Supporting Neurodivergent Children Through Transitions: a Practical Guide for Parents
Transitions - whether big or small - can be stressful for any child, but they can be particularly overwhelming for neurodivergent children. Whether it’s starting a new school year, moving from primary to secondary, or even daily transitions like switching between activities, change can trigger anxiety, sensory overload, and emotional distress.
As a parent, there’s a lot you can do to help make transitions smoother and less daunting for your child. This blog offers practical tips, tools, and techniques to help you prepare your child for upcoming transitions, ease their anxiety, and boost their confidence.
Start Preparing Early
One of the best ways to support your child through transitions is to start early. Sudden changes can be difficult for neurodivergent children, so giving them plenty of time to process the change is essential.
How to prepare early:
Talk about the transition well in advance. Use simple language and be clear about what’s happening, when it’s happening, and why.
Break it down into smaller steps. Big transitions can feel overwhelming, so break the process into manageable steps. For example, if your child is starting a new school, you can break it down into visiting the school, meeting teachers, and preparing school supplies.
Use Visual Supports
Neurodivergent children often respond well to visual aids. Visual supports can help them understand what’s coming, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of predictability.
Types of visual supports:
Visual schedules: Create a simple schedule showing what will happen and when. You can use pictures, symbols, or written words, depending on your child’s preferences.
Countdown calendars: Help your child track the days leading up to the transition by using a calendar or countdown chart.
Transition timelines: For bigger transitions, such as starting a new school, create a timeline showing key events (e.g., “Today we visit the school,” “Next week you’ll meet your teacher”).
Create a Social Story
A social story is a short, simple narrative that explains a situation, event, or activity, helping neurodiverse children understand what to expect and how to respond. Social stories are great tools for easing anxiety and helping children feel more in control.
How to create a social story:
Start with the basics - Introduce the situation in a clear, positive way. For example, “Soon, you will start a new school. This is exciting, and you will meet new friends and teachers.”
Explain what will happen - Include specific details about what your child can expect during the transition.
Use positive language - Focus on what your child can do and how they can feel successful.
Add pictures or drawings - Visuals can make the story more engaging and easier to understand.
End on a reassuring note - Remind your child that it’s okay to feel nervous and that you’ll be there to support them.
Example Social Story: Starting a New School
“Soon, you will start at a new school. The school is called Sunnydale Primary, and it has lots of classrooms, a playground, and a lunchroom.
When you arrive, you will meet your teacher, Mrs. Brown. She is kind and will help you learn new things. You will also meet other children in your class. It’s okay to feel nervous. You can ask for help if you need it. Mum and Dad will be proud of you for trying your best.”
Practice the Transition
If possible, give your child the opportunity to practice the transition before it happens. Familiarity can help reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Ways to Practice:
Visit the new environment - If your child is starting a new school, arrange a visit so they can explore the classrooms, hallways, and playground.
Role-play scenarios - Practice situations your child may encounter, such as walking into the classroom, meeting a new teacher, or asking for help.
Rehearse routines - Practice daily routines, such as packing their school bag, getting dressed in the morning, and travelling to the new school.
Use Comfort Items and Coping Tools
Comfort items and coping tools can help your child feel more secure during transitions. These can be sensory toys, familiar objects, or strategies that help them manage anxiety.
Examples of comfort items and tools:
A favourite toy or blanket - Bringing a familiar object can provide a sense of security.
Sensory tools - Noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or weighted blanket can help with sensory regulation.
Breathing exercises or calm-down strategies - Teach your child simple techniques, like deep breathing or using a “calm-down jar”, to manage their emotions.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Celebrate your child’s efforts and progress, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation to cope with change.
How to use positive reinforcement:
Praise specific behaviours - Instead of saying “good job,” say, “I’m proud of how you walked into the new classroom today!”
Offer small rewards - Create a reward system for completing steps in the transition process. This could be a sticker chart or a small treat for milestones achieved.
Encourage Open Communication
Let your child express their feelings about the transition. Encourage them to talk about their worries and reassure them that their feelings are valid.
Tips for open communication:
Use open-ended questions - Ask questions like, “How are you feeling about starting your new school?”
Listen without judgment - Let your child share their thoughts and feelings without interrupting or offering immediate solutions.
Reassure them - Remind your child that it’s okay to feel nervous or uncertain, and that you are there to support them.
Stay Involved
Staying actively involved in the transition process can make a big difference. Communicate regularly with teachers, support staff, and other key people in your child’s life.
Ways to stay involved:
Meet with the school - Arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) to discuss their needs and support strategies.
Ask for updates - Keep in touch with the school to monitor your child’s progress and address any concerns early.
Collaborate on a transition plan - Work with the school to create a personalised transition plan, outlining key supports and accommodations.
Final Thoughts
Transitions can be challenging, but with the right preparation and support, your child can navigate them more confidently. Start early, use visual aids, create a social story, and practice the transition to help your child feel more in control. Remember, every child is different, so tailor your approach to suit your child’s unique needs.
Most importantly, be patient and reassuring. Transitions are a learning process, and with your guidance and support, your child can develop the schools they need to manage change successfully.
If you’ve found specific strategies that work well for your child, feel free to share them. Your experience could help another parent on the same journey!