Mornings with teens can feel like a tug-of-war of independence versus being on time. Autism can add extra hurdles with planning, transitions and sticking to routines when distractions are everywhere.
Model what you want to see
For teens, Dr. Jannel Phillips, pediatric neuropsychologist at Henry Ford Health, points parents back to what they can control. “When you show your own phone is off and you’ve prepped ahead, they can mirror those routines,” she says.
That modeling matters, especially when a teen struggles to shift away from a preferred activity or tends to lose track of time.
Keep the morning routine simple by prepping ahead
Teens are more likely to follow through when the steps are obvious and the barriers are removed. Dr. Phillips says it’s a good idea to prep clothes, pack bags and set up the kitchen the night before so the morning is less about decisions and more about execution.
Use incentives that match real teen motivation
If resistance is high, Phillips recommends “reinforcements and incentives” tied to being on time. The most effective rewards are concrete and meaningful to your teen and build good habits over time.
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Dr. Phillips’ tips to remember:
- Put the routine in writing, even for teens, if verbal reminders cause conflict
- Agree on a check-in time rather than repeating prompts
- Focus on consistency across weekdays so it becomes automatic
This content is sponsored by Henry Ford Health. Learn more about The GROW Center for Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and The Henry Ford Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD).
