Transitioning Tasks: Pause, Give Notice, and Reassure – Site Title

Content note

Discusses difficulty shifting between tasks, advance notice, predictability, reassurance, and caregiver support. The supplied transcript and caption file are editorial review drafts based on the source video’s visible title and prompts and should be checked against Laura’s final Bunny playback before approval. Shares lived experience and practical observations, not individualized clinical advice.

Accessible text version

Full transcript

Moving from one task to another can be difficult when a child is deeply engaged, unsure what is coming next, or needs more time to shift attention. Laura’s practical reminder is to build a small bridge into the transition rather than expecting an instant stop-and-start. Pause. Before adding more instructions or pressure, give the child a moment to process that a change is coming. Give them notice. Let them know ahead of time that the current activity is going to end or that another task is coming next. Predictability can make the shift less abrupt. Reassure. Explain what will happen next and, when it is true and appropriate, reassure them about when they can return to the activity they are leaving. The goal is not to force a faster transition. It is to give the brain time, information, and reassurance so shifting tasks feels more manageable.

About this content

Decoding Divergent shares lived experience and general educational information. It is not medical, mental-health, legal, or educational advice and is not a substitute for qualified professional support.