Routines are the best curriculum
Daily routines repeat, have a clear beginning and end, come with natural motivation, and produce visible results. That makes them better teaching vehicles than almost anything a therapist can bring in a bag. Getting dressed five times a week is more practice than any worksheet.
Task analysis: break it into steps you can teach
Write the routine down as small steps, in the order your child will perform them. Then decide honestly which steps they already do, which need a little help, and which are not the priority this month. Teach from the step where they are capable, and resist the urge to do the easy steps for them because it is faster.
Prompting, and the discipline of fading it
Prompts are supports, not rewards, and the goal is always to need them less. Choose one prompt level, use it consistently, and build in deliberate opportunities to wait a few seconds before prompting. Waiting is uncomfortable and it is where independence grows.
Visual supports and predictable sequences
Pictures, checklists, and consistent order reduce the load on memory and language, which is why they often unlock participation immediately. A simple picture sequence on the wall is frequently more effective than repeating yourself.
Key takeaways
- Prioritize routines that repeat daily and end in something the child wants.
- Break routines into steps and teach from the child's current capability.
- Plan to fade prompts — doing it for them is the most common trap.
General information only. These articles are general education, not clinical advice or a diagnosis. Your child's programme should always be individualized by a qualified clinician who has actually assessed them.