A–Z Glossary

First-then language

First-then language is a simple instruction format that tells a child what must happen first and what comes next.

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Child resists transitions and difficulty adapting new situations

Child resists transitions and difficulty adapting new situations

Why transitions can feel so hard A transition is not just a change in activity. For a child, it can mean stopping something enjoyable, shifting attention, tolerating uncertainty, following new instructions, managing sensory input, and accepting a different adult expectation. This combination places demands on executive functions: cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, working memory, planning, and […]