For many of us in the autistic community, getting to appointments on time isn’t just about “being organized.” It can involve managing sensory overload, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, and unexpected changes all at once.

Personally, I’ve found that having a plan helps reduce stress and makes transitions easier. These steps are based on what works for me (and others like me), and they’re designed with autistic brains in mind: clear, practical, and flexible.

This guide isn’t about being perfect it’s about making things a bit more manageable in a world that doesn’t always run on our timeline.

Step 1: Put the Appointment in Your Calendar Right Away

As soon as you book the appointment, add it to a calendar or planner you trust. If its not in my calendar it doesn’t exist.
Many in our community find Cozi Calendar and Skylight Calendar helpful because it has flexible reminder options.

Try setting:

• A reminder the day before the appointment

• A reminder for when to start getting ready (not just when to leave)

These alerts can be visual, audible, whatever works best for how your brain processes information.

Step 2: Estimate How Much Time You’ll Need – Then Add Extra

Breaking the timeline into smaller pieces can make it easier to manage.

Here’s a sample breakdown to help:

1. How long does it take to get ready (showering, dressing, gathering your things)?

2. How long will the journey take? (Look it up in advance if possible)

3. Add some buffer time for:

   • Transitioning from one task to another

   • Getting out of the house and into the car or transit

   • Finding parking or walking to the building

4. Total all of this time together then subtract it from your appointment time and set your get ready alarm.

💡 Tip: Use a timer or visual schedule to help stay on track while getting ready.

Step 3: Prepare What You Can the Day Before

The fewer steps you have to do in the morning, the easier it is to get out the door.

Here are a few helpful things to prep ahead:

• Pack your bag (include sensory aids, snacks, water, documents)

• Lay out clothes you want to wear

• Make a to-do or checklist for the morning

• Write down the appointment address and contact info

• Screen shot or print tickets or any relevant information from your emails

This can reduce mental load the next day and prevent last-minute panic.

🧠 A Note on Executive Functioning

Executive functioning involves skills like planning, focusing, remembering details, and switching between tasks. Many autistic people experience challenges with these and that’s okay.

Here are a few tools and tips that may help:

• Use visual schedules or step-by-step lists

• Break tasks into smaller, manageable pieces

• Use reminders, alarms, or cue cards for transitions

• Ask a support person to help with planning or time estimates if needed

• Practice self-compassion this is about making things easier, not “perfect”

✨ Remember: It’s okay to build in support systems that work for you. Being on time doesn’t mean doing things the “neurotypical” way it means finding strategies that meet your unique needs.

You’ve got this!

The A List 💛.