Child-rearing routines among Mexican-heritage children with autism spectrum disorder

Experienced sampling methods were used to capture families’ current daily routines and activities, how parents valued those activities, and whether the activity was part of the child’s autism spectrum disorder intervention. A total of 32 mothers were texted five times per day over five consecutive days for a total of 721 observations.

Mothers frequently engaged in Self-Care (e.g. showering), General Caregiving (e.g. cooking), and House Chores (e.g. laundry). Children engaged in activities in which interventions could easily be integrated (e.g. Academics, Self-Care, and Playing with Others). Families spent less than one-third (26.1%) of their activities participating in interventions.