Children With Autism And The Moving Process

Moving to a new home can be a challenging series of events for any child. Particularly, children with autism may need some extra support in learning to adapt to the new changes. Here are a few tips from Lauren Bieder, M.Ed., Special Educator and founder of Learning Behavior LLC.

Before your move, help transform the abstract word “moving” into a realistic concept.

Communicate what is anticipated about the upcoming process. Focus on the new highlights of the home or location that your child might find interesting or rewarding. Outline what is expected of your child during the moving process and go over the steps of packing, traveling, and cleaning ahead of time. Use photos, written text, physical simulation of anticipated activities, or any other tools that fit your child’s style of learning.

In the meantime, try to be as prepared as possible for a smooth transition at school as well as any other ongoing activities such as home programming, therapies or music class. If moving to a new district, try meeting to discuss the IEP before the move to help with continuous uninterrupted education.

Include your child in the moving process.

Include your child in the moving process by giving him/her jobs to do based on his/her skill level and capability. Assist your child in following each step to complete each job with as much support as needed for success. For example, set up a 5 step routine for “packing clothes in a travel bag.” Provide support when challenges are presented in an attempt to complete any of the steps and provide praise or reward for a job well done.

Another idea to explore is putting your child “in charge” of special items to take care of throughout the process or possibly the family pet if that is what he/she is familiar with prior to the move. If your child is not familiar with responsibilities in the home then continue to keep routines similar during the move.

At the new home, safety is a high priority.

Go over safety concerns and set some basic safety rules for all members of the family to follow. Also, consider establishing basic household routines early on. Provide support as needed as well as encouragement for your child to build independence in the new home. Provide your child with a special space for their own things. Allow your child to decorate the space and organize it however they would like, including some of their favorite items from the previous home. This space could be a good place for your child to take a break when needed or to share time bonding with family in the new location.

For more tips on helping your child adapt in challenging situations, please contact Learning Behavior LLC on Facebook or visit their website LearningBehaviorLLC.com