Autism and transition: Challenges and strategies for success

Significant life events are often a form of a modern, secular rite of passage that involves transition. A transition is 'the process of changing from one state or condition to another' (Lexico, 2024). 

We distinguished four significant life events that contribute to that theory. These are bereavement, family breakdown, moving places and welcoming a new baby into the family. These changes are challenging for everyone involved and are associated with a high level of anxiety related to novelty and uncertainty.

However, autistic people may find transitions particularly challenging due to adaptation challenges (preference for routine and predictability) and other side effects of these changes, such as the need to talk to strangers or disruptions in pursuing their special interests (NAS, 2024), for example.

How autistic individuals may experience change

As established above, significant life transitions cause a certain degree of stress for the majority of the population. However, research indicates that autistic individuals are more likely to anticipate potential issues related to a change. There are two main reasons for this. First, autistic individuals are frequently diagnosed with co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, OCD or phobias and therefore may experience higher levels of stress on a daily basis, not to mention during situations that tend to be challenging and emotionally charged for all of us (Ambitious about Autism, 2022).

The second reason is that due to potential difficulties in social situations, some neurodivergent individuals may frequently experience feelings of being misunderstood, especially in unfamiliar environments and circumstances, unlike when they are in a safe space while socialising with someone they know and feel comfortable with. The feedback that they receive in regard to specific communication styles may also negatively affect their self-esteem. Hence, some autistic people may struggle with communicating their needs and reporting potential issues to people they do not know well and are unsure about (BeyondAutism, 2024).

Another reason why it can be particularly challenging for some autistic people to adapt to change is often the need for routine and engagement in repetitive activities. This can include strict schedules, a familiar environment, decor and people around. Studies have also suggested that repetitive behaviours may help autistic people shut out the outside world (Deewerdt, 2020). There is, thus, an important neurobiological reason for a brain to save the limited energy for processing changes by engaging in more automatic activities, or stimming (self-stimulatory behaviour) when possible. 

Supporting strategies

We all need community, support and a sense of belonging, especially when entering a more challenging period in our lives. This is especially true for autistic people, who may face added pressures when routines or environments shift.

Let’s consider two short-term and two long-term strategies that might be useful for neurodivergent individuals going through major transitions.

One of the best short-term strategies for autistic people is employing visual resources. All sorts of planners, calendars, illustrated stories, and photo albums are practical because they are physical reminders of the change that awaits. Moreover, many autistic people are visual thinkers with close attention to detail (Rudy, 2023).

Subsequently, let’s look at a long-term strategy that helps adjust to a new place or situation. Transition plans are a great idea since they break the task into smaller chunks in order to create a structured and clear vision for the foreseeable future. Creating such plans can take various forms, but tangible items are preferable since they help to get one's mind back on track when everything becomes too chaotic and overwhelming.

Planning certainly requires careful consideration of the issue, focusing on 'emergency exits' from potentially stressful situations, and often talking to someone who will help us prepare, e.g. a coach or a friend.

The benefits of coaching

Let's discuss the last strategy, which requires professional assistance in planning, for example, from a counsellor or a coach. The short definition of coaching provided by The Coaching Academy goes as follows: 'Coaching assists a client to bridge the gap between where they are now, to where they would like to be, far more effectively than if they worked alone' (The Coaching Academy, 2024).

We can, therefore, see that helping a client during a significant life change lies at the very core of our practice. Through creative activities, applicable techniques such as active listening, and supportive, non-judgmental communication, we help to identify and address the client's needs and concerns. Moreover, the coaching process enables us to recognise our core values, challenge limiting beliefs and perceive the issue from different perspectives to find the most suitable, tailored solutions.

Coaching can be an excellent helping approach for autistic individuals, as long as the professional holds a certain level of expertise in neurodiversity. In the case of co-occurring conditions related to mental health, such as depression, cooperating with a therapist or psychiatrist may be recommended.

Writer Lisa Jo Rudy highlights how coaching can support autistic people during times of change: 'For many people, an autism coach can be a terrific resource, particularly during times of stress and change as you navigate a new world of diagnostic terms, legal documents, and acronyms for everything from school programs to therapies. For autistic adults, it helps manage personal relationships and planning for the future or day-to-day challenges.' (Rudy, 2024)