How to help your neurodivergent child with summer transitions
In this video, Becky Thal explains why summer can be hard for neurodivergent kids, especially when it comes to transitioning between activities, and offers parents suggestions for how they can support their child.
Transcript
Summer can be a wonderful break from school, but for many neurodivergent kids, it also brings a lot of transitions, and transitions can be hard. The brain often needs extra time to shift attention and prepare for what's coming next. So when a change happens suddenly, even if it's something small like leaving the pool or ending screen time, or even just heading out the door, it can feel like an interruption to the nervous system's sense of safety.
You might notice resistance when an activity ends, difficulty stopping something in the middle, or big emotions around switching tasks or even just leaving the house. These reactions aren't usually about being defiant. They're often signs that the transition itself feels challenging.
One simple strategy that can help is using a visual timer before the transition happens. Seeing time pass is often more concrete than being told how much time is left. So try saying something like, "In ten minutes, we're leaving. The timer will go off when it's time to go." And you can give gentle little reminders along the way.
Extra preparation can make transitions feel more predictable and help your child move from one activity to the next with greater confidence and success.This is just one of the scenarios we cover in our free Social Cipher parent guide. Check it out and let us know if there are other scenarios you want us to explore.
Follow us @socialcipher on TikTok and YouTube for more educator-focused videos about neurodivergence!
.png)
.png)
