In this episode we discuss why neurodivergent people find transitions (both small and large) so challenging.

We discuss the concepts of ADHD task paralysis, sensory issues, executive function, aversion to change and autistic inertia and how all of these elements are at play when transitions are happening in our lives.

Here are the key references we mention in the episode:

https://reframingautism.org.au/transitioning-autistically-a-case-of-cant-not-wont/

Demetriou, E. A., Demayo, M. M., & Guastella, A. J. (2019). Executive function in autism spectrum disorder: History, theoretical models, empirical findings, and potential as an endophenotype. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10(753). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00753

Johnston, K., Murray, K., Spain, D., Walker, I., & Russell, A. (2019). Executive function: Cognition and behaviour in adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 4181-4192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04133-7

• “Individuals with ASD reported high levels of dysexecutive symptoms that were functionally impairing in everyday life across behavioural, cognitive and emotional domains” 

• “These findings suggest that EF is an additional important co-occurring condition to consider in ASD”

Kirby, A. V., Feldman, K. J. C., Hoffman, J. M., Diener, M. L., & Himle, M. B. (2020). Transition preparation activities and expectations for the transition to adulthood among parents of autistic youth. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 78, 101640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2020.101640

Kuo, A. A., Crapnell, T., Lau, L., Anderson, K. A., & Shattuck, P. (2018). Stakeholder perspectives on research and practice in autism and transition. Pediatrics, 141 (Supplement_4), S293-S299. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-4300F

Thompson C, Bölte S, Falkmer T, Girdler S (2018) To be understood: Transitioning to adult life for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. PLoS ONE 13(3): e0194758. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194758