School transitions can be challenging for any child — but for children with developmental delays, they often require extra planning and support.

Transitions might include:

  • Starting school
  • Moving classes
  • Changing teachers
  • Returning after holidays

Why Transitions Are Hard

Transitions involve:

  • New expectations
  • Unfamiliar environments
  • Changes to routine
  • Increased demands

For children with developmental delays, these changes can overwhelm their coping capacity. What might be manageable for other children can feel significantly more challenging.

Common Challenges During Transitions

Children with developmental delays may experience:

  • Increased anxiety or emotional dysregulation
  • Difficulty adjusting to new routines
  • Regression in skills
  • Behavioural changes
  • Fatigue and overwhelm
  • Social challenges in new environments

Understanding these challenges helps families and schools prepare appropriate support.

How to Support a Smoother Transition

Helpful strategies include:

1. Prepare Ahead of Time

  • Visit the new classroom or school before the transition
  • Meet the new teacher
  • Talk through what will be different (and what will stay the same)
  • Use social stories or visual schedules

2. Use Visual Supports

Visual supports can help children:

  • Understand expectations
  • Predict what’s coming next
  • Feel more in control

These might include visual timetables, photos, or step-by-step guides.

3. Maintain Routines Where Possible

While some change is inevitable, maintaining familiar routines can provide stability:

  • Keep morning and bedtime routines consistent
  • Maintain regular meal times
  • Continue familiar activities outside of school

4. Collaborate with Teachers and Therapists

Open communication between home, school, and therapy teams ensures everyone is working together. Share:

  • What works well for your child
  • Potential triggers or challenges
  • Strategies that help at home

5. Build in Extra Support

During transition periods, children may need:

  • More one-on-one time
  • Extra breaks
  • Reduced expectations
  • Additional reassurance

This is temporary — it’s about supporting adjustment, not lowering standards permanently.

The Role of Therapy During Transitions

Occupational therapists and speech pathologists can help:

  • Prepare children for new environments
  • Support regulation and communication
  • Build independence and confidence
  • Develop strategies for managing change
  • Liaise with schools to support successful transitions

At LEAP Centre, we work with families to support school transitions in a way that prioritises wellbeing and participation.

When to Seek Additional Support

Consider seeking professional support if your child:

  • Is showing significant distress about the transition
  • Is experiencing regression in skills
  • Has ongoing difficulty adjusting after several weeks
  • Is struggling with behaviour, communication, or regulation

Early intervention during transition periods can prevent ongoing difficulties.

A Final Thought

Transitions are not about “pushing through” — they’re about supporting children to feel safe, capable, and understood.

With the right strategies and support, school transitions can become opportunities for growth rather than sources of stress.

Contact us to discuss how we can support your child through their next school transition.