What is ADHD in children?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate activity levels.

At what age can ADHD be diagnosed?

ADHD can be diagnosed as early as preschool age, but symptoms are usually more noticeable when a child starts school and faces structured learning environments.

What causes ADHD in children?

ADHD is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. It is not caused by poor parenting or lack of discipline.

What are the common symptoms of ADHD in children?

Common symptoms include difficulty paying attention, being easily distracted, excessive talking, impulsive behavior, and constant movement or restlessness.

Why Does My Child Struggle With Transitions? 10 Ways To Help Children Cope With Change

Why Does My Child Struggle With Transitions? 10 Ways to Help Children Cope With Change

Many parents wonder: “Why does my child get so upset whenever we have to stop one activity and start another?”

Maybe your child becomes upset when it is time to leave the playground, refuses to stop watching television, cries when the daily routine changes, or becomes frustrated when plans do not go as expected.

Transitions are a normal part of everyday childhood. Children constantly move from one activity, place, or expectation to another such as from playtime to mealtime, from home to school, or from screen time to bedtime.

However, some children find these changes particularly difficult.

When transition difficulties happen frequently or significantly affect a child’s daily life, understanding the reason behind the behaviour can help parents provide the right support.

What Are Transitions?

A transition is simply a change from one activity, environment, person, or routine to another.

For children, transitions can include:

✿ Finishing playtime and getting ready for school

✿ Turning off the television or tablet

✿ Moving from one classroom activity to another

✿ Leaving the playground

✿ Getting ready for bedtime

✿ Changing from one caregiver to another

✿ Going somewhere unfamiliar

✿ Adapting when plans suddenly change

While some children can move between activities with little difficulty, others may need more preparation and support.

Why Are Transitions Hard for Some Children?

Transitions ask children to stop what they are doing, shift attention, understand what comes next, and adjust.

Some children find this hard because they may:

✿ Need more time to switch focus

✿ Get very absorbed in what they are doing

✿ Struggle with unexpected changes

✿ Not know what will happen next

✿ Feel anxious in new situations

✿ Have trouble managing emotions

✿ Be sensitive to sounds, touch, or busy environments

✿ Find instructions hard to follow

Children with autism may especially find transitions difficult because they often prefer routines and predictability. However, difficulty with transitions alone does not mean a child has autism.

8 Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Transitions

1. Gets very upset when an activity ends

Your child may become upset when stopping something they enjoy.

For example:

Crying when play ends
Refusing to leave the playground
Getting angry when screen time stops
Saying “no” many times
Having tantrums during changes

This is not just “bad behaviour.” It can feel genuinely hard for them.

2. Needs extra time to switch activities

Some children need more time to move on.

You may notice they:

Take a long time to get ready
Need many reminders
Get distracted during changes
Struggle to stop one activity
Need step-by-step help

Extra time can make transitions easier.

3. Gets upset when routines change

Some children rely on routines to feel safe.

Changes like:

A different route to school
A cancelled plan
A new teacher
A change in mealtime or bedtime
Furniture being moved

Can cause distress.

Even small changes can feel big to them.

4. Finds it hard to leave preferred activities

Some activities are very hard to stop.

Your child may:

Refuse to stop playing
Get upset leaving the playground
Keep talking about one topic
Struggle when a favourite activity ends

This often happens when they are very focused.

5. Worries about what happens next

Sometimes the problem is not leaving, but it is not knowing what comes after.

They may ask:

“Where are we going?”
“What happens next?”
“When can I play again?”

Clear information can help reduce worry.

6. Has strong emotional reactions

Transition difficulties may look like:

Crying
Screaming
Refusing
Hiding
Dropping to the floor
Running away
Meltdowns

These are signs your child may feel overwhelmed.

7. Struggles more with sensory overload

Some transitions happen in busy or uncomfortable environments.

For example:

Leaving a noisy classroom
Entering a crowded shop
Moving from quiet to loud places
Wearing uncomfortable clothes
Switching between indoor and outdoor spaces

Sensory needs can make transitions harder. Occupational therapists can help support these challenges.

8. Struggles with unexpected changes

Some children cope better when they are warned ahead of time.

For example:

“We are going to the park.”
But then:
“The park is closed.”

This sudden change may lead to strong reactions.

They may need help learning flexibility.

10 Ways Parents Can Help With Transitions

1. Give a warning

Instead of sudden changes, try:

“Five more minutes, then we leave.”

This helps your child prepare.

2. Use a visual schedule

Pictures showing the day can help children understand what comes next:

Wake up → Breakfast → School → Play → Bath → Bed

3. Use “First–Then” language

Keep it simple:

“First clean, then read.”
“First homework, then TV.”

4. Use a timer

A timer helps make endings predictable:

“When the timer rings, we stop.”

5. Offer small choices

Give limited control:

“Read first or draw first?”

6. Keep instructions short

Instead of many steps, try one at a time:

“Shoes on.”
“Now bag.”
“Let’s go.”

7. Keep routines predictable

Try to keep daily routines similar:

Morning
Meals
Homework
Bedtime

Predictability helps children feel safe.

8. Prepare for unexpected changes

Acknowledge feelings:

“I know you wanted the park. It is closed today. We will go home and choose something else.”

9. Praise good transitions

Notice effort:

“You did a great job stopping play.”
“You handled that change well.”

10. Practice small changes

Start small:

Change seating
Try a new route
Switch activity order
Introduce small new routines

This builds flexibility over time.

When Should Parents Seek Professional Advice?

Consider support if your child:

❀ Has frequent strong reactions
❀ Struggles daily with changes
❀ Has meltdowns often
❀ Has trouble at school or childcare
❀ Finds family routines very hard
❀ Has sensory or communication difficulties

Transition struggles alone do not mean a diagnosis. A full assessment looks at many areas of development.