Atypical Familia

  • Home
  • About
  • Autism
    • Our Autism Journey
    • Autism Resources
    • Autism Parenting
    • Tips
    • Autism in NYC
  • Familia
    • Atypical Mami
    • Atypical Dad
    • Atypical Kid
  • Travel
    • Special Needs Travel
    • Philly
    • Road Trips
    • Sesame Place
    • Walt Disney World
  • Life
    • Culture
    • Marriage
    • The Personal
    • Working Mom Life
  • Food + Fun
    • Food
    • DIY
    • FREE Printables
    • Holidays
  • Contact
    • PR Friendly
  • Shop
You are here: Home / Autism / 7 Tips That Will Help Your Child With Transitions

7 Tips That Will Help Your Child With Transitions

April 12, 2017 by Lisa Leave a Comment

Transitions can be difficult for kids with autism; they thrive on routine and consistency.

Kids with Autism and Transitions 7 Tips that Can Help via Atypical Familia by Lisa Quinones-Fontanez

As parents who work outside the home, sticking to a routine is a challenge especially during school breaks.

Don’t even get me started on summer vacation. It’s the time of year when all schedules are off. Each day is different and routine is a word rarely uttered.

When we follow a schedule, all is well in our world. When we don’t…well, let’s just say the difference is obvious.

The Sensory Child Gets Organized shares realistic suggestions on how to help your child through transitions.

Whether you’re a parent who loves to schedule or one that lives on whim, these tips are easy enough to incorporate into your day-to-day lives.

Make Transitions Easier for Kids with Autism

1. Keep a Calendar

We keep a calendar in Norrin’s room so we can talk about what we do from one day to the next. (And it also teaches him the days of the week, months and year.) This comes in handy around holiday season. We like to count down to the big day. The calendar also allows Norrin to initiate conversation. There are times when he’ll inquire about what day it is and what we have planned.

Related: 7 Tips For Prompting Conversation When Your Kid Has Autism

I’ll be honest, there are days when we skip the calendar. Some mornings there is just too much to do. But when Norrin is especially anxious about something, we refer to the calendar. Talking him through the transitions of the day eases his anxiety.

2. Follow a Schedule

Norrin does best with a schedule. He likes to know what to anticipate. Creating a schedule doesn’t take much, especially if your child can read. When Norrin comes home from school, the therapist writes down everything they’re going to do on a piece of paper. They cross out each completed activity and move on to the next. For example:

  • Snack
  • Table time activity
  • Play with iPad
  • Table time activity
  • Free Time
  • Art project

If your child cannot read, you can use a picture schedule. Do2Learn is a great resource site where you can download the pictures you need to create your own.

3. Use a Timer

Timers can be your best friend. We use them all the time with Norrin and they help him move on from one activity to the next. I use the timer on my iPhone. Whenever we go to the playground and I say “10 more minutes,” I set my timer. If I forget, he’ll remind me. When the timer goes off, Norrin knows that the playground is finished and it’s time to leave.

4. Talk Them Through It

I use verbal prompts throughout our day to guide Norrin through activities and transitions. For example, a ‘typical’ child may understand what it means to get ready for school. But for Norrin, there are a lot of steps in the process. So I provide verbal prompts to take him through all the motions of getting ready for school: going to the bathroom, washing up, eating breakfast, getting dressed, and getting his backpack. Prompting Norrin not only eases him through the transition, but gives him a sense of responsibility.

5. Use Your Words

On days when we have a few things going on. I always let Norrin know what to expect.

  • “First we’ll go to the supermarket and then we’ll go to the park.”
  • “First school and then home.”
  • “First we’ll eat dinner and then we’ll eat ice cream.”

By using ‘first‘ and ‘then‘ Norrin understands the sequence of events and it reinforces the schedule.

6. Give Them Time & Be Patient

When moving from one activity to the next, give kids a little extra time to process – especially if it requires a child to follow some kind of directions (like packing a bag or gathering books). If you’re asking a question, give them a few minutes to answer the question.

Believe me, as a mom who works outside the home, our mornings are hectic and I’m tempted to rush Norrin out the door. But I know that the more flustered I become, he’s less likely to follow directions. So I have to constantly remind myself to be patient.

7. Praise Them on a Job Well Done

All kids need praise and encouragement – kids with autism are no different. When Norrin does well, I always tell him so. Waiting and standing still is especially hard for Norrin. Moving from one activity to the next can be disruptive and challenging. So when he does a good job of waiting and when he transitions with ease, I make a big deal out of it. I want him to understand that following directions is a good thing. Norrin always asks how I feel and I love nothing more than telling him I feel proud.

Related

Filed Under: Autism, Autism Parenting, Tips

« Easter & Amigas: Celebrating Mom Friends with an Easter Basket
Autism Awareness Weekend at Edaville Family Theme Park »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Welcome!

