Date
15 May 2024

Manage successful transitions

Key transitions come with increased expectations. Individuals with FASD often experience a mismatch between aspects of their developmental age and chronological age. Put supports in place.

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Communicate with parents

Communicate with parents

Communicate regularly with the student’s family.

Work together to prepare the student for changes in routines, moving to new classes, and moving out of school.

Transitions between classes

Transitions between classes

Difficulties with transitions can be related to confusion about what's next, and maintaining focus and attention during the transition.

  • Remind the student of what is going to happen at the end of each class.
  • Give a verbal reminder 5 minutes before the class will end.
  • Set a timer for a few minutes before the bell to prepare the student for a transition. This might be set on their phone, watch, or a physical timer.
  • Give clear, consistent instructions about what to do when the timer rings.
  • With the student, create a list of simple steps detailing how to move on to the next class. Place this on their desk and review it with the student in each class, every day, particularly at the beginning of the year.

Transition to a new school

Transition to a new school

Prepare students for change and new situations. New situations may include things such as changing schools, starting a new programme or going on school camp.

  • If possible, arrange for the student to visit the new space prior to the start date.
  • Show photos or videos of the new space.
  • Prepare a video, presentation, or scrapbook for the student to revisit frequently.
  • Discuss the student’s concerns regarding the change.
  • Use social stories to 'practise' for the new situation.
  • Arrange for the student to meet one or two key people or staff members who will be involved with them.
  • Visit locations that may be new or different, such as the gymnasium or the bus stop.
  • Arrange a buddy that the student knows well to help the student negotiate his or her way around new spaces.
  • Discuss the new routines and create visuals to support them.

Transition out of school

Transition out of school

Supporting students with FASD to transition enhances opportunities for success, safety, and wellbeing.

  • Start planning early – in the final three or four years of school, not the last three or four months.
  • Plan collaboratively with the student, their parents or caregivers and relevant school staff, such as their form teacher, dean, or the SENCO, for ongoing and consistent support and planning.
  • Identify large goals, such as what the student wants to do when they leave school.
  • Identify small goals for reaching the big goal – provide a visual of the small steps, which can be referred to and where achievements can be recorded.
  • Revisit the steps for achieving small goals frequently with the student.
  • Celebrate achieving small goals.

The Preparing students to leave school guide provides targeted strategies, suggestions, and resources to support successful transitions.

Next steps

Return to the guide “Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and learning”

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