How to Use Transitions for Managing ADHD

Any toddler or preschooler who hears, ̶0;You have three more minutes until clean up time,̶1; may be a bit upset that play time is over. However, to a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, this advance warning ̵1; and having two more warnings at one-minute intervals until it is time to clean up ̵1; is essential. While transitions for a child with ADHD and for you, her parent, can be difficult, thinking ahead can help you use transitions to your advantage when it is time to change activities.

Instructions

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      Walk through what the transition will be like with your child.

      Give your child advance warning of transitions whenever possible. Clinical psychologist and ADHD specialist Betsy Davenport, Ph.D., says that having structure built into the daily life of an ADHD child is necessary. You will not always be able to give your child advance notice of a schedule change, though, so have activities like games, movies or books to keep your child busy during a transition time, such as when you are riding in a car.

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      A predictable routine helps your child adjust to daily transitions.

      Create a checklist of your child̵7;s daily activities, and post a schedule of those activities somewhere where she can see it. Use visual cues, such as pictures and differently colored cards that are associated with different activities, to help her identify what will happen next. A predictable routine with transitions that happen every day can make activities easier to move through.

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      A visible reminder of time counting down to transition time can help ADHD children cope.

      Set a timer or provide some other form of warning to alert the child of when it is time to transition. This can help your child to anticipate change and get mentally ready to move to another activity. You can also have your child set the timer himself so that he has some control over the transition.

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      Creative reminders will also surprise your child and may help her have a good attitude about the transition.

      Remind your child of a coming transition in a variety of ways. EverydayHealth.com suggests that a creative way of reminding a young child of a transition would be to draw pictures of the sequence of events that is going to happen. You might also put a note in her lunchbox as a reminder to her.

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      Follow through on promised rewards after your child successfully completes a transition.

      Provide incentives to move smoothly through a transition. If your child looks forward to a pleasant activity after a required one, he may be more likely to accomplish the transition with little fuss. For example, if your child likes to move around a lot, promise an in-house dance party if he successfully finishes his homework on time.

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