Have you ever changed your habits because you wanted to change your perception of yourself? Did you create a new exercise routine or change your diet? If so, how did you think about yourself after you developed the new habit? Did you feel more confident? Were you willing to try new things? If so, you understand the role of habits in improving your health and attitude.
Building healthy habits plays a key role in helping your autistic teen transition to adulthood.
Habits are learned behaviors that become automatic. We perform our habits on autopilot. Habits form a part of our self-image and guide our behavior. Certain habits motivate us to participate in new activities, such as making friends or learning to play an instrument. Some habits keep us stuck in unproductive patterns, such as playing video games for hours and not tending to personal hygiene.
How do your teen’s habits affect participation in school and life?
- Does your teen have a habit of waiting for you to get him out of bed in the morning for school?
- Has your child developed a habit of tackling new challenges, such as trying out new time management strategies or using an organizational app for managing a busy schedule?
- Does your teen have a habit of reacting to schedule changes or life’s challenges with explosive outbursts and meltdowns?
- Does your teen have a habit of listening to a relaxing music playlist before bed to wind down for the day?
Habits serve a purpose for your teen, whether good or bad. Behavior, when performed over time, becomes automatic and does not require much higher-level thought. Habits form a part of your child’s identity and guide their perspective of adulthood.
- Helping your teen build healthy habits will be a critical factor in becoming a healthy adult.
- All habits can be changed.
- Changing habits takes time, daily, consistent practice, reflection, patience, and loads of encouragement.
