What Are Transition Objects for Autism?
Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
Transitions can be challenging for anyone, but for kids with autism, shifting from one activity or environment to another can be especially overwhelming.
Transition objects and sensory tools offer a practical and comforting way to ease these changes, creating a sense of predictability and security.
Whether it’s a favorite toy that brings comfort, or a visual timer that makes time more concrete and tangible, these tools provide valuable support for managing the sensory and emotional demands of the day.
Let’s explore how transition objects, sensory tools, and simple routines can make life smoother and more enjoyable for kidos, (and some adults too), on the autism spectrum.
What is a Transition Object?
Transition objects are familiar, comforting items that help those with autism move from one activity or environment to another with less stress.
Research shows that these objects can create a sense of predictability and ease during transitions, which can otherwise be highly challenging (Baranek et al., 2005).
Examples of Transition Objects:
Stuffed Animals, Action Figures, and Blankets: Familiar textures and scents create comfort.
Visual Supports: Photos or drawings, like a picture of the next activity, prepare individuals for what’s coming.
Fidget Toys and Sensory Tools: Small, portable items offer a comforting distraction during transitions.
Transition objects for autism work by offering “predictable comfort” (Grandin & Panek, 2013), helping folks anchor themselves with something familiar in new situations. For many, these items reduce anxiety, making transitions smoother and more manageable.
Sensory Tools for Autism: How They Support Sensory Processing
For children and adults with autism, sensory environments can either overstimulate or underwhelm, making daily tasks hard to manage. Sensory tools are designed to address these needs, providing calming or stimulating input depending on their sensory profile.
Examples of Sensory Tools for Autism:
Weighted blankets and vests: These provide calming deep pressure, which research suggests can lower stress hormones like cortisol (Champagne et al., 2010).
Noise-canceling headphones: A lifesaver in loud settings, these reduce overwhelming auditory input.
Chewelry and fidget items: Oral sensory needs are met discreetly with chewable jewelry, while fidgets offer tactile comfort.
Visual timers: Visual cues help children and adults see the passage of time, reducing anxiety around transitions.
Why Do Transition Objects and Sensory Tools Work?
Transition objects and sensory tools offer sensory regulation, a critical support for autistic folks who experience sensory dysregulation, or difficulty processing sensory information (Dunn, 2001). Sensory tools act as a buffer, allowing individuals to focus and self-soothe, enabling them to manage transitions with greater ease.
How to Choose the Right Transition Objects and Sensory Tools
Selecting the right support tools involves understanding individual preferences and sensory needs. Here are a few tips to help make the right choice:
Observe and be Curious about Your Sensory Preferences: Notice calming versus alerting items and activities.
Consider the Virtues of Portability: Small, portable objects are more practical for on-the-go support.
Adapt to Changing Needs: Preferences may shift over time; remain flexible.
Seek Expert Guidance: Therapists trained in sensory processing can offer tailored recommendations (Miller, Anzalone, Lane, Cermak, & Osten, 2007).
The Big Impact of Small Helpers
Transition objects and sensory tools may be simple, but they offer powerful support. They help souls with autism feel secure and manage sensory input during daily activities, ultimately contributing to a calmer, more predictable world.
Fair Warning, Visual Supports, and the Power of Consistency
For kids with autism, clear and predictable routines can make a world of difference. Fair warning—such as saying “five more minutes”—helps prepare them for transitions, reducing surprise and stress.
Visual supports like picture schedules and timers also play a big role, offering a visual cue that shows what’s coming next and when. Consistency in routines builds trust, allowing autistic kids,(and adults) to feel secure in what to expect each day.
Keeping language simple and brief is helpful; instead of complex instructions, short phrases like “clean up time” provide clarity.
And don’t forget positive reinforcement! Acknowledging each successful transition with a smile or “great job!” reinforces their efforts, making each transition smoother over time.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Baranek, G. T., Parham, L. D., & Bodfish, J. W. (2005). Sensory and motor features in autism: Assessment and intervention. Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, 831-857.
Champagne, T., Mullen, B., Dickson, D., & Krishnamurty, S. (2010). Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the weighted blanket with adults during inpatient occupational therapy. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 26(2), 64-73.
Dunn, W. (2001). The sensations of everyday life: Empirical, theoretical, and pragmatic considerations. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(6), 608-620.
Grandin, T., & Panek, R. (2013). The autistic brain: Thinking across the spectrum. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Miller, L. J., Anzalone, M. E., Lane, S. J., Cermak, S. A., & Osten, E. T. (2007). Concept evolution in sensory integration: A proposed nosology for diagnosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 135-140..