updated 5/19/2024

Navigating transitions can be particularly challenging for children with autism, often presenting daily hurdles when moving from one environment to another. Understanding and addressing this challenge, while fostering resilience, is vital for a child’s long-term development. The following 7 Great Transition Ideas for Autism can facilitate smoother transitions both at home and in school. It’s important to remember that children on the autism spectrum may respond differently, so these suggestions should serve as a starting point. Feel encouraged to adapt and tailor these ideas to best suit your child’s unique needs, creating a personalized approach to support their journey..☺

1. Come Up With a Code Word

In many cases, children with ASD don’t know how to communicate when they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. One way to make transitions smoother is to give your child a code word to use when he needs help. When you and your child create a code word, you can use it during transitions. As he/she says the cue word, that will be your cue he needs a little extra support. So they can move on to the next part of their day.

2. Let Your Child Know What To Expect (I usually do this one)

One way to make transitions smoother is to let your child know what is coming next and why. For example, if you know there will be a loud and busy activity after school and you’re going to be in a car ride home, let your child know what to expect. You can do this through visual supports, such as pictures, or talking with your child.

Let them know how they will be getting home, what time it will be, and give them any information they need for the transition. This will help them feel more secure and prepared for the change. When you are planning a transition, it’s important to remember to think of your child’s sensitivities and needs. For example, if your child is sensitive to noise, but you know there will be a loud activity coming up after school, you can let them know about the noise ahead of time. You can do this by talking with them about the noise or creating a visual that describes the noise like a picture showing a loud noise coming from a speaker.

3. Establish A Bedtime Routine

Another way to make your child’s transitions smoother is to establish a bedtime routine. Having a bedtime routine, particularly when young children are transitioning to going to bed, can make them feel more comfortable and secure. This can help reduce stress and anxiety at bedtime and help your child to fall asleep more easily.

You can start a bedtime routine when your child is young, even if they are not in school yet. If your child is in school, having a consistent bedtime routine will help the transition to after-school activities feel normal and familiar. If you have an older child or teenager, you can still try to implement a bedtime routine. This can help guide your child towards healthy sleep habits, which is important for everyone but particularly important for children on the autism spectrum.

4.Use Visual Supports

Visual supports are tools that can help people with autism. It can help them to better understand their surroundings, and they are more comfortable in different situations. They also can help your child understand what is happening at school or after school, or when you are travelling. Visual supports can include photos, drawings, and symbols that are meaningful to your child.

Visuals can be useful in many different situations. For example, you can use visuals to show your child what will happen next. You can also use them to help your child understand routines and transitions. They can also be helpful in guiding your child through a sensory activity. Visual supports can be used with any child, regardless of whether they have autism.

5.Provide Gentle Reminders When Necessary

If your child is sensitive to change or transitions, they might need some gentle reminders of what to expect. For example, if bedtime is coming up and your child needs to finish their homework, you can let them know in advance. If your child is going to a new school, they might need reminders of what will happen during the school day, such as what time recess is, or what the cafeteria hours are. These gentle reminders can help your child feel more prepared for a particular transition. They can also help reduce feelings of anxiety that come with being in a new environment.

6.Have A Small Treat Ready For When It’s Over

When you know your child is slowly adjusting to a new situation or transition, you can offer them a treat when they’re finished. The treat doesn’t necessarily have to be something big or fancy. In fact, small treats are often more effective.

For example, if you’re driving your child somewhere new, they can get a treat like a small toy or piece of candy when you arrive at your destination. If you’re going to a new class or meeting, your child can get a treat when the activity is finished. For children with autism, it can be helpful to have something to look forward to when they’re dealing with a difficult situation. Having a small treat ready for when a transition is over can help your child feel more relaxed and satisfied.

7. Sneaky tip☺: Have Your Child Help Plan Activities And Meals

If your child struggles with transitions, they might not want to be involved in the planning of activities and meals. However, taking them into consideration is important to creating smooth transitions. Because your child plays a big role in what happens in your family, you can ask them how they would like to see things run. This might include letting them decide what they want to eat, what activities they want to do, and when they want to do them. By letting your child play a role in planning activities and meals, they will feel more involved and responsible. This can also help your child feel more prepared for what’s coming next.

Conclusion in our 7 Great Transition Ideas For Autism

Transitions often cause significant stress for children with autism, and are often the most difficult part of each day. If your child is struggling to adjust, seek professional help. You can help by coming up with a code word, letting your child know what to expect, establishing a bedtime routine, using visual supports, providing gentle reminders when necessary, and having a small treat waiting for when it’s over. These tips will help you create smoother transitions for your child so they feel comfortable no matter what part of the day or year it is.