Transitional Items

When the boys were around 1-1/2, they each had the Fisher Price phone, the one you pull behind you and the eyes move back and forth. Daniel would hold the phone to his ear and walk around and make faces and sounds like he was talking on the phone. He took that phone everywhere, well, the receiver anyway. We had to cut the cord between the phone and the receiver because he was constantly trying to separate them.

The phone was replaced by a small stuffed Elmo. Around this time we noticed Anthony start to carry his small stuffed Elmo too. Almost, everywhere we went. I came to learn that these items, were their "transitional items". Their use: to provide way to cope with transition from one thing to the next with which they needed special comfort. Most children on the spectrum use a transitional item in one way or another, one time or another. It's a form of security when they are stressed. Kind of like a favorite teddy bear or blanket for other atypical (children not on the spectrum) kiddos.

They traded their transitional items every so often, but kept at least one until they were about 4 years old. Now, because of their need for oral stimulation, they both have "chewies" we have attached to their belt loops. It allows them the biting / chewing stim needed as well as a transitional item should they be feeling the need for one. It does not always work as a transitional item, but is there for them if they both have nothing else they've chosen.

We have learned that when they reach for a transitional item, whatever the reason, we act as if it's the most natural thing in the world. For instance, the boys have a firetruck that the lights go on and off, has a siren and plays music. It's a bit big, 1/2 the size of a 24-pack of soda. Anthony wanted to bring it to the store with us, instead of fighting with him to leave it at home, I put him in his car seat with the truck. He played with it until about 1/2 way to the store, I looked back, saw him smile, and about a minute later - heard him drop it on the floor. He didn't need it anymore (at least not as a transitional item) that day.

I've noticed that the more comfortable they are in a particular surrounding, the less they seem to need a transitional item. It's usually when we do or go somewhere new. Until they get completely use to the new surroundings, they will usually pick a transitional item to take. Usually, they are something relatively small (thank goodness).I am realizing that transitional items apply to everyone in one way or another. Some people have something on their key ring that they can't lose, a piece of jewelry they have to wear everyday, or something they have to carry in their pocket or purse that comforts them. Some may call them "lucky charms", but they are items that are carried to make us feel better.

From a mother's heart - transitional items should not be looked at as a bad thing, but as a comfort. Once they've served their purpose, they generally fade. So, what's your transitional item?