Transitions can be challenging for many children, especially autistic children. Whether it’s moving from playtime to mealtime, switching between tasks at school, or heading out the door for an appointment, changes in activity can bring stress and frustration. Supporting smooth transitions is an important part of helping children feel secure and successful throughout their day.

At Gateway, we tailor transition strategies to each child’s age and developmental level. Here are some tips to support smoother transitions for toddlers, school aged children, and teens:

Toddlers & Children (12 and under): Keep It Simple and Create Predictability

1. Use Visual Schedules
Pictures help toddlers understand what is coming next. Visual schedules using photos or simple icons can show transitions like “snack,” “play,” and “bath time.”

2. Offer Warnings
Give 2-3 minute countdowns before transitions. For example, “In two minutes, we will clean up the toys and go outside.”

3. Use Songs and Characters
For younger children, transition songs and rhymes can help make changes feel fun and predictable, such as a “clean up” song. Older children might engage more with pretend play or routines that reference age-appropriate shows or characters they enjoy. For example, “Let’s do a superhero clean-up like your favorite show!”

4. Offer Choices
Let toddlers feel some control. Instead of “time for lunch now,” try “Do you want to walk or hop to your chair for lunch?”

Build Understanding and Ownership

1. Explain Why
Children this age often do better with transitions when they understand why the change is happening. For example: “We’re stopping the game now so we have enough time to get to practice.”

2. Use First/Then Language
“First we do homework, then we can watch a show.” This helps clarify expectations and build cooperation.

3. Stick to Routines
Predictable routines help children feel prepared. Charts, timers, and planners are great tools to help structure daily activities.

4. Praise Positive Transitions
Celebrate when transitions go smoothly. “Great job putting your shoes on when I asked. That helped us leave on time!”

Teens (Ages 13+): Encourage Independence and Self-Management

1. Use Calendars and Reminders
Help teens use digital tools, planners, or alarms to manage their own transitions between activities, homework, or jobs.

2. Set Goals Together
Work together on building time management skills and setting small goals, such as getting out the door on time or managing transitions between school and after school activities.

3. Reflect and Problem Solve
If transitions are hard, talk through what’s happening and invite your teen to problem solve with you. “What might help mornings feel less rushed?”

4. Respect Their Independence
Offer support while respecting their independence.  Offer help in a way that puts them in control, like: “Let me know if you need help managing your schedule.”

Transitions happen all day long, and with the right strategies in place, they can become less stressful and more manageable. Using tools like visual supports, reinforcement, and individualized approaches support children in building the skills they need to navigate these moments more smoothly.

Whether your child is a toddler taking their first steps into a structured routine or a teenager managing school and social life, we’re here to help. Our team is ready to partner with you to build smoother, more successful transitions for your child’s day to day life.