For many people on the autistic spectrum, transitions are difficult. A ‘transition’ is basically any sort of change in circumstance, surroundings or activity. Transitions are most likely difficult for people with ASD because different activities require different thought processes, skills and general mental resources and the ability to undergo transition quickly is often very hard. Indeed, one of the impairments of autism is the ability to be mentally flexible.
Many people also have sensory processing difficulties and transitions often cause disturbances of our senses, which can be very uncomfortable or even painful.
I also find transitions hard because I get very focused on whatever it is I am doing and to have to suddenly stop that focus and shift it to something else, is hard. I also find transitions in the way I am feeling difficult and if I am doing one activity or doing the same thing, my mood tends to be constant and stable. Doing something different causes changes in feelings and a chance in mood and I find that hard as well.
There are an infinite number of transitions that we all do every day, but here are a few examples based on some that affect me:
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