Priming

Advance Preparation and Transition Warnings to Boost Success

Priming—sometimes called previewing or pre-teaching—prepares learners for upcoming transitions, schedule changes, or novel tasks by giving clear, timely cues such as countdowns, visual schedules, or social stories. This evidence-based strategy helps autistic and other neurodivergent learners enter new situations calm, informed, and ready to participate—whether it’s bedtime in five minutes or a birthday party tomorrow afternoon.

Why use Priming?

• Smoother transitions and fewer refusals. Studies show advance warnings paired with visual cues cut transition-related problem behavior by up to half.
• Lower anxiety in novel situations. Previewing expectations reduces physiological stress and improves on-task behavior during unfamiliar events or schedule changes.
• Stronger use of coping skills. Rehearsing “what to expect” prompts learners to apply self-regulation strategies independently when the real moment arrives.