What Are Routines and Rituals?IN BRIEF
Autistic people place significant importance on routines and rituals as they bring predictability, reducing uncertainty and anxiety. However, when these habits become too rigid, they can negatively impact both the autistic individual and those around them.
Routines and Rituals: A Pillar of Stability
Routines and rituals are a vital part of life for most autistic people. They serve several important purposes:
- Providing predictability
- Reducing anxiety
- Structuring the day
- Minimizing uncertainty
- Creating a sense of safety
- Providing reassurance
Routines and rituals can influence many areas of daily life, including:
- Mealtimes
- Hygiene
- Getting ready for work or school
- Organizing belongings
Sometimes, these rituals become more complex, taking up more time and space in a person’s life, such as:
- Performing the exact same series of actions in the same order without deviation.
- Following precise sequences during a game or activity.
While routines and rituals can be highly beneficial, fostering stability in an autistic person’s life, excessive rigidity can hinder personal growth and create challenges for both the individual and their environment. Introducing elements of unpredictability into routines can help. Even with a consistent structure, the ability to handle occasional changes when necessary is important.
Pictograms
Pictograms are small images used to outline the steps of a day or activity. One notable example is a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark, sometimes called “the lifesaving triangle.” This symbol signals to the autistic person that their planned routine is temporarily disrupted. Once the triangle is removed, normalcy resumes.
Not all autistic people use pictograms, but the rarity of disruptions and the reassurance that they are temporary can help individuals cope better with unexpected changes.
Dealing with the Unexpected
Unexpected events can arise. Many autistic adults prepare for such situations by imagining a variety of potential challenges, enabling them to respond more effectively if they occur. However, facing frequent and numerous disruptions can lead to significant psychological distress, potentially impacting mental health and overall functioning.
Compromises
Compromises may disrupt routines. It is crucial to support the autistic person with patience and introduce changes gradually unless urgent circumstances demand otherwise. A firm “no” can evolve into a “maybe” and eventually a “yes” if the person is given time to process and adapt to the new information.
Striking a Balance
Balance is the key here. While prioritizing routines and rituals is important for the sense of security they provide, maintaining some flexibility is equally essential. This ensures the ability to adapt to necessary changes without causing harm to the individual or their environment. Routines and rituals should be respected in autism, as long as they do not endanger the person or those around them.
Respect
Routines and rituals are not universal; each autistic person has unique needs. It is imperative for those close to autistic individuals to consider these specific requirements. By working together, autistic people and their loved ones can navigate routines and rituals in a way that respects everyone’s needs.
