Facilitating Transitions
In the past year I have familiarized myself with the Early Start Denver Model manual and parent guide. The manual is essentially a comprehensive early intervention approach for children ages 1-5 with autism. One of the chapters discusses a sequence of steps to facilitate transitions with resistant children. Although there are ways that can successful prevent resistance to transitions (e.g. visual schedules, warnings) we have all been in a tough spot during a therapy session when a child refuses to transition to the next activity. Flexibility in attention shifting is a cognitive skill that is developed over time and one in which many children, especially ones with autism, can really struggle with so it is necessary to be knowledgeable on navigating these instances. Transitions are not only used in therapy but also in school classrooms and at home so it is necessary for kids to master this skill of transitioning. Despite this book being centred around autism these 4 steps will likely help any child who is struggling with transitions.
4 Steps for Facilitating Transitions for Resistant Children
Stop participating in the activity (social attention can be a reinforced for the child)
Make the activity boring (e.g. remove pieces, begin putting some of it away)
Position a new and interesting activity in the child’s visual field
When the child reaches for the new activity, quickly remove the old activity from their view
Find the ESDM manual on amazon.ca or amazon.com and the parent guide on amazon.ca or amazon.com.
Hope this helps with your transitions!
-S
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