How to Help Autistic Children With Transitions

Children with an autistic spectrum disorder, whether Asperger's or classic autism, thrive on routine But life is full of changes, such as starting school or moving from one activity to another. These transitions can be uncomfortable or disturbing to autistic children, especially if there are no supports put in place to make transitions seem less stressful or challenging. Transition strategies reduce the amount of transition time, increase appropriate behavior and improve success in activities surrounding the transitions.

Things You'll Need

  • Schedule
  • Timer
  • Pen and paper
  • Storage box

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a schedule for your child. Include both pictures and limited text, so the schedule works as a visual aid for your child. Put your child̵7;s schedule in a folder to take to school or post in his room or on the fridge at home. Allow your child to choose between two activities and the order of activities whenever possible, suggests Erik Young, MEd, LPC, writing for GoodTherapy.org. This collaboration can reduce the autistic child's anxiety by increasing his sense of control and by eliminating the uncertainty of his schedule. Go through the schedule multiple times throughout the day as a reminder for your child.

    • 2

      Prepare your child for transitions both verbally and visually. Don̵7;t just say, ̶0;Time to go to the doctor,̶1; with no warning. Instead, allow your child time to mentally prepare for change. Start with a verbal cue, such as, ̶0;We leave for the doctor̵7;s office in 15 minutes.̶1; Set a timer, so your child can see how much time remains. Remind him halfway through that when the timer rings, it is time to go. When time is up, follow through with the transition, so your child learns the concept that when the bell rings, it is time to change.

    • 3

      Use a first/then visual reminder for transitions. Write ̶0;First̶1; at the top of one piece of paper and ̶0;Then̶1; at the top of another piece. Put a picture of what event happens first on the first piece of paper, and put another picture of the second event on the second piece of paper. This strategy shows a sequence of events and allows children with autism to prepare for a change.

    • 4

      Use transition objects, such as a picture of a location. Hand your child this picture to show him where he is expected to go. He can carry this picture with him throughout the transition as a reference, and he can put the picture in a designated spot once he reaches his destination.

    • 5

      Take your child to a new daycare, school, playground, doctor̵7;s office or other location to allow your child with autism to get accustomed to it. Take time to introduce your child to teachers and staff.

    • 6

      Talk to your child in advance about any events that might disrupt a normal routine. For example, prepare for a new therapy visit by first explaining to your child where you are going and what you will be doing. This strategy sets expectations for your child.

    • 7

      Use a ̶0;finished̶1; box to help your child if she must interrupt one activity to start another. This box serves as a fixed location for your child to put her things before moving on to another activity. Your child will likely feel comfort knowing she can go back to these items later, and she knows where to find them.

    • 8

      Alternate between preferred and nonpreferred activities. Your autistic child might not want to stop playing so he can take a bath, but if he knows he gets 10 minutes of play time after his bath, he will likely be more motivated to complete the non-preferred activity in order to return to a preferred one.

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