Aussie Childcare Network Forum

<t>We have a diagnosed autistic 8 year old child at an OOSH service. Can any one give some advice about strategies for smooth transitions. Usually we give 5 minute warnings, play music and encourage before transitioning from one activity to another. The child, especially when outside will refuse to come inside and will walk away, may become aggressive and it is difficult, especially needing to adhere to ratios for staff to stay outside for one child. We cannot stay outside longer during winter as its cold and becoming dark. Any suggestions for smooth transitions?</t>

Sounds like you have a great transition system in place for the children. Would the child be willing to go and do a "job" for you prior to the 5 min warnings? Something that would encourage the child to go inside ahead of the others to eliminate the stress of transition for them? If this is not possible due to ratios, perhaps trying a job of some kind during transition that the child could help an educator with? I'd be looking at the child's interests and seeing if you can utilise that to encourage them inside.
Also chatting with the family and consulting the child's therapists (if they currently see any) for strategies may help too. Consistency between oosh and home would be beneficial.

Pair your 5-minute warnings with visual or tactile cues, like showing a specific object (e.g., a transition card) or using a hand signal.

Thank you for this interesting information!

Cath01 wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 26, 2021 9:47 am

<t>We have a diagnosed autistic 8 year old child at an OOSH service. Can any one give some advice about strategies for smooth transitions. Usually we give 5 minute warnings, play music and encourage before transitioning from one activity to another space waves. The child, especially when outside will refuse to come inside and will walk away, may become aggressive and it is difficult, especially needing to adhere to ratios for staff to stay outside for one child . We cannot stay outside longer during winter as its cold and becoming dark. Any suggestions for smooth transitions?</t>

In our service, we’ve found that giving a "first–then" visual card works better than verbal cues alone. For example: “First outside, then hot chocolate/story time inside.” It makes the next step more appealing and concrete.

Autism in young children is more difficult to treat and provide treatment than in adults who are aware. Therefore, it is most important to correct it from the adults who care for them.

I like the approach you’re taking, especially with the first–then idea since it gives the child something positive to focus on. Adding clear visual cues could make transitions even easier, and keeping it consistent with what’s used at home should really help.nulls brawl indir

What's the best way to approach a conversation with the family and therapists to ensure consistency without sounding like we're just 'giving orders'?