Moving from one activity to the next means letting go of something enjoyable and adjusting to something new. For many children with autism or ADHD, that is exactly what is hard. These helpers make transitions more predictable.
- Give a warning. “Five more minutes” and then again “one more minute”. A visible timer helps more than a clock in your head.
- First – then. “First shoes, then the car with music.” Two pictures side by side are enough.
- A transition object. A small item that comes along gives support when changing places.
- Fewer words. In tense moments, use short sentences that are always the same.
- Build in a buffer. Ten minutes of slack in the schedule takes the pressure off everyone.
Write down which transitions are especially difficult and what helped. After two or three weeks, you will see patterns you can discuss with your specialist.