Coping with Transitions

Transitions are very difficult for children with autism. It is an interruption to their day and a change in their schedule. In order to minimize difficulty in transition, try to keep their schedule as routine as possible.

Always let them know ahead of time that a transition in routine is coming. Using sensory integration techniques can be very helpful for some children.

It is best to have an occupational therapist work with you to first determine if your child is hypersensitive or hyposensitive.

Do they crave movement and the feeling of different textures and stimulation or do they avoid movement and textures.

For example, a young autistic boy who had a great deal of difficulty with the transition from home to school, and with transitions that occurred in his school day.

The school created a sensory room that was just his. He craved movement, running and jumping on furniture, loved to feel his saliva against smooth surfaces, loved strong
odors.

In his sensory room, there was a large hammock for him to lie in, that would hold him tight. The ceiling was lined with Christmas lights. There were boxes with potpourri for him to smell.

He would spend 20 minutes in this room at the beginning of his school day, 20 minutes before lunch, and 20 minutes before returning home.

While he was in the room, he was encouraged to take in as much sensory information as he could. Once he left the room, he was calm and ready to learn.

This won't work for every child, but demonstrates how some creative thinking can benefit even the most challenging
behaviors.

Prior to the intervention of the sensory room, the school was ready to exclude him.

With the sensory room in place, he became much more compliant, calm, and willing to work with other people.

The important thing is to remember what works for your child, and incorporate that into their daily routine.

The Parenting Autism Resource Guide: A Complete Resource Guide For Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed With Autism.