Why managing and adapting to change can be difficult

Feeling safe and comfortable

Routines help children know what to expect, which can make them feel less worried and more secure.

For some children, the unknown can be scary or upsetting. Even good changes, like going on holiday, can feel strange or stressful.

When children avoid change, they might be trying to feel less worried, stay in control, or avoid being overwhelmed by sensory or social situations.

Executive functioning

This helps us to plan, focus, remember instructions and manage tasks to get things done.

Many children have differences in executive functioning skills, which can make adapting to new situations more difficult.

Using skills in different places

Children might learn how to do something in one situation, but struggle to do it in another.

For example, if they can shop easily in one supermarket, they might find it harder in a different one.

Sensory differences

Changes in surroundings mean new sights, sounds, smells, and textures.

Some children might avoid new places or seek out new experiences, which can make them reluctant to go into or leave certain places.

Processing time

Some children take longer to understand new information or get used to new rules and social situations.

Sometimes, giving too much time to think can sometimes make them overthink and increase their anxious thoughts and feelings.

Understanding social communication

Differences in social understanding can make it tricky for children to understand unspoken rules or what others expect, which can make adapting to new social situations harder.

Making decisions

Choosing between options can be difficult.

Some children need two options to choose from as they can be overwhelmed with more.

Other children might make quick, impulsive decisions without thinking about what might happen next.