Transitions during the day can be tricky for our sensory systems. The change in environment can put our sensory systems to work as our bodies are trying to interpret all the sensory input occurring as we change between multiple environments. Having a visual schedule or routine board can help individuals prepare their minds and bodies for a transition. When I know that I need to leave the house by 3:30 to get to the movies on time I can start preparing my body and mind at 3:00 that a transition is coming up. However, if my friend shows up and tells me we have to leave immediately my body will feel out of control as I had no warning to prepare for a transition.

I recommend printing the schedules/routine boards that best work for your family and laminate them! This way, you can use a dry erase marker to fill in whatever fits your families schedule for that day. Schedules are bound to change on a day-to-day basis, and it is important to teach children how to be able to adapt throughout their day. If schedules are strictly routine every day, when a change occurs, it might be hard to overcome from a sensory standpoint.