Developing Rules and Routines

Various environments in which we function have specific rules and routines designed to establish structure and avoid confusion. These rules and/or routines vary from one environment to another. Some of them are established by society and seem to be understood by the people who maneuver through these environments. In addition, various people within these environments develop other rules and routines. For example, a classroom teacher is responsible for developing the rules and routines for his/her classroom. Similarly, parents are responsible for establishing the rules and routines within their households.

Rules should be able to be applied broadly so that they can generalize to multiple experiences and environments. They should be stated clearly and accurately, be observable and should be compatible with the needs of the individuals who will be following/using them.

Benefits of Rules and Routines

People with ASD often experience difficulties with abstract and conceptual thinking. Establishing an order and routine in the individual’s daily experiences may help to alleviate some of the confusion that might occur throughout the day for someone with ASD. For people with ASD, establishing rules and routines in the various environments in which they live can be extremely helpful as it helps them organize their environments and enables them to make sense of what goes on around them. However, it is critical to ensure that the rules and expectations are clearly understood or defined. A clear understanding of what is expected may decrease stress and avoid behavior problems.