Expert: James Michael Roan - 1/22/2006

Question
How do you help a two year old with autism who is in a typical preschool class handle transitions? HELP

Answer
Hi Gwen;

This is a good question. Since typically developing children also struggle at this age with transitions, there are some classroom things you can do that everyone can benefit from:

1. Strict routine, announcing transitions ahead of time.
2. Use a Time Timer for each activity. It provides a visual indicator of the approaching transition. The time remaining is shown in red and slowly disappears before the end of the session. At 3 min. call the children to attend to the timer and how much time is left before the next activity.
3. Develop a picture exchange communication system (PECS)that will work with the autistic youngster  and develop a visual calendar for the day and the week.

Good luck Gwen. The key to predictability is routine with visual and auditory reminders.

Kind Regards,
James