Using Transitional Objects to Help Calm and Engage Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

By Karen Kaplan, BS

Today, I observed a young boy, perhaps 10 years old, holding a vehicle license plate in one hand as he entered the coffee shop with his Dad. He walked on his tip toes. He circled the front area a few times and then gave his dad a long hug. I had this feeling he was a kiddo on the spectrum or with some neurodiversity.  

It is believed that transitional objects help individuals on the autism spectrum or those with high sensory sensitivities feel safe and secure as they navigate changes in their routines. They appear to reduce feelings of anxiety. So perhaps this little guy entered and exited the coffee house with less anxiety by holding onto the California license plate.  Maybe he has a collection of license plates at home and swaps them for different transitions he makes. his day, week, or month.

Tina is a teen on the spectrum who was a student in one of my programs.  When Tina was allowed to secure this tiny piece of dust between her fingers, she could calmly change environments. I remember when she needed to wash her hands, how she gently placed this very tiny piece of dust on the sink, near the faucet, washed her hands, dried them, picked up this transitional object, and moved on. If she lost the dust, she needed to find another before moving forward in her day.

I am sure we have all seen little toddlers carrying their soft baby blankets around with them from inside the car to outside and back again.  I remember my nephew carrying a piece of his security blanket in his pocket during stressful times after his toddler years were over. I wonder if you might wear a flexible bracelet on one of your wrists and if you tug on it or rub it during restless moments as you move through your day?

Transitions, changes in routine, can produce anxiety, confusion, and frustration, and finding some type of transition object for an individual to hold can help bring calm and comfort.

Some Examples of Transition Items:

• Stuffed Animals: Familiar textures and scents evoke a sense of comfort. Soft, cuddly objects offer emotional comfort and can serve as a familiar presence in unfamiliar situations and can be beneficial for individuals on the autism spectrum.

• Visual Supports: Photos or drawings, such as a picture of the next activity, can help prepare individuals for what is coming next.

• Fidget Toys, Action Toys and Figures, and Sensory Tools: Small, portable items can offer a comforting distraction during times of transitions. Many individuals with autism have intense interests in specific topics. Objects related to these interests, such as a toy train, a dinosaur figure, a superhero, or a space-themed item, may provide comfort.

• Weighted Blankets and Specific Types of Clothing: The deep pressure stimulation provided by weighted items may have a calming effect on the nervous system (cyclists' clothing). Weighted blankets, vests, and lap pads are commonly used.

• Technological Devices: Tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices can serve as comfort items, offering a predictable and controllable environment through apps, games, and digital content.

  
  

Perhaps placing a transitional object in a school backpack could help them feel calmer at school.  Perhaps a special keychain on their backpack could help.  Maybe something in a school binder, that could be viewed or touched, might help your individual make those daily transitions easier.

When taking a vacation, consider packing a special pillow, book, musical playlist, headphones, or an iPad game to make a new place more easily accessible.

Please consider using transitional objects to make life just a little more bearable for someone with high anxiety when making transitions.

Karen Kaplan, MS, is a native San Franciscan. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, in speech pathology and audiology. She minored in special education and obtained her speech therapist and special education credentials in California. Karen worked as a speech therapist for schools for 20 years before opening her own residential and education program for students with autism. She worked in credential programs at Sacramento State University as well as UC Davis and spent 20 years directing private schools for those with autism and similar learning challenges. Karen founded a non-profit, Offerings, which helps cultures globally to understand those with developmental challenges. For seven years, she founded and facilitated an autism lecture series and resource fair in Northern California. Karen still facilitates an annual Autism Awesomeness event. She is currently consulting, helping families, schools, and centers for children, teens, and adults. Karen has authored three books: Reach Me Teach Me: A Public School Program for the Autistic Child; A Handbook for Teachers and Administrators, On the Yellow Brick Road: My Search for Home and Hope for the Child with Autism, and Typewriting to Heaven… and Back: Conversations with My Dad on Death, Afterlife and Living  (which is not about autism but about having important conversations with those we love).

www.karenkaplanasd.com