Preparing Your Child for Transitions: School, Activities & Routines

Jan 4

Author: Mokshvi Shah, BS Northeastern University Student

Published: January 2026

Transitions, big or small, can be challenging for any child, but they’re especially tough for children with autism, ADHD, or other developmental or sensory differences. Shifting from one activity to another, starting a new school year, or even moving between home and therapy sessions can trigger anxiety, meltdowns, or emotional overwhelm.

At The FLOAAT Center in Gainesville, Florida, we understand that transitions are more than logistical, they’re emotional experiences that can deeply impact a child’s sense of safety and control. With preparation, consistency, and the right support strategies, families can make transitions smoother and more predictable for their children.

Why Transitions Can Be Difficult

Children with autism and ADHD often rely on predictability and structure to feel secure. Unexpected changes can disrupt their sense of order and lead to stress responses such as irritability, resistance, or withdrawal.

Some of the most common transition challenges include:

Moving between activities (e.g., from playtime to homework)
Starting or ending school days
Changing therapists, teachers, or caregivers
Adjusting to seasonal or routine shifts (like summer to school-year schedules)
Facing major life changes like moving homes or new family dynamics

Transitions challenge skills like flexibility, sensory regulation, attention, and executive functioning, all of which may develop differently in neurodivergent children.

Preparing for Successful Transitions

1. Use Visual Schedules and Cues
Visual supports, like calendars, picture schedules, or color-coded charts, help children understand what’s coming next. They provide a tangible sense of time and predictability, reducing anxiety about the unknown.

For example:

A morning routine chart with images for brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and packing a backpack.
A weekly calendar showing therapy sessions, school days, and family outings.

2. Practice “Previewing” and Talking About Changes
Discuss upcoming transitions in advance. Use simple, clear language:

“Tomorrow after breakfast, we’ll go to school. After school, you’ll see Ms. Jenna for speech therapy.”

Previewing allows your child to mentally prepare and adjust expectations.

3. Use Transitional Warnings
Give verbal or visual countdowns before a change happens. For example:

“Five more minutes of play, then it’s time to clean up.”
A timer or signal (like a song) to cue transitions consistently. This helps build a sense of control and predictability.

4. Create Rituals Around Change
Establishing small routines around transitions, like a goodbye wave at drop-off or a short “reset” activity between tasks, helps children regulate emotions and feel grounded.

5. Practice Transitions During Calm Times
You can role-play transitions before they happen. Practicing moving from one activity to another while calm teaches flexibility and builds confidence.

6. Reinforce Effort and Success
Praise and reward progress, even if small:

“You switched to homework so calmly today, I’m proud of you.”
Positive reinforcement builds resilience and motivation to handle future changes.

Supporting Transitions at School

Collaborating with teachers and staff makes a huge difference. You can:

Share your child’s transition strategies (visual supports, verbal cues, sensory tools).
Request Individualized Education Plan (IEP) accommodations that address transitions, like extra time to move between classes or access to a quiet space.
Ask for consistency between home and school routines.

The FLOAAT Center therapists often collaborate with schools in Gainesville to ensure children experience smooth, supported transitions across settings.

Handling Bigger Transitions

Major life changes, like entering kindergarten, switching schools, or starting therapy, require extra care.

Visit the new environment beforehand, if possible.
Introduce staff or peers through photos or short meetings.
Maintain familiar routines at home to anchor your child during change.

Small touches of consistency go a long way toward reducing stress.

How The FLOAAT Center Helps

At The FLOAAT Center, our therapists specialize in helping children and families navigate transitions with confidence and calm. We offer:

Behavioral and occupational therapy to strengthen flexibility, emotional regulation, and coping skills.
Parent coaching to help families build structured yet flexible routines.
Collaborative planning with schools, teachers, and community providers in Gainesville.

Our goal is to help children approach change not with fear, but with a sense of capability and trust.

Helping Your Child Grow Through Change

Transitions are part of life, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. With empathy, structure, and preparation, you can turn transitions into opportunities for growth and independence.

At The FLOAAT Center, we’re here to support your child through every shift and new beginning, helping them move forward with confidence, calm, and resilience.