TRANSITIONS can be super duper tricky for our ADHD brains for many reasons! For starters, it required the executive function skill of "task switching" and like other multi-step processes, transitions have different types and steps to consider as you learn to navigate through them!
Transition Types: Physical, mental (internal) and emotional (also internal)...those last two are ones we often forget to consider when looking at transitions throughout the day!
Steps in trasitioning:
1. Moving away from a task (this is especially hard when it's a high interest activity)
2. Navigating in between two tasks, activities, or environments
3. Starting a new task/activity (this is especially hard when it is non-preferred)
The first step is to see through the lens of difficulty from the perspective of the ADHD brain and become self aware as an ADHD brain of the transition types and steps that are tricky for you!
Let's talk take-away..."nuggets of knowledge"
- Raise self-awareness of why and when transitions are tricky
- Establish routines and systems that work best for your brain by pulling out the tools that work...
- Tools to try...Visual timers (you want it in your face), visual reminders for the same reason and allows for anticipation of what's expected and coming next. This also always for time to be chunked and check-ins to be made.
- Movement through transitions can add an element of fun and gamify going from one thing to the next!
- Music is always magical and makes transitioning fun too!
- Continue collaboratively problem solving alongside child and let them lead transitions when possible!
I hope this information and these take-aways were helpful to you! If you are looking for a great group coaching session to join this summer check out the group I am launching "Journey to Becoming Mom Again!"https://focusforwardadhd.com/journey You can also get the link on my website www.katelynmabry.com and make sure to join my email list to recieve weekly emails with up to date podcast episodes and more resources! We are on this journey together remember! Love you all!
Journey With Me Through ADHD: A podcast for kids