Autistic Morning Routines: Why They Matter More Than You Think

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Mourning Rituals

I get up every morning to my mom bringing me my breakfast—an Egg McMuffin from McDonald's—at 7:30 a.m. I have to eat the same thing every morning or my entire day feels ruined.

My morning meds start at 8:30 a.m., spaced out 30 minutes apart. I take four medications each morning, and after that, I go to the bathroom at exactly 10:45. Then I get dressed and ready for work. If I have enough time, I might even start writing a blog post like this one.

Routines are important for autistic people—they ground us. But not all autistic people need routines in the same way. We’re all different. Most late-diagnosed autistic people also have ADHD. I’ve never been tested for it, but I’m pretty certain that I don’t have it. I have several friends who do, and I don’t share any of the ADHD traits they describe, but I have nearly all of the traits of autism.

But back to routines—I thrive on them. They help me stay focused and organized. If my routines get interrupted, I become irritable and combative. I’ve said things I deeply regret when my routines were messed with—especially in moments when my mom unknowingly disrupted them.

If you have a loved one who’s autistic—or even just a friend—please be courteous of their routines. It’s not about control. It’s about stability, regulation, and functioning in a world that already feels unpredictable enough.

📝 Note to Neurotypical Readers:

Routines aren’t just habits for many autistic people—they’re lifelines.

What might seem rigid or unnecessary to you is often a form of stability that helps us function in a world that overwhelms our senses and exhausts our energy. Disrupting that routine, even with good intentions, can leave us feeling scattered, unsafe, or emotionally dysregulated.

If you care about someone who’s autistic, one of the kindest things you can do is respect their routine—even if you don’t fully understand it. You don’t have to fix it or question it. Just honor it. That quiet respect goes a long way.

💙 This is one of my sacred rituals in a chaotic world. Please handle with care.

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