How to build flexibility into routines for autism?

PostedDecember 8, 2025

UpdatedDecember 8, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Creating flexible routines in autism can feel like a delicate balance. Routines provide structure, predictability, and comfort, but too much rigidity can make everyday changes overwhelming. By carefully introducing variety, flexible routines in autism allow individuals to keep the security of structure while learning to adapt to new situations.

The process often starts small. For example, a familiar activity might be done at a slightly different time of day or with a minor variation in setting. These adjustments are part of adapting routines in autism, giving individuals opportunities to experience change in a manageable way. Over time, this builds confidence and reduces stress when bigger changes occur.

Teachers, families, and carers can support this approach with routine modification for autism, such as introducing gradual transitions or providing clear visual schedules that include optional activities. Combined with effective coping strategies, these methods help children and adults prepare for change without feeling destabilised.

Ways to Build Flexibility

Here are two practical methods to introduce adaptability into routines:

Small, predictable changes

Start by altering just one element of the routine, such as the order of activities, while keeping the rest the same.

Choice-based options

Allowing individuals to pick between two familiar activities encourages decision-making within a safe structure.

Flexibility doesn’t mean removing routines, it means teaching resilience within them.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Repetitive Behaviours & Routines.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.