Transitions can be difficult for a variety of reasons, whether we’re talking about a toddler in early intervention, a kindergarten student, or a child with autism in an outpatient clinic. There’s a considerable likelihood that the subject of transitions may come up when you ask parents, educators, or therapists about the difficulties they encounter when dealing with children.
Prepare for the response and talk about it
We frequently are aware of the transitions that our kids find challenging. We can anticipate the response and talk with the youngster about it. Such a thing can sound like: “You sometimes find it incredibly difficult to leave the park since you love it so much.
Employ play and the interests of the kids
Kids enjoy playing. Take advantage of their enthusiasm for playing to inspire them. Make transitions fun, such as pretending to be aircraft when you enter from the playground or singing a catchy clean-up song when it’s time to tidy up.
Put an object of transition in
When it’s time to switch gears, kids can comfort themselves and support their regulation by holding a favorite doll. This calms breathing, deepens breathing, gives proprioceptive input, and provides emotional support. Kids can explain to the transition item what is happening and signal that it is time to shift gears.
Give them a reason to anticipate it
Children sometimes struggle with transitions because they have to stop engaging in a fun activity without understanding what comes next. By providing them with something to anticipate, we can help them. This may resemble: “To prepare dinner, we must leave the park. Can you assist me in making the salad? I need assistance with the salad’s cucumber preparation and dressing mixing. Do you believe you can assist me?”
Provide explicit compliments following transitions
Recognizing positive outcomes and praising both effort and success is crucial. Not the behaviors you want to see less of, but more of is what you should call attention to. Giving pupils targeted feedback is necessary to let them know they are making good transitions and to make it obvious which abilities they need to repeat.