It is very important to thoroughly prepare autistic children for a change to a new class or school. One way of doing this is to make a photo transition book that they can look at or read at home and at school.
Going to a new class or new school is a big change for any child! Careful planning of big transitions and gradual preparation can ensure a child is well prepared and familiar with their new environment, even before they start.
Transition visits are key to give a child time to get to know their new surroundings and become familiar with all the new things. New classroom, new toilets, new teacher, new table, new peg and so on.
During these transition visits, it is a good idea to take photos that the child can look at over the holidays to continue to familiarise themselves with the new environment.
Here is a template of a simple transition photo book that can be used if a child is transitioning to a new school or class. Photos can be inserted or stuck on top. The book is fully editable as you may need to personalise it and add pages depending on what information would be beneficial to the child.
The book will last longer if it is laminated and fastened together with treasury tags. It is good for parents to look at transition books with your child and talk about what you can see in the photos.
Learn more about supporting the learning of autistic children
Knowledge is power! Come and join the online training courses and be equipped withpractical knowledge and skills, that will really help the children.
5 Comments
Laura Grace · July 18, 2019 at 9:39 pm
Love the website and really excited about the transition resource! I followed the link from the email to download the resource for it but it keeps sending me to a page to subscribe to your emails (which im already on the mailing list!). Not sure if I’m doing something wrong but I can’t seem to find the download link for the transition to a new school booklet!
Steph Reed · July 18, 2019 at 9:55 pm
Hi Laura,
Please try again, the issue has been resolved, thank you for letting me know!
Steph
Tanya Braca · June 22, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Hi there, I am so excited about this website and the transition resource! Every time I hit download on this page it just keeps popping me back to the top of the page. Not sure what I am doing wrong?
Steph Reed · June 22, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Hi Tanya,
Oops sorry about that, something was wrong with the page but I have fixed it now, you may have to refresh your browser.
Best wishes,
Steph
Yasmin · July 17, 2020 at 8:56 pm
I used this today, the boy was so pleased with his book. I think this will really help with his transition for next year. Thank you!