Use a schedule and other methods to predict upcoming events and changes for the child with autism. Most children with autism resist change and prefer sameness. Rather than just a stubborn habit, this is probably due to the child's inability to fully comprehend and pay attention to all the cues from their environment that announce a change is upcoming.

Many children with autism focus on only a small part of the situation rather than the whole. For example, most us us can look around the room and see people getting ready to go home, we hear the rustling papers, see the clock moving, hear the teacher say the "end of the day phrases," etc. Children with autism may miss all of this and only be focused on the puzzle he or she is completing.

Children with autism need to know what activity is first, next, and last. Children with autism should be warned when an activity is about to change (e.g., "In five minutes it will be time to put the puzzle away.") and another is about to start (e.g., "When you are finished with the puzzle, it will be time for math worksheets.").

Children with autism should be warned about visitors coming into the classroom and home. They need to be warned about odd or scary things that are about to happen (e.g., "Kayla, in five minutes the school bell/fire alarm will ring. It will be loud!").

"Social stories" are stories that explain the reason for things to children with autism, explain the perspective of others, and talk about expected behaviors from others and the child with autism. Social stories can be a great way to prepare children for changes and new situations.