Daily Routines
Routines provide structure, predictability, and comfort for children and teens with autism. A consistent daily schedule can reduce anxiety, support independence, and make transitions between activities smoother. On this page, you’ll find practical tips and visual tools for morning, afternoon, and evening routines, plus printable resources to help you and your child stay on track.
Starting the day with a clear routine sets a positive tone and helps your child know what to expect.​
Morning Routines
Mornings set the tone for the entire day. For children and teenagers with an Autism diagnosis, having a predictable, structured morning routine can make a big difference in how smoothly the day begins. Consistent steps, like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and eating breakfast, help build confidence and reduce anxiety by creating a clear sense of what to expect. When mornings feel calm and predictable, children are better prepared to transition into school or daily activities with less stress and more focus.
​
A successful morning routine works best when it’s visual, consistent, and flexible enough to meet your child’s needs. Using picture schedules, timers, or simple visual supports can make each step easier to follow. Building in extra time for sensory breaks or quiet moments can also help mornings feel more positive for everyone. Celebrate small successes, like remembering one step independently, to help your child feel proud and motivated.
​
Make mornings smoother and more predictable with our Morning Routine Kit, designed specifically for autistic children. It includes visual supports, routine cards, and tools to help guide each step of the morning in a calm, structured way, so your child (and you!) can start the day with confidence. Not ready for a full kit? Start with our free Morning Routine Checklist, to build confidence and consistency one step at a time.
Afternoon Routines
Afternoons can feel unpredictable — coming home from school, shifting activities, or dealing with after-school energy can all be challenging transitions. Having a calm and consistent afternoon routine helps create structure after a busy day. It gives children time to decompress, snack, play, and prepare for evening tasks in a way that feels safe and familiar. Predictable routines also make it easier to manage sensory needs and prevent overwhelm before dinner or homework time.
​
A good afternoon routine includes time for rest, play, and connection. You might use visual cards to show what’s coming next, or schedule sensory activities like swinging, stretching, or quiet time with a favorite toy. Even short routines help children feel grounded and ready for the rest of the day.
​
The Afternoon Routine Kit helps ease the transition from school to home with visual tools, sensory activity ideas, and routine cards designed to support your child’s natural rhythm. It’s a gentle way to guide your child through after-school time while keeping stress low and comfort high. Not ready for a full kit? Start with our free Afternoon Routine Checklist, to build confidence and consistency one step at a time.
Evening Routines
Evenings are a time to wind down, reflect, and prepare for rest. For autistic children, clear and consistent evening routines can make bedtime smoother and more peaceful. Predictable steps—like bath time, pajamas, and brushing teeth—help signal that it’s time to relax. Routines also reduce bedtime struggles by creating a calming environment and supporting sensory regulation.
Adding visual supports or cue cards can make the evening flow more smoothly, especially when paired with quiet, low-sensory activities such as reading, gentle music, or dim lighting. A well-structured evening routine not only promotes better sleep but also helps children feel secure and confident as they end their day.
​
Our Evening Routine Kit includes visual cards, bedtime supports, and calming activity ideas to help your child unwind and prepare for sleep. It’s designed to make evenings predictable and peaceful, for your child and for you. Not ready for a full kit? Start with our free Evening Routine Checklist, to build confidence and consistency one step at a time.
Online Resources to Support Parents & Routines
-
Developing Morning Routines for Kids With Autism — ATG (Autism Therapy Group) offers practical ideas for structuring mornings, using visual supports, and keeping routines consistent. The Autism Therapy Group - ABA Therapy
​​
-
ATN/AIR-P Strategies to Improve Sleep in Children with Autism — Autism Speaks’ tool kit with evidence-based strategies for bedtime, sleep habits, and teaching a child to self-soothe. Autism Speaks
​​
-
Visual Schedule Tip Sheet — A concise PDF guide full of tips on how to build and introduce visual schedules, step by step. Children's Autism Services of Edmonton
​​
-
School Mornings Without the Stress — From the Child Mind Institute: breaks down how to simplify tasks, reduce decision fatigue, and set priorities in your morning routine. Child Mind Institute
​​
-
Creating Effective Bedtime Routines for Autistic Children — Propel Autism’s step-by-step guide grounded in ABA (behavioral) principles, with suggestions for transition into rest time. propelautism.com
​​
-
Better Sleep for Autistic Children (3-8 yrs): Tips — Raising Children (Australia) describes strategies for consistent bedtimes, healthy sleep cues, and managing sleep associations. Raising Children Network