Transitions Are Tough — Here’s How to Make Them Easier

For many toddlers and preschoolers with autism, transitions can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s going from playtime to mealtime, or leaving the house for school, these changes in activity can trigger frustration, anxiety, or even meltdowns.

The good news? With the right tools and consistent routines, you can help your child transition more smoothly, with fewer tears (from both of you!).

What to Do:

Use a visual schedule, timers, countdowns, and reinforcement.

Transitions become easier when your child knows what to expect. Here's how to break that down:

✅ Use a Visual Schedule

A picture-based schedule showing what’s happening “now” and “next” provides structure and predictability. It helps your child see what’s coming—even if they aren’t yet reading or understanding time.

✅ Use Timers and Countdowns

Auditory or visual timers (like sand timers, Time TimersⓇ, or digital ones with a beep) give a clear warning that a change is coming. Pair this with verbal reminders: “Five more minutes of blocks… then we clean up!”

✅ Reinforce Successful Transitions

When your child transitions without a struggle, even if it’s small, acknowledge it!
“Great job cleaning up when the timer went off! High five!”
Reinforcement builds motivation and shows your child that transitioning calmly leads to good things.

⭐️ Pro-Tip: A huge reinforcer for cleaning up is giving bonus play time! If your child begins cleaning up when asked, praise them, and tell them they can play for a few more minutes because they did such an amazing job. “Wow, you started cleaning up right away! Let’s play for 3 more minutes because you did such an amazing job listening!”

When to Do It:

Before and during transitions.

• Before the transition: Give a warning. Show the schedule. Use the timer. 
• During the transition: Stay calm, follow through, and provide reinforcement for cooperation.
  

Why It Works:

• Prepares your child in advance. This reduces the surprise factor that often causes resistance.
  
• Builds trust and predictability. Your child learns that transitions aren’t scary, they’re manageable.
  
• Encourages cooperation through reinforcement. Your child is more likely to repeat the behavior that got them praise or rewards.
  

Real-Life Example:

Let’s say your child is watching a favorite show and it’s almost dinner time.

1. You show them their visual schedule: "TV time now, dinner next."
   
2. You set a 3-minute timer and say: “Three more minutes, then dinner.”
   
3. As the timer beeps, you pause the show and guide them to the table.
   
4. They follow—maybe not perfectly, but without a meltdown. You say:
   “I love how you came to the table when the timer went off. That was awesome!”
   

Transitions won’t become magically smooth overnight, but with consistency, structure, and positive reinforcement, they will get easier. Try using these strategies during your next tough transition and celebrate even the small wins, because they matter!

Need more support for tricky routines and transitions?
Check out our Parent Coaching Program where we help you create step-by-step plans for common struggles—so your child can feel more secure and confident every day.