Tips for Managing Transitions at Home for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Transitions—whether between activities or environments—can be tough for many children. For those on the autism spectrum, these moments may bring heightened anxiety, frustration, or resistance. By understanding why transitions can be challenging and learning evidence-based strategies to support them, caregivers can create a calmer, more supportive home environment.

Common Home Transitions

Transitions at home happen frequently and include:

• Waking up and beginning the morning routine

• Switching from play to chores

• Turning off the TV or tablet

• Moving between rooms (e.g., bedroom to bathroom)

• Shifting from one toy or activity to another

• Going to meals

• Leaving the house for errands or school

• Starting the bedtime routine

  
  

These moments often require caregiver support, and for children on the spectrum, they can be especially demanding due to a variety of underlying challenges.

Why Transitions Are Difficult for Some Children

1. Difficulty with Flexibility

Many children on the spectrum thrive on routine and predictability. Sudden changes can be overwhelming.

Challenges May Arise When:

• Moving from a preferred activity to a non-preferred one (e.g., “Put your iPad down and clean your room”)

• Using vague transition cues like “Time’s up!” or “Let’s go,” which lack context

  
  

Support Strategies:

• Use first/then visuals (e.g., “First car, then iPad” with text or pictures)

• Transition to another preferred activity instead of a non-preferred one (e.g., from iPad to snack)

• Make transitions less aversive (e.g., use a bin to “save” preferred items, or reduce internet access instead of forcibly removing the device)

  
  

2. Executive Functioning Challenges

Executive functioning helps us plan, shift focus, and initiate tasks. Children on the spectrum may struggle with these skills, making multi-step transitions harder.

Challenges May Arise When:

• Giving complex instructions (e.g., “Get ready” or “Go to the bathroom”)

  
  

Support Strategies:

• Use visual task sequences (e.g., pictures or checklists for brushing teeth)

• Break tasks into small, manageable steps

• Provide physical guidance or accompany the child initially through the steps, then fade support over time

  
  

3. Sensory Sensitivities

New environments or activities may involve sensory input that is unpleasant or overstimulating.

Challenges May Arise During:

• Bathing, hand washing, or using the bathroom

• Activities involving unusual textures, like slime or sand

Support Strategies:

• Offer alternative or adjusted stimuli (e.g., use hand sanitizer instead of soap and water)

• Teach children to communicate preferences (e.g., “Hotter water, please”)

• Introduce gradual desensitization for essential routines like taking medication

  
  

4. Communication Delays

If children don’t understand what’s happening or can’t express their needs, transitions can trigger anxiety or behavioral challenges.

Challenges May Arise When:

• Asking a child to stop a preferred activity without clear explanation or expectations

  
  

Support Strategies:

• Use timers or visuals to show when the activity will resume

• Prompt and model appropriate requests (e.g., “More time” using gestures, pictures, or words)

  
  

Evidence-Based Strategies to Support Transitions

1. Visual Schedules

Provide a visual outline of the day or a routine using pictures, icons, or written words.

Why It Works: Helps the child know what to expect and reduces anxiety. 

Tips:

• Use real photos if abstract icons are confusing

• Include both preferred and non-preferred activities

• Let the child remove or check off each completed activity

2. Timers and Countdowns

Use visual or auditory timers to help prepare for upcoming transitions.

Why It Works: Makes time tangible and helps children anticipate change. 

Tips:

• Give multiple time warnings (e.g., 10, 5, 2, and 1 minute)

• Use consistent language (e.g., “When the timer beeps, we go to dinner”)

• Pair countdowns with reminders of what’s next

  
  

3. First-Then Language

Show the child what comes first and what follows to clarify expectations.

Why It Works: Motivates the child by reinforcing with a preferred activity. 

Tips:

• Pair with visuals for clarity

• Use simple, consistent phrasing

• Always follow through on the “then” reward

4. Previewing and Rehearsing

Give a heads-up before transitions or practice routines in advance

Why It Works: Reduces surprises and helps build comfort with change. 

Tips:

• Talk through transitions in calm moments

• Use social stories or simple verbal explanations

• Role-play routines using toys or during playtime

  
  

5. Transition Objects

Let the child bring a comforting item to the next activity or space.

Why It Works: Offers a sense of security and continuity. 

Tips:

• Choose safe, small items (e.g., favorite fidget or stuffed animal)

• Use the object as a cue for what’s next (“Here’s your toy, time for bath”)

• Gradually reduce dependence if appropriate

  
  

6. Positive Reinforcement

Use praise or rewards to strengthen successful transitions.

Why It Works: Reinforces cooperation and builds confidence. 

Tips:

• Be specific with praise (e.g., “Great job turning off the TV when I asked”)

• Use token boards or sticker charts to track progress

• Celebrate even small improvements

  
  

7. Offer Choices

Give children control over parts of the transition.

Why It Works: Empowers the child and reduces resistance. 

Tips:

• Offer two acceptable options (e.g., “Do you want to brush your teeth before or after pajamas?”)

• Phrase choices clearly and consistently

• Avoid open-ended or overwhelming options

  
  

8. Reduce Demands During Transitions

Transitions are already difficult; don’t pile on extra instructions.

Why It Works: Keeps the process simple and reduces stress. 

Tips:

• Use brief, clear instructions

• Limit distractions and background noise

• Give extra processing time before expecting a response

  
  

Supporting Emotional Regulation During Transitions

Even with preparation, transitions can still be emotionally difficult. Help children cope by:

• Teaching calming strategies (deep breathing, squeezing a stress ball, stretching)

• Creating a calming space or “calm corner”

• Using co-regulation techniques (e.g., sitting with the child, labeling their feelings)

• Validating emotions: “I see you’re upset. It’s hard to stop something fun.”

  
  

By modeling calm, empathetic responses and giving children tools to regulate themselves, caregivers lay the foundation for long-term success with transitions.

Conclusion

Transitions are part of everyday life, but for children on the autism spectrum, they can feel overwhelming. When caregivers understand the reasons behind these challenges—such as difficulty with flexibility, sensory issues, or communication delays—they can respond with empathy and proven strategies.

Visual schedules, timers, first-then language, and reinforcement can make transitions smoother and less stressful. More importantly, consistent, compassionate support builds trust, emotional regulation, and a sense of safety for children navigating change.

With patience, practice, and the right tools, families can turn transitions from daily stressors into opportunities for growth and independence.