I think it's common throughout the spectrum. The fact is, we ALL need to know what's coming next. For those of us who are NT, it seems obvious what's coming next. The difference for ASD kids is that it's NOT obvious. I liken it to "going down a roller coaster backwards." Whatever we can do to make our kids' lives predictable, we ought to do. Let me rephrase that. We should help the predict what seems unpredictable because life IS unpredictable. Of course, it starts with getting our kids used to structure and schedules and rules. These thing help them and they like them. I have found that rigidity seems to be worse with Asperger's, but I think that is just because they CAN be so verbal about it. The ability to roll with the punches can get better over time, but only if we can show our kids ways to make life's unpredictability seem less scary by helping them to predict what CAN be predicted. At least that's MHO.
Is predictability, needing to know beforehand, an aspie thing or is it present throughout the spectrum?
Jer needs it, everyday, days in advance....at school- they call it pre-warning and front loading of new skills before they teach it.
My son wants to go over the "plan for the day" every morning. If we are doind something new that day, we have to go over it several times.
Tiffany
Savannah likes...to know whats happening even if you have to tell her 50 million times...and if it isnt the answer that she thought...then she has meltdowns...also...she is obsessed with food...so much so I call her a hobit. she eats first breakfast...second breakfast...midmorning snack, lunch...afternoon snack...late afternoon snack and then dinner...and right before she goes to bed...she says...What can I have for breakfast.Definately throughout the spectrum, but not EVERYone who is ASD needs it (or at least some far less than others) It can vary greatly but certainly this effevts people from the whole spectrum.For older kids who can read, a list, in order, can be VERY helpful. But be sure to not include something you might not do. OUR lists have to be followed to the letter!
My grand daughter is 9, she always want to know what is happening. When we have errands to do, or work around the the house, or anything else, she makes a list, then when each thing is done she checks it off. This works for her, and it makes life alittle bit eaiser for everyone.
We never make plans without telling our son way ahead of time what were doing and when, then he watches the clock.my dd NEEDS to know somethings in advance