Two more minutes! How to help neurodivergent kids transition between activities.
Transitioning between tasks can be tough for neurodivergent kids, particularly when they are in the “flow” of an enjoyable activity. Also, when an activity requires transitions within itself, it can be very taxing to keep switching.
There are three stages to each transition and a lot that can go off the rails between each stage:
Making the initial move away from the activity
Navigating the path between the last activity and the future one
Moving into the coming task or activity.
Here are some tips to make switching tasks smoother for neurodivergent kids:
1. Finish the Play “Scheme”: Let them complete their goal in a game or task (finishing a book, putting dolls to bed) before transitioning.
2. Start with empathy: Acknowledge their feelings by saying, “Transitions can be hard” or “You were having fun, weren’t you?” and remind them they’ll have more opportunities to enjoy that activity again.
3. Use a Transition Item: something small and almost disposable like a sticker or a balloon, or a comfort item like a favorite teddy bear. This “softens the blow” of transitioning away from something super fun like the playground or another preferred activity. Kids think “well, I had to leave.. but at least I have this cool sticker” It also helps redirect their attention enough to move on to that next thing.
4. Give a time reminder or a “heads up” (and make it a little longer than you think, 2 minutes is nothing in kid world). Some kids like visual timers, and around 10 minutes can be a nice “heads up” sweet spot. Some kids also don’t like timers and something more gentle is preferred “in a few minutes, we will clean up”.
5. Offer Extra Choices: Increase their control by asking, “Should we put this toy away on the desk or the shelf?” and hype up the next activity with options like, “When we go outside, will you play with the ball or your bike?”
6. Use a Visual Schedule: Keep it general to allow for choice and autonomy (sing songs, play games, say goodbye). Keeping transitions predictable and consistent can help everyone.
