Back-to-school can be a challenging time for any parent, but it can be overwhelming for parents of children on the autism spectrum. With understanding and strategy, you can help your child transition smoothly into the new school year!
- Create a Visual Schedule – A visual schedule can help your child understand their daily routine and what to expect. Use pictures or icons to represent different activities throughout the day.
- Practice the School Routine – Before school starts, practice the morning routine with your child, including waking up at a specific time, getting dressed, and eating breakfast. This can help ease anxiety on the first day of school.
- Visit the School – Take your child to visit the school in advance. Familiarize them with the classroom, playground, and other key areas. Meeting the teacher beforehand can also make the transition easier.
- Develop a Communication Plan – Work with teachers and school staff to develop a communication plan. This could include regular updates on your child’s progress and any challenges they may be facing.
- Use Social Stories – Social stories can help children on the autism spectrum understand and respond appropriately in social situations. Create stories about going to school, making friends, and following classroom rules.
- Prepare a Sensory Kit – A sensory kit can help your child manage sensory overload. Include items like noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and calming scents.
- Establish a Homework Routine – Create a quiet, distraction-free space for homework. Set a specific time each day for homework and use a timer to help your child stay on track.
- Encourage Independence – Encourage your child to take responsibility for their belongings and daily tasks. This can boost their confidence and make them feel more in control.
- Stay Positive – Maintain a positive attitude about school and learning. Your enthusiasm and support can influence your child’s outlook.
- Join Support Groups – Connecting with other parents of children on the autism spectrum can provide valuable support and advice. Look for local or online support groups.
Some potential challenges to prepare for with your child can include:
- Difficulties adapting to a new routine – create a visual schedule with pictures/icons to represent different activities throughout the day
- Sensory overload – pack a sensory toolkit, including noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and calming scents
- Difficulty socializing with peers – arrange playdates outside of school hours to help build social skills
- Communication barriers – use communication aids like AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
- Academic challenges – apply for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
These products can help:
- Cards: These cards help children understand their daily routines, reducