Transitioning from one task to another can feel like climbing Mount Everest for our young kiddos, whether neurodiverse or neurotypical. In this episode, we'll dive into the core of why these transitions can be such a tough nut to crack and share some real-life strategies that both parents and professionals can use to smooth out those bumps along the road.

Transitioning isn't just about changing gears; it's a whole mental gymnastics routine! In this episode, we'll discuss the various systems at play, from executive functioning to emotional regulation, highlighting that asking kids to shift their focus is a big ask, especially when they’re leaving something they love, like their favorite toy or an exciting game. We'll talk about how both parents and professionals can step in to ease these transitions with real-life strategies that are both practical and, dare we say, fun! We'll also sprinkle in some personal anecdotes and a few laughs, because hey, we’re all in this together, right? So, if you're looking to make those tricky transitions a little easier for your kiddos, you’re in the right place because this episode is all about success, not stress.

Timestamps:

(01:24) - Welcome

(03:43) - Understanding Why Transitions Can Be So Hard

(06:54) - Rich vs. Lean Conditions

(13:35) - It's Not That They're Stubborn or "Bad"

(23:34) - "Three Term Contingency"

(28:00) - Our Go-To Transition Strategies

(35:25) - Tip: Shifting The Focus To What's Next

(41:05) - Tip: Get In Early With Reinforcement

(46:43) - Tailoring Strategies To Your Child

(47:41) - Tip: Staying Connected & Calm

(51:33) - Practicing Strategies In Different Contexts

(55:22) - Get Into Your Kiddos Mindset

Mentioned In This Episode:

• Our Transition Toolkit (Summer Edition)
• Banda, D. R., & Grimmett, E. (2008). Enhancing social and transition behaviors of persons with autism through activity schedules: A review. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 43(3), 324–33312.
• Jessel, J., Hanley, G. P., & Ghaemmaghami, M. (2016). A translational evaluation of transitions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49(2), 359–37656.
• Lequia, J., Wilkerson, K. L., Kim, S., & Lyons, G. L. (2014). Improving transition behaviors in students with autism spectrum disorders: A comprehensive evaluation of interventions in educational settings. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 1, 1–1378.
• Sevin, J. A., Rieske, R. D., & Matson, J. L. (2015). A review of behavioral strategies and support considerations for assisting persons with difficulties transitioning from activity to activity. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2, 329–342910.
• Tullis, C. A., Cannella-Malone, H. I., & Payne, D. O. (2014). Literature review of interventions for between-task transitioning for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2, 91–1021112.

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