LQ blog image

Hi, I'm Lisa aka @laliquin on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest & Snapchat. I'm a 40-something mom raising a son with autism in The Bronx, NYC.

Atypical Familia is a personal blog & resource site for Typical Parents raising Extraordinary Kids. We focus on autism parenting, special needs travel, work/life balance, family entertainment and more. This is parenting from a unique perspective.

Learn more about our Atypical Familia...
youtube-glitter
Autism Parenting Tips from an Autism Mom | Atypical Familia Lisa Quinones-Fontanez

Like Us On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget
Hit a Grand Slam for Autism 300x300
download
wayfair-blogger-button StreamTeam_Red&Black_Transparent
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Let’s Connect!

LQ blog image

I'm Lisa aka @laliquin on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest & Snapchat. Get to know more about me and my familia!

Atypical Familia focuses on autism parenting, special needs travel, work/life balance, family entertainment and more. If you'd like to work with us, send us an email: autismwonderland(@)gmail.com. 

lqf-babble_contributor_badge_white_2x
TODAY.com Parenting Team Parenting Contributor

laliquin

🐢 🦥 Slow and steady... I don’t want to mis 🐢 🦥 Slow and steady... I don’t want to miss a thing.
I should be working... but it’s Sunday and I’m I should be working... but it’s Sunday and I’m easily distracted. P.S. Why didn’t y’all tell me about Married at First Sight sooner?! How is it that 9 seasons in, I’m just discovering it?
cre•ate : bring (something) into existence 🌻 cre•ate : bring (something) into existence 🌻 woke up grateful for another day and the life I’ve been able to create. Day by day, my life gets better because I get better. It’s been a slow process. First I had to figure out the life I wanted. Then I had to realize that I DESERVE the life I wanted.
Happy. Unhappy. Stronger. Weaker. Better. Worse. C Happy. Unhappy. Stronger. Weaker. Better. Worse. Change. Complain. Accept. Deny. Accomplish. Regret. Finish. Quit. 
I DECIDE. 👊🏽
🦋 🦋
🖤 🖤
It’s more than okay. Today I can be grateful not It’s more than okay. Today I can be grateful nothing in my life turned out the way I planned. My life is turning out to be exactly the way it’s supposed to be. My HPs plan is better than I could’ve ever dreamed of. 🌻
Just winging it. Life. Eyeliner. Everything. Just winging it. Life. Eyeliner. Everything.
Never ever 🖤🌀 Never ever 🖤🌀
4🔥5 . . . . . As per my young friends “This 4🔥5 
.
.
.
.
.
As per my young friends “This gotta go on the grid. This is not a story pic.” 🤣🤣🤣 Thank you for this collective effort 📷 @ashestogoodvibes @loutimes5 💛 #flyageless
euphoria: the feeling or state of intense exciteme euphoria: the feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness 🌻 I may struggle with depression and anxiety but I also have moments of pure and genuine happiness. That is where I am right now. One of the gifts I’ve received in sobriety is the ability to hold space for all of my emotions. I feel them, I acknowledge them and I let them pass. For me, it’s in the passing where the power is... I don’t stay in it. ✨ 45 is going to be amazing. ✨
Depression and anxiety can easily knock me down. B Depression and anxiety can easily knock me down. But I continue to get up. I do my hair, throw on some hoops, dab a little gloss and give myself a pep talk. Dear Me, I know you’re scared, but you can handle this. Keep going. Love, Me 🌻#selfcareseptember #radicalbodylove
No I’m sorry or explanation necessary. Just NO a No I’m sorry or explanation necessary. Just NO and keep it moving. ”No” is hard when you’re a people pleaser but boundaries are absolutely necessary. It’s something I’m learning to do to maintain my own peace of mind. Lack of boundaries invites lack of respect. And I respect myself way too much to allow anyone to disrespect me. 💥 periodt ✌🏼 #selfcareseptember #radicalbodylove
I try to start my mornings with a gratitude list. I try to start my mornings with a gratitude list. After meditating and writing my list, I opened my Beautiful You book. Describing myself in 25 words or less without using roles or physical features was not easy. It took a little time. But I did. Making healthy choices, setting boundaries is a daily practice. I am grateful I have the willingness to do so. I am grateful I can pause and breathe through my anxiety. I am grateful I have the courage to follow my dreams. Thank you @rosiemolinary - I am grateful for your words and online presence in my life. Hope we can be in the same room again soon. xoxo amiga 💛 #selfcareseptember #radicalbodylove
One of my favorite Frida quotes... I understand th One of my favorite Frida quotes... I understand the loneliness. More so during the quarantine. As painful as it has been, it’s allowed me to heal. The solitude forced me to figure myself out. I may not always be happy about my situation, but I am happy with myself. And I think it shows. 💛 #selfcareseptember #radicalbodylove
As Featured In 2017 - bottom footer

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress