Parenting

Why Do Kids on the Spectrum Have Trouble with Transitions?

Why Do Kids on the Spectrum Have Trouble with Transitions?

Why Do Kids on the Spectrum Have Trouble with Transitions?

Throughout the day, it’s natural to shift from one activity to another, as well as from one setting to another. Whether it is at home, at school or in the workplace, these shifts, also known as transitions, occur naturally and on a frequent basis.

For children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), though, transitions can be rather difficult. In fact, some children on the spectrum may exhibit problematic behaviors when asked to change their routine or to transition from one task, activity or setting to another. Why is this?

Trouble with transitions

Children on the spectrum have a need for predictability. They benefit from being surrounded by a setting with concrete routines, leaving very little room for any unknown events. However, when asked to transition to a new task, activity, or setting, this creates a space for an unknown event to appear and it raises concerns in understanding what will be coming next.

“Transitions are hard for everybody. One of the reasons why transitions may be hard is that we’re often transitioning from a preferred activity – something we like doing – to something that we need to do,” said Dr. David Anderson, senior director of the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. A majority of children on the spectrum also process sensory information more sensitively, such as lights, sounds, and textures, therefore making it difficult to transition into a new task, activity or setting with new sensory input. Autistic children with sensory issues are sensitive to even the slightest changes. 

When it comes to transitions, each child expresses themselves in different ways

Trouble with transitions can be displayed in several different ways, depending on the child and the setting in question. It can range from avoidance, resistance, distraction, or negotiation to a full-blown meltdown. These reactions to transitions may be the result of children feeling overwhelmed by their emotions and/or unexpected changes, or they may be approaches to successfully evading or postponing a transition. “It really depends on how the adults in his life have responded,” said Dr. Matthew Rouse, clinical psychologist.

Read on to learn more about transition triggers, and how to best manage transitions for children living with autism.

For children with autism, transitions are often seen as disruptive

Although transitions are triggers for a majority of children, they are especially challenging for children with behavioral and developmental problems. Medical experts suggest that the reasons behind this behavior lie in the root of their difficulty. “For kids with autism, the world is just an incredibly confusing and overwhelming place, so the need for sameness and predictability is adaptive,” said Dr. Michael Rosenthal, a clinical neuropsychologist. Their cognitive inflexibility and hyper-focused interests is why they tend to do the same things in the same order. They crave order, as it helps them to feel safe, calm, and in control. “Any unexpected changes or transition for a kid with autism disrupts their equilibrium,” said Dr. Rosenthal. What follows is resistance or problematic behaviors. 

There are several ways to make transitions easier for your child

Despite the fact that children on the spectrum have trouble with transitions, this does not mean that they are unable to learn ways to effectively shift from one task, activity or setting to the next. As a parent, there are several strategies that can make your child’s transitions a little bit easier, each designed to prepare them before the transition occurs, as well as to support them during and after the transition. When these strategies are utilized, they should diminish transition time, increase independence and appropriate behavior during transitions, as well as create positivity around transition routines.

Consider a therapeutic preschool program

Entering your child in a therapeutic preschool program can help them to learn behavioral and developmental skills, which may be beneficial to them when transitioning between tasks, activities or settings over time.