As the new school year approaches, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions—especially if you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with autism. Whether you’re sending your little one off to school for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro navigating the school system, the start of a new year can be anxiety inducing.
You might find yourself wondering how your child will adjust to a new classroom environment or if their teacher will understand their unique needs. Maybe you’re thinking about whether it’s time to request an evaluation for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or if you need to make some adjustments to an existing IEP or 504 plan.
No matter where you are on this journey, you’re not alone. Let’s explore some strategies that can help ease the transition, so both you and your child can feel more confident and prepared for the year ahead.
Consider Your Child’s Needs
Nobody knows your child better than you, so as you prepare for the upcoming school year, it’s important to think about how their unique needs fit into a typical school day. Understanding these needs and effectively communicating them to the school staff can make a huge difference in your child’s experience.
Sensory Differences
Children with autism often experience the world differently through their senses. Bright lights, loud noises, or even the texture of certain materials can be overwhelming. You probably know your child’s sensory triggers, as well as what helps them feel calm and focused. If your child is enrolled in Occupational Therapy, ask their therapist for a summary of their sensory profile to share with the school.
Some common school-based sensory triggers that you may want to discuss with the school include:
- Drills and Alarms (fire drills, tornado alarms, etc.) – Request advance notice of drills so your child has time to put on noise-canceling headphones. Ask the teacher or school social worker to create a social story about these drills to help your child prepare.
- Whole-School Events – Discuss any upcoming fundraisers, special events, or assemblies with the school, especially if they involve large crowds or loud noises.
- Gym Time – Gym class can be noisy and overwhelming with balls flying, kids yelling, and whistles blowing. While many kids enjoy it, it can be challenging for some. Consider meeting with the PE teacher before the school year starts to discuss accommodations for your child.
- Lunchtime – The noisy cafeteria, with its various food smells and sights, can be overwhelming. Since lunchtime is typically not managed by teachers, it can be chaotic. Consider discussing accommodations with the school, such as noise-canceling headphones, a quieter seating area, or an aide to assist your child.
Communication Preferences
Communication can take many forms, and your child’s preferred style should be understood and respected at school. Whether your child is verbal, uses non-verbal cues, or relies on an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device, understanding how they express themselves is key to their success in the classroom.
Share these communication strategies with your child’s teacher and support staff. Make sure they know how your child typically communicates their needs, emotions, and thoughts. This will not only help the school staff connect with your child but also empower your child to feel heard and understood.
Social Interaction
Social interaction is another area where your child might have unique strengths and challenges. Observe how your child interacts with others—do they prefer playing alone, or do they jump right into play with other kids? Do they struggle with understanding social cues or rules?
Discuss these preferences with both your child and their teacher. Talk to your child about what social situations they might encounter at school and how they can navigate them. Inform the teacher about your child’s social strengths and areas where they might need extra support, so they can help foster positive interactions in the classroom.
Many schools have a social worker or school psychologist who can help with social challenges. Check if your school offers a social skills group that might be a good fit for your child.
Collaborating with the School
Building a strong partnership with teachers and staff can help create a positive and productive school experience for your child. Here’s how you can collaborate effectively.
1 – Establishing Open Communication
The foundation of any successful school experience is open and ongoing communication. Start by building a strong relationship with your child’s teachers and support staff. Introduce yourself early in the school year and share your insights about your child’s needs, strengths, and any concerns you may have.
Regular updates and feedback are key. Make it a point to check in frequently—whether through scheduled meetings, emails, or quick conversations at drop-off or pick-up. This consistent communication helps you stay informed about your child’s progress and allows you to address any issues as they arise. Remember, you are a vital part of your child’s educational team, and your input is invaluable.
2 – Developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan
If your child qualifies for special education services, developing an effective IEP or 504 Plan will be an important step in their school success.
IEP Plan – A comprehensive document detailing your child’s unique needs, goals, and the support required to thrive in school. It specifies the types of therapies, the number of minutes per week or month, and the support services your child will receive.
504 Plan – Provides accommodations to ensure equal access to education by removing barriers related to your child’s disability, without altering the curriculum.
If your child already has an IEP or 504 Plan, review it before the school year starts. Check if it still meets your child’s current needs and share any updates or changes from the summer with the school. Don’t hesitate to request modifications if needed. Remember, the IEP is a living document that should be adjusted as your child’s needs evolve.
3 – Preparing for School Meetings
School meetings, whether for IEP reviews or general updates, are an opportunity for you to advocate for your child. Before the meeting, review your child’s current IEP or 504 plan, and take note of any areas where you feel additional support might be needed. Come prepared with specific questions and topics to discuss, such as how your child’s progress will be measured, what strategies will be used to address challenges, and how the school plans to support your child’s social and emotional development.
During the meeting, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if something isn’t clear. It’s also helpful to bring any documentation that supports your concerns or requests, such as reports from therapists or notes on your child’s behavior at home.
Remember, you are your child’s strongest advocate! Your insights and observations are essential in shaping the educational strategies that will best support your child’s success.
Creating a Supportive Home Environment
There’s no place like home, especially for your neurodiverse child. Creating a supportive home environment helps them feel secure and ready for the school day. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Establishing Routines
- Consistent routines can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of stability.
- Create and maintain a school-prep routine that includes specific times for waking up, getting dressed, having breakfast, and preparing for the school day.
- Practice and Role-Playing
- Role-play common school scenarios like classroom activities, recess, and lunchtime to familiarize your child with what to expect.
- Practice coping strategies for potentially stressful situations, such as asking for help or taking a break when overwhelmed.
- Visual Supports
- Use visual schedules, charts, and social stories to help your child understand the daily routine and what to expect at school.
- Gradually transition these visual tools from home to school to ensure consistency and comfort in both environments.
Building Independence
Helping children develop independence can be challenging for all parents, whether their children are neurodiverse or not. Every child progresses toward independence at their own pace, and it’s a skill that requires ongoing support. For children with autism, building independence often involves focusing on small, manageable steps. Here are key independence skills that benefit all children, including those with autism:
Teaching Self-Advocacy
Encourage your child to express their needs and preferences using simple phrases or communication tools. Build their confidence by modeling self-advocacy, role-playing common scenarios, and praising their efforts, even if they’re imperfect.
Developing Organizational Skills
Help your child stay organized with tools like daily or weekly checklists for school tasks, a simple planner for tracking assignments, and designated spots at home for supplies and completed homework. Teach responsibility by gradually letting them manage their tasks and belongings, such as packing their lunch or organizing their backpack.
Managing Transitions
To ease school transitions, visit the school and meet the teacher before the year starts. If the standard “meet the teacher” event is overwhelming, request a private meeting for a more relaxed introduction. Take photos of key areas like the classroom and hallways to show your child at home.
Prepare your child for changes in routine by discussing scenarios and practicing flexibility. Use visual or verbal cues for smoother transitions between activities or classes, such as a countdown or a favorite song. These steps can help your child adjust to school with greater ease and confidence.
How Therapy Can Help With Back-To-School
If your child is in therapy, discuss their transition back to school with their therapist. They can coordinate with the school to share your child’s therapy goals and collaborate with school therapists to ensure a smooth start. They can also work with your child on school readiness skills, such as:
- Managing Routines
- Following Instructions
- Handling Social Interactions
- Developing Coping Strategies
- Taking Turns
- Listening
- Engaging in Group and Individual Work
Westside offers comprehensive support to children with autism, including Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, ABA Programs, Counseling, Serial Casting, and Diagnostic Testing.
Please contact us to learn more about our offerings! We’re happy to answer any questions you have and partner with you in your child’s success!
