Space for Transitions
- Jan Sulzer
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Nothing in life is truly stable; everything is constantly in motion, with one state giving way to the next. Everything flows—as Heraclitus already knew some 2,500 years ago. This may sound like a somewhat obvious observation, but for neurodivergent people and their families, changes—and especially the transitions that come with them—can pose a particular challenge.
These can range from major changes—such as a promotion with new responsibilities, moving to a new city, the end of a romantic relationship, becoming a parent, or losing a loved one—to smaller ones, like the start of summer vacation, drastic weather changes, or even just the transition from day to night for a child, or leaving home in the morning to go to school.
All these transitions, big and small, place demands on our regulatory systems. Sometimes it may even seem as though these transitions are insurmountable.
How Transitions Can Be Successful
In my view, it’s helpful to first become aware of the significance of transitions. To figure out what they demand of us—energetically, emotionally, and physically—so that we can then devote the necessary care to them.
Recognize that it is a transition
Make room for the transition
Allow for more buffer time
Try out different routines
Build supportive structures
Schedule intentional rest periods
Pause, and only then act
Don’t have unrealistic expectations of yourself or others
Perhaps new decisions also need to be made: It’s quite possible that a few things we’ve been mentally carrying around simply need to be crossed off our to-do list.
Treating ourselves—and those around us—with a healthy dose of leniency is always a good idea. Many transitions are easier to navigate together. And “together” can also mean that we start cooperating with ourselves instead of bossing ourselves around with excessive strictness.
With that in mind: May you navigate the next transition ahead of you—or the one you’ve already been in for a while—with ease!
