Timers

It would be tough to overstate the importance and usefulness of timers for kids with special needs. If you have a meeting coming up with your child’s school, you could raise the issue and ask for some help.

Patient Waiting

For a few years, Michael had learning to wait as one of his school goals.  He would ask for a preferred item. They would tell him yes, in a certain amount of time.  They would set a timer, like the one pictured below. When it would go off, he would get his requested item. Over the years, the wait time would increase, but Mikey understood that his preferred item was coming at the end.

This was so handy for times when we were on a road trip and Michael needed to use the bathroom or wanted to stop for a meal.  We could set a timer and he would wait because he knew that he was going to get what he needed. You can use Waze or estimate, but I would suggest adding a couple of extra minutes on to what you think it will actually take.  You can always stop the timer early, but once the timer goes off, you really want to deliver what was promised.

The Flip Side

You can also use timers to allow access to something fun for a certain amount of time.  Lots of families have limits on technology use.  A timer like the one pictured below gives your child a visual cue that their time is coming to an end.  This can help prepare them for putting their iPad away.

Technology

Mikey now uses his phone or iPad to set timers.  The apple technology is easy for him to understand, and he is comfortable using it.  Most recently, we have been using this skill to help Mikey remember to come back to the laundry room after his laundry cycle is done. He sets his own timer and then he knows when to go back and swap his laundry.

Verbal Countdown

We use timers a lot; we use them so much, in fact, that now we can count down the minutes verbally and Mikey responds to that.  For example, this past summer our family was on vacation.  Dave was driving Will South after the vacation to head back to college, and I was driving North with Mikey.  He needed to use the bathroom and I was not able to set a timer for him since I was driving.  I knew a rest area was coming up so I could just verbally count down. “Five more minutes.”  I said each minute out loud so Mikey would know we were getting closer.  I do this so often, if I say, a number and then the word “more” and I pause, he will say, “MINUTES” with gusto.  He gets it!