Hi S,

This is a great question!

 

The key is to prepare for transitions.

 

I would start by creating a short social story for him to repeat on Sunday evening several times and again Monday morning... something simple like:

 

"Monday morning I will be ready for school and if I feel stressed I will ask for a bear hug."

 

Of course, you will need to change this for your child and his needs, but you get the idea.

 

Another way to prepare for transitions is to discuss on Sunday what will happen Monday morning, if your child is old enough discuss times and events specifically.

 

Ex. "Monday morning at 6:30 we will get up, get dressed, have breakfast and get ready for the day. At 7:30 we will leave for co-op."

 

Or, "Monday morning at 7:00 we will get up, get dressed, have breakfast, do chores and get ready for the day. At 8:30 we will meet on the couch for prayer to start our day."

 

When you prepare and prompt for transitions, then the child knows what to expect and feels secure. However, be prepared if you don't stay on schedule! They may have a meltdown if you are off by even a minute! So you will want to be willing to stay on the schedule as well.

 

Of course, there may be days or situations that mess up the schedule. You may want to add another social story for those times as well, again depending on the age and understanding of the child. They do need to learn flexibility and how to handle last minute changes. Stress from schedule changes can be disarmed by using sensory integration techniques like heavy hugs (bear hugs), holding, sit ups or push ups, or other large muscle work (even fun wrestling will help if you are up for it!) You may also try brushing, chewing, blowing, running, rocking, spinning, or other methods of SI interventions.

 

Blessings,

Christie Berry