This was in response to a questions from a therapist. I thought I'd post it to help others as well!
Transitions are really, really hard, that's true. One thing that helps most students I'm working with are visual schedules. Here's a couple links you could look at:
http://www.operationautismonline.org/blog/using-picture-or-video-schedules-for-successful-transitions/
http://www.autismspot.com/blog/Create-TransitionPicture-Schedule
http://www.nationalautismresources.com/transition-tips.html
As I am often working with students "on the spot" without little time to prepare, I find it's important to remember these principles, even if you don't have the materials all made. So, I keep a mini white board and marker or a pen and some scratch paper in my pockets at all times. This allows me to make a quick schedule on the spot to work through a difficult transition. So, for example, I had a kiddo the other day that wanted to go straight to recess, but had to put his lunch away first. This has always been the routine and the schedule, but for whatever reason it was extremely difficult that day. As he was starting to melt, I made sure to focus on what it was he wanted - helping him see that I knew what he wanted and that was what he was going to get!!! I grabbed the paper and drew a picture (ha ha... a very sad, stick figure picture) of him at recess on the very bottom of the paper. And I'd say, "recess?" and point to it. He'd look at me and say, "recess!" like, "YES! That's what I want!" Acknowledging what he wants helped him to calm down. So, then, at the top of the page, I quickly sketched four pictures - all the steps he had to do to get there. 1. High Five 2. Put food away. 3. Put box in cubby. 4. Walk to recess. All these were written in pictures and words (you'll find often our kids are reading and we don't know it) with the first step being SUPER easy, so I can quickly prove success and the rest of the steps broken down pretty simply. I usually do 2-5 steps, with no more than 5 - ESPECIALLY if they're overwhlemed. I model first by showing him how to give me a high five, and then very excitedly picking up the paper and making a dramatic and happy CHECK! on the first step. So now, I say, "Recess in 1, 2, 3, 4 steps!" After we finish step two, I say "Recess in 1, 2, 3 steps!" while pointing at the pictures - to remind him we're getting to what he wants and we're doing it quickly and it will be awesome! After each step, we CHECK! it off dramatically, count how many steps are left and move on until we get to recess where we rejoice! Anyway, that's one way i'll do it out of the blue when needed.
http://www.operationautismonline.org/blog/using-picture-or-video-schedules-for-successful-transitions/
http://www.autismspot.com/blog/Create-TransitionPicture-Schedule
http://www.nationalautismresources.com/transition-tips.html
As I am often working with students "on the spot" without little time to prepare, I find it's important to remember these principles, even if you don't have the materials all made. So, I keep a mini white board and marker or a pen and some scratch paper in my pockets at all times. This allows me to make a quick schedule on the spot to work through a difficult transition. So, for example, I had a kiddo the other day that wanted to go straight to recess, but had to put his lunch away first. This has always been the routine and the schedule, but for whatever reason it was extremely difficult that day. As he was starting to melt, I made sure to focus on what it was he wanted - helping him see that I knew what he wanted and that was what he was going to get!!! I grabbed the paper and drew a picture (ha ha... a very sad, stick figure picture) of him at recess on the very bottom of the paper. And I'd say, "recess?" and point to it. He'd look at me and say, "recess!" like, "YES! That's what I want!" Acknowledging what he wants helped him to calm down. So, then, at the top of the page, I quickly sketched four pictures - all the steps he had to do to get there. 1. High Five 2. Put food away. 3. Put box in cubby. 4. Walk to recess. All these were written in pictures and words (you'll find often our kids are reading and we don't know it) with the first step being SUPER easy, so I can quickly prove success and the rest of the steps broken down pretty simply. I usually do 2-5 steps, with no more than 5 - ESPECIALLY if they're overwhlemed. I model first by showing him how to give me a high five, and then very excitedly picking up the paper and making a dramatic and happy CHECK! on the first step. So now, I say, "Recess in 1, 2, 3, 4 steps!" After we finish step two, I say "Recess in 1, 2, 3 steps!" while pointing at the pictures - to remind him we're getting to what he wants and we're doing it quickly and it will be awesome! After each step, we CHECK! it off dramatically, count how many steps are left and move on until we get to recess where we rejoice! Anyway, that's one way i'll do it out of the blue when needed.
