Lack of Understanding Regarding Repetitive Actions and Routines

[Rye]

I don't understand what this means. What are some typical actions and routines people that have autism spectrum disorder display so I can compare it to my own self. Thank you in advance.

For those interested, here are a few things that I have noticed: I tend to divide my day into "hourly bars." For example, (when my parents aren't home and I am not on a school day) 6:45-7:45 would be one bar that consists of daily grooming and hygiene, 7:45-11:30 would be an unstructured bar in which I do whatever it is I feel like at the moment, and 11:30-11:45 is when I cook a breakfast and take my medicine. I kind of do this to keep my productivity stable because if I don't structure my day, I really won't do much except lie in bed and play video games or read. School has made this much easier for me to do as I don't have to plan my day out myself, I just follow the periods until it is time to come home and continue structuring where the predetermined structure ends. I do this subconsciously out of habit, and keep in mind that most of the times given aren't exact times, just an approximation.

 

[DanR]

Repetitive actions might include rocking or flapping, or spinning things, or that kind of stuff. Actions that either must be done or that calm the mind.

As far as routines go, how do you react when something messes up your schedule? A lot of people get real upset when the schedule is broken because the schedule keeps the world (nay, the universe!) organized. The routine of the schedule keeps chaos at bay.

 

[Jimbo]

The only reasons I need a routine is so that I won't forget anything. Like in the morning I have to do everything in the exact same order every day or I will surely leave something out. Also in my daily work routine, even though every day is different running my carpet cleaning business, each house is different as well as what I am doing at each job, I still have to do my setup routine exactly the same each time.

 

[biblophile]

I have to keep a routine or I become agitated and can not concentrate on any thing. If my routine is disrupted for any length of time I find it difficult to get back on schedule. I was obliged to go to a family reunion for a week in another state, when I got home it took me a week to get back to my routine so I could be productive.

 

[Jerry]

The schedule sounds like a useful way to stay organized. I use a lot of checklists, so that I don't necessarily have to keep track of the time, and it feels good to accomplish the little things on my list one by one.

 

[Judge]

My early morning routine is pretty consistent. I mean truly, if I think about it I stick to the same thing nearly every day in a precise sequence.

However I'm inclined to quality everything on this subject by pointing out that I also have OCD comorbid to being on the spectrum.

In essence, routine is comfort to me. Straying too far from it can be stressful at times, although I try to never lose sight that life can be dynamic and unpredictable.

 

[DanR]

The schedule sounds like a useful way to stay organized. I use a lot of checklists, so that I don't necessarily have to keep track of the time, and it feels good to accomplish the little things on my list one by one.

Same here; I don't actually schedule out, but many do. I have a checklist on the fridge for the morning before work. I avoid getting to work only to find I forgot my billfold.
I used to be embarrassed by having to keep a checklist, but then I thought "that's just me, the way I am; why fight it?" Somebody wrote a song once: "don't let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy" and I think that's good advice. My body needs a checklist; that's just my "wheels" making a sound.

 

[Rye]

As far as routines go, how do you react when something messes up your schedule?

I don't know. I (politely) refused to make plans with someone Friday because they out of the blue asked me to make plans. I prefer plans be made at least a week in advance. I make the exception for a romantic partner or interest, but I haven't had a romantic partner or interest in over a year now.

Two weeks ago, a friend of mine tried to come over uninvited and I didn't even bother to let him in or answer the door. I mean it was also 3:00 A.M. and I was sleeping before he started banging on the door making a ruckus -- Frankly, though, I couldn't imagine myself acting in a different way regardless of time of day. I don't barge onto your doorstep, uninvited, asking to come in to hang out, so why would you?

My schedule has flexibility, it's not as if I have to follow it, it's just that I won't do anything productive if I don't. If someone interrupts it, nothing negative happens to myself other than a loss of productivity (which can inherently be a good thing as it can help me temporarily move away from my rigidity lifestyle.)

Now are there times when I want to be productive? Yes, absolutely. If I'm doing something that I find of relative importance, being interrupted will annoy and exhaust me. If I am constantly interrupted, I may erupt out of frustration because I cannot get anything done when I need to get something done. I simply cannot focus on what I need to focus on because my brain lacks a filter, and thus it's very difficult to stay productive when my focus is jumping from thing to thing whenever it makes a distraction. Ever heard of the phrase, "I can't hear myself think?" Well, I simply cannot think or concentrate with a noise being too loud. My mind becomes blank until the noise ends or if I try extremely hard to shut it out, and the latter wears my energy down to the point where I'm uninterested in doing anything else. I am beginning tests to screen for autism spectrum disorder tomorrow, and I just wanted to state that I feel that the inability to think because a sensory stimulation comes from my A.D.H.D., not necessarily from my suspected A.S.D.

 

[Mia]

I don't understand what this means. What are some typical actions and routines people that have autism spectrum disorder display so I can compare it to my own self. Thank you in advance.

I think they vary from person to person on the spectrum. Typically doing the same things everyday at a set time, brushing your teeth in the same manner, washing your hands before and after eating.

Each routine such as eating certain foods; With the same accompaniments, at a fixed time. My spouse for example can only eat hot dogs or hamburgers with chips and root beer. If they are not available he can't eat them without those associated things.

I cannot go anywhere without all my clothes matching, or my hair perfect, or the right kind of socks. Or without having my bag with all my 'stuff' in it. Somehow this creates certainty and familiarity in a world that makes me nervous. It in effect armors me against most things.

Some people have a phone, or another device, or a book, to hold on to that has their game or some distraction that makes them feel relaxed and less prone to anxiety. It contributes to their well-being.