Going With The Flow

Routines are a big deal for many kids. I have had several students who have used this same story many times. Since kids on the autism spectrum are constantly in search of routine, procedure and expected events, it can throw their whole day out the window if one little thing is different. It is hard for them to go with the flow and let go of their structure and routine that help them get through the day. Sometimes I don't even know when there will be a change in routine, but when I do, I am sure to let my kids know what may be a little different and what the plan is. This helps a bunch, but sometimes there will be times when we all just have to go with the flow. Enjoy!

Sometimes things don't go as planned and there is a change in my routine. Sometimes my school schedule gets turned around. Sometimes we go on field trips or have an assembly at school that changes my schedule too. There may be some times when I have to wait for others and that may change my schedule. Some times things are out of order or not working. That means that I can't use them. Then there are times when I won't get to do something because there aren't enough things to go around, or I have to wait my turn. 

When things don't go the way they usually do, or if things don't work the way they should, or if there is an unexpected event, I just have to go with the flow. Going with the flow means that I don't need to worry about things not being the way they are suppose to be. I have to just flow with things being different, like a river flows down the stream. I can take some deep breaths and calm down. I could also ask about what it happening and find out what the plan is. I should try  not to worry, because things don't always go the way they should. Next time I will try to relax and go with the flow if things don't go as planned.