Let's explore why transitions can be particularly challenging for children with autism, and how we can use ABA principles to help them navigate these moments more smoothly.

Understanding Transitions

Let me start by clarifying what I mean when I say "transitions." Transitions are those moments when we move from one activity or environment to another. Whether it's transitioning from home to school, moving from one activity to the next, or even changes in routine, these transitions can be unsettling for children with autism due to challenges with flexibility and predictability.

Are there any transitions that you can think of that your child struggles with? For example, going to the bathroom or taking a different route to school?

What do those transitions look like for your child or family? Crying, dropping to the floor, hitting and kicking?

The ABCs of Behavior

Before we delve into specific strategies, let's quickly review the ABCs of Behavior. The ABCs refer to:

• Antecedent: What happens before the behavior?
• Behavior: What is the observable behavior?
• Consequence: What happens after the behavior?

Think back to one of your child’s most recent behaviors during a transition.

• What was the context of the situation?
• What activity was your child transitioning from?
• What were they transitioning to?
• What time of day was it?
• Could they have been hungry, tired, or sick?

Now think back to what happened immediately before the behavior occurred. Can you identify the antecedent?

Then think back to what happened immediately after the behavior occurred. Can you identify the consequence? Was it a desirable outcome for your child?

Strategies for Antecedent Modifications

Now, let's talk about some strategies you can use to modify the antecedents of transitions to make them smoother for you and your kids. One key strategy is to create predictable schedules and routines. Children with autism often thrive in structured environments, so having a consistent daily routine can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety. Keep in mind that keeping everything predictable and routine at all times is not a realistic expectation to have for anyone, especially parents of young kids. There will always be hurdles, detours, last minute diaper blowouts, unexpected events. Do what you can, but remember to give yourself grace and not stress yourself out over the schedule. It should be considered a helpful tool in your toolbox, not something that causes additional stress or anxiety to you or your family.

Visual supports are another powerful tool. I think I mention how much I love them in every post. These can include timers, visual schedules, and first-then boards. Visual schedules, for example, can help your child understand what will happen next and prepare for upcoming transitions.

Additionally, using transition warnings and countdowns can help prepare your child for changes. For example, giving a two-minute warning before it's time to transition to a new activity can give your child time to mentally prepare for the change. If countdowns or transition warnings stress your child out and cause additional challenging behaviors, stay away from them. 

What antecedent interventions do you use at home? Are they effective?

Reinforcement Techniques

Positive reinforcement is a cornerstone of ABA therapy, and it's incredibly effective in helping children learn new skills. When it comes to transitions, you can use reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and make transitions more enjoyable for your child. This could involve offering preferred items or activities as rewards, or simply giving praise and encouragement for successfully navigating a transition. Remember to present the opportunity for preferred items or activities as rewards BEFORE initiating the transition to avoid accidentally reinforcing the challenging behavior.

What reinforcement techniques do you use at home? What do you find to be most effective? Do you find yourself negotiating or accidentally bribing your child during transitions? What does that look like?

Teaching Coping Skills

In addition to using ABA techniques to manage transitions, you can also teach your child coping skills to help them better handle these moments of change. This could involve identifying and naming emotions, and teaching self-calming strategies such as deep breathing or squeezing hands.

Social Stories and Role-Playing

Another valuable tool in your toolbox is social stories. Social stories are short narratives that describe a particular situation or social skill in a simple and concrete way. They can help prepare your child for upcoming transitions by providing a clear explanation of what will happen and what is expected of them. As I’ve mentioned in the past, you really only want to use these if your child is happy to sit and look at books with you.

Role-playing is another super effective strategy for practicing transitions in a safe and supportive environment. By acting out different scenarios, you can help your child become more comfortable with the process of transitioning from one activity to another. Remember that practice makes progress, so the more practice you can give your child, especially in a controlled environment when everyone is relaxed and ready to learn (not when you are stressed out and trying to get somewhere on time), the more progress your child will make.

Have you tried social stories or role-playing with your child? How did it go? How often do you role play transitions?

Generalization and Maintenance

It's important to remember that the skills we teach our children need to generalize across different settings and people. That means that the coping skills they learn at home should also be applicable at school, and vice versa. Consistency is key, so be sure to communicate with your child's BCBA to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

We also need to think about how we can maintain these coping skills over time. This might involve periodic reinforcement and practice sessions, as well as being prepared to adapt your strategies as your child gets older.

Collaborating with ABA Professionals

Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of collaborating with your BCBA. Your child's BCBA is a valuable resource who can provide guidance and support as you work to improve your child's coping skills. Be sure to share strategies and observations with them, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Remember, supporting your child through transitions is a journey, and it's okay to seek help along the way.