Published on 12, July, 2020
I was hoping that maybe some fellow autistic people could be able to give insight on how they develop and start up routines, and how routines effect them.
It's been very difficult to form routines that work for me, things that once worked for me, like lists and schedules, are not as effective anymore. And I find I am more easily set off my plans, often due to lack of motivation.
My more specific questions (all optional of course):
If there is certain questions your ask yourself before developing certain routines
How to account for meltdowns and episodes in schedule, or even other possible detours such as plan changes or demotivation
Certain types of scheduling or planning you use, such as lists, paper schedules, planners, hourly, monthly, calendars, daily, apps, when you form these plans. And if there is a specific form that works for you thats purchasable, what the name is and how its helpful.
Also, what kind of things are part of your schedule? Certain foods, planning out clothes, or anything more obscure that assist.
Routines help give me a sense of comfort, and I do believe that my lack of routine has been causing increased anxiety (to put it lightly) for me for the past few months.
If anyone gives their insight, thank you so much. I appreciate it.
When I wake up I would usually exercise, eat, and then I write down a list. I envision step-by-step how to execute each task on that list, and approximate how much time it would take, and when to start the task.
But I don't enjoy meticulously scheduling each individual task by the minute. That would drive me crazy. I can only handle one thing scheduled for one day, like going to work, going to an appointment, or going to a get together, but not everything on the same day. Rushing around to be at different locations is too stressful and not enjoyable to me.
But knowing that I can have meltdowns and upset days, means that I take it one day at a time, and I don't usually set a specific day in the future to do things, unless I need to (like for groceries and food). Other than that, when I'm struggling I learned to take it easy on myself for that day, and not force myself and overdo things.