Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, My 18 year old Autistic son really struggles with time keeping. He's very private and spends a lot of time in his room, so I can't say categorically what the hold up is. He can spend literally hours getting dressed or putting on shoes. To me, a NT, he appears to be procrastinating, but he won't (can't?) tell us why it takes so long. He misses big chunks of school - especially the lessons early in the day as he can't get himself up and ready in time. He says he doesn't need any help (he's newly diagnosed, if that makes any difference!). Are there any strategies we can help him to put in place to encourage him to be better with his time keeping? I also think he's up a lot during the night, but he denies this. I'd really like to understand better how his mind works! Thank you.
Might it be possible/useful to have timetables using pictures instead of words?
eg; if hoovering is to be done at 10 am find away to get a picture to appear next to the time slot instead of the word
This had crossed my mind as I have seen this done with younger children, but wondered if my 18 year old would dismiss it as babyish? He's already not entirely on board with the diagnosis!