02/08/2025
🧠 SATURDAY TIP: Making Transitions Easier for Autistic Children
🔄 Transitions Can Be Tough — Here’s How to Make Them Smoother
Many autistic children find it hard to shift from one activity to another, especially when moving from preferred to less preferred tasks. This is often because transitions mean a loss of predictability and can trigger anxiety.
✨ Strategies to Support Easier Transitions:
1. Use Visual Schedules
– Show what’s happening now and what’s next.
– Point to the schedule during changes.
2. Give Warnings
– 5-minute, 2-minute, and 30-second countdowns help prepare for change.
3. Use a Transition Object
– Let the child carry something from one activity to the next (e.g., a favorite toy or a sensory tool).
4. Pair the New Activity with Motivation
– “After we tidy up, we’ll have snack time.”
5. Reinforce Cooperation
– Praise and reward smooth transitions, even for small successes.
💡 Pro Tip: Practice transitions during calm, low-stress times before applying them in challenging situations.
💬 Quote
> "Change is hard, but with support, every shift can become a step forward."
