Waiting time can be challenging for any child, but for those with autism, it can be especially difficult. The impatience and anxiety that often accompany waiting times can trigger intense emotional responses, which in turn can be overwhelming for both them and those around them. 

Routine, sensitivity and communication 

Children with autism often feel more comfortable when they follow a structured routine. Waiting periods can disrupt this routine and create uncertainty, which can lead to anxiety. Since communication difficulties are also common, frustration with the situation and the challenge of expressing themselves may very well trigger tantrums and complaints.  

In addition, many infants with autism have heightened sensory sensitivity, meaning that environmental stimuli, such as bright lights or loud noises in a waiting room, can be overwhelming.

Strategies for Addressing Waiting Times:

Some tips that have proven helpful in various situations and that you can try are the following::

Establish predictable routines: Both at home and in occupational therapy, maintaining predictable routines can help reduce anxiety in children with autism. Clearly communicating the waiting time and how long it will last can be beneficial. 

Use visual aids: Visual schedules, such as calendars and timers, can help in understanding how long should they wait before an activity or transition occurs.

Practice frustration tolerance: Working on frustration tolerance skills can be essential. This can include relaxation strategies such as deep breathing or the use of sensory objects.

Promote communication: Helping young children express their needs effectively can reduce anxiety. Encouraging the use of alternative words, gestures, or communication systems can be beneficial.

Create friendly environments: When possible, choose environments that are more sensory-friendly for children with autism, such as quiet waiting rooms or those with calming sensory activities.

Teaching social normsWorking on basic social skills can help in understanding expectations during waiting times in public situations.

Waiting times are unavoidable in everyday life, but with the right strategies, you can learn to manage them more effectively. Both pediatric occupational therapists and parents play a vital role in how a child with autism understands and communicates with the world around them.