Moving house can be a stressful experience for everyone. For people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) who like routine and find change difficult it can lead to large amounts of stress and anxiety. This information aims to provide some basic suggestions on how to make the experience less stressful for people with an ASD.

It is important to note that the amount and type of preparation in relation to moving house is individualised and is largely dependent on the person's level of understanding.

Initially, try to sit down and write down the changes that are going to take place. Moves can vary considerably in scale from just moving house to moving house and area. The latter one obviously has more changes, not only the house but school, friends, local facilities, shops and will require a lot more preparation. Looking at all factors that will change is essential. For some individuals the larger more obvious changes will not affect them but the subtle or small changes will. For example, the fact that the front door is different or the light switches are positioned differently or they can hear strange noises. This information sheet intends to cover moving house rather than the larger scale move. However, the key points will apply to any change; they are awareness, preparation and  involvement.

As soon as you know that you are planning to move house, you need to ensure the person with an ASD has an understanding of the concept of moving house. Making information available to them in accessible format, either through visual supports, pictures, photos, objects, written or spoken word. When talking about moving try to be consistent with the language you use, reducing confusion and possible anxiety. As moving house involves a lot of uncertainty, the opportunity to inform and prepare can be hard. Gradually expose the person with an ASD to the idea by generally talking about moving, and then update them as and when you can with information and dates.

When you have decided on a house, explain the process and then create stages, breaking it down monthly, weekly until the day of the move. Some people with an ASD may enjoy knowing the process in detail from putting in an offer to exchange to completion. Key areas of difficulty for those people with an ASD are sequencing and understanding time. Using visual supports and calendars are just two ways of helping them to understand the concept of time. It is probably best to wait until you have a definite date before visually showing them. Also have a note underneath stating - things may change.

Depending on the person's level of understanding, there are several story books that focus on the topic of moving house and may be appropriate to use. For example, Topsy and Tim are moving house.

Put together all the information on the house in one place. You could call it 'Our new house' or 'Tom and his family's new house'. The book will be a place to answer all the questions they may have. Possible suggestions of things to include/do -

• Visit - Give them the opportunity to visit their new house.
• Photos - Take pictures of the house, the garden, their room and other rooms in the house.
• Maps - show where the house is and include where important landmarks are like their school, the park, grandma's house, friends, supermarket. For some people with an ASD you may have to be very specific and write directions from the new home to these places.
• House layout - Where is their bedroom? You could draw a rough plan or show photos.
• Their role in the move and on the day - will the person with an ASD have any jobs to do? For example, packing up their room; obviously this is very dependent on their level of understanding and ability.
• Questions - set time to talk about their concerns and answer their questions.

Moving house can be a stressful time for everyone. In some cases it may be better for the person with an ASD to not be present on the day, as long as they are clear that they will be going to their new house on their return from the day's activities. You may however think that the person with ASD needs to have a degree of involvement on the day, helping them to understand how their belongings were moved. If this is the case, their role needs to be clear. They will need to know who will be helping and be introduced to new people.

If possible, try to ensure that their room is unpacked first and furniture is placed in similar positions to their old bedroom.

Try and keep their routine the same to prevent added stress. Remember and be aware that behaviour changes may not occur immediately but weeks after the move.