Many children with autism require a structured approach to completing the day-to-day tasks that each of us do without thinking about them.

Bryce does too.

In his earlier years, we were forced to use non-verbal instructions to assist Bryce in managing his day. He had to use sign language to tell us things he wanted and needed. We posted picture schedule boards around the house and at school for activities like going to the washroom, or transitioning between activities at school.

Now that Bryce is older, and is able to verbally let us know what he wants and need, we've still found that without a specific structure around activities it can often derail him or negatively effect his mood.

Today's post is about the bedtime routine that we've found Bryce enjoys and helps us get him to sleep.

1) Say goodnight to mommy/daddy depending on whose assisting him in getting ready
2) Find & bring his blanket upstairs to his bedroom
3) Start the bathtub & put the bubbles in (Bryce loves bubbles)
5) Brush teeth & getting ready for the bath
6) Bath time
7) Story time
8) Pajamas
9) Kiss & hugs & lights out

Bedtime was always challenging and in his younger years he would always find his way to our bedroom in the middle of the night, now, he looks forward to his bedtime routine and story time and is able to sleep throughout the night, most nights.
We find by sticking with this structure, Bryce is happier and easier to get to sleep.

Daniel