disabilities to participate in family routines

  • Allow more time to complete the routine. The pressure of time can add more stress for you and your child.
  • Break the routine into simple steps, and teach each step one at a time. See teaching new skills for some ideas on how to do this.
  • Think about the needs of each member of the family when planning your routine. Well-planned family routines are a good way of ensuring all children feel included.
  • Share the routine with others who care for your child. Look for ways of maintaining the routine in any early childhood programs or schools that your child attends.
  • Consider teaching aids, such as a simple illustrated poster, to remind your child of the steps in the routine. Display posters or photos of your child doing steps of the routine in a prominent place. Some families use Makaton, Compic or Boardmaker.

Keeping up your normal family routines can be particularly difficult when caring for a child with a disability who has severe challenging behaviour.

A behaviour intervention specialist can help you deal with difficult behaviours and involve your child more fully in family activities. An effective behaviour management plan can also help get the family back doing the things they want to do together in the community. Talk to your early intervention program, your school or your paediatrician.

 
 
 
  • Last reviewed18-10-2007
  • References

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    Jensen, E.W., James, S.A., Boyce, W.T. & Hartnett, S.A. (1983). The family routines inventory: Development and validation. Social Sciences Medicine, 17(4), 201-211.

    Kliewer, W., & Kung, E. (1998). Family moderators of the relation between hassles and behaviour problems in inner-city youth. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 27, 278-292.

    Markson S., Fiese B.H. (2000). Family rituals as a protective factor against anxiety for children with asthma. Journal Pediatric Psychology, 25, 471-479.

    Sprunger, L.W., Boyce, W.T., & Gaines, J.A. (1985). Family-infant congruence: Routines and rhythmicity in family adaptations to a young infant. Child Development, 56(3), 564-572.

    Sytsma, S.E.,  Kelley, M.L., & Wymer, J.H. (2001). Development and initial validation of the child routines inventory. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 23(4), 241-251.

  • Acknowledgements

    Content funded by NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care