How do I help an autistic child cope with change?

Give them time to prepare, use pictures like a countdown calendar or photos of the new place, and keep the rest of the day predictable.

How far ahead should I tell my child about a change?

A few days before often works, Vanderbilt's TRIAD team suggests, or just before if knowing early would build worry. You know your child best.

Is there a social story about a change in routine?

Tella makes one starring your child, with the real change and the parts that stay the same, ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

All situations

How to help an autistic child with a change in routine

Give them time to prepare, show the change in pictures, and keep everything else as predictable as you can.

Custom story for Ivy

Ivy's class has a new teacher for a day, so she and Dad make a picture schedule of what stays the same and what's different.

Ivy's Picture Schedule

Story created for Ivy

Having time to prepare for a change helps, says Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, along with visual supports like countdown calendars, lists or pictures of the new place. Autism writer Dr Olga Bogdashina, for the National Autistic Society, suggests keeping routines predictable and explaining changes beforehand.

A picture schedule that shows the new day step by step is a visual support too.

A social story is one way to show the change before it happens: the new plan, and what stays the same. That's why Tella is built so the story uses your child's own places and people.

A change in routine social story starring your child

Here's how Ivy's story goes.

On Sunday, Dad tells Ivy ahead of time: tomorrow her class will have a new teacher.
Together they make a picture schedule of the day.
On Monday, Ivy shows Mr. Lee her day, square by square.
At pickup, Ivy tells Dad the day went just like the pictures.

Watch Ivy’s whole story

Questions parents ask

How do I help an autistic child cope with change?: Give them time to prepare, use pictures like a countdown calendar or photos of the new place, and keep the rest of the day predictable.
How far ahead should I tell my child about a change?: A few days before often works, Vanderbilt's TRIAD team suggests, or just before if knowing early would build worry. You know your child best.
Is there a social story about a change in routine?: Tella makes one starring your child, with the real change and the parts that stay the same, ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

Questions parents ask about Tella

Is it more screen time?: You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
Is it safe?: No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
Is it really about my child?: Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
What does it cost?: Your first story is free. No card needed.
Why not just ask ChatGPT?: See how a Tella story compares.

Updated November 9, 2026.

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