HELPING OUR KIDS FOR EASY TRANSITIONS

Hello folks,
i am very much delighted  to share this impressive topic to you, get ready

Transition refers to a change

A transition occurs when a child is required to change location, activity, environment or position. Transitions are often difficult for many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Types of transitions:

Transitions between activities

Transitions between multiple settings

Transitions between programs

 Maya is a 5 years old girl. She enjoys playing with same puzzles repeatedly. When her mom announces that it is the time to clean up and sit in the chair for study time. Maya gets very upset, she throws toys  and when her mom comes near to Maya she starts screaming.  This could be because she has difficulty with transition.

Why are transitions difficult?

• Transitions are often difficult for children with ASD.

Due to their neurological differences, children with ASD have a hard time maintaining and shifting attention.
It may take them longer to physically move them from one activity to another.
It may be difficult for them to understand the need to change activities.
It may be difficult for them to manage their own behavior during the transition. Transitions take time.

Children often spend lot of time waiting for the next time.

 Transitions can be stressful and frustrating.

Anxiety is often associated with transitions.

Anxiety may be a by-product of resistance to change.
Many children experience anxiety over the possibility that they will not be able to complete a routine.
Anxiety many take many forms. The child may ask preservative questions about upcoming events or engage in other stereotypical behaviours.

Transition Tips

• Prepare for all transitions ahead of time. Give ample warnings (i.e. 5 minutes left, 2 minutes left, 1 minute left, and time to switch).
• Once children are at the next activity, they should not have to wait for “setup”; circle time should begin as soon as the children are seated.
• Use a transitional object to help the child remain calm during the transition. It may be a calming toy (squeeze ball) or an item related to the next activity (paint brush to move to the paint centre).
• Use transitional signals such as a sign, a noise or song. Eventually the child will learn to associate the signal with change and will understand that the signal means to stop what they are doing.
• Use a visual schedule to indicate what will happen next.
• Give one clear direction at a time.
• Use a specific relaxation strategy.
• Remain calm even when the transition appears chaotic.
• Reward for easy transitions.
• Plan your daily schedules to include the minimal number of transitions times possible.
• Provide verbal and nonverbal cues before transitions.
• Photos, pictures to show them what’s next.
• Allow children adequate time to play with objects and activities.
• Provide positive attention and feed back after easy transition.

Finally we are here to help our kids to have smooth transitions. Take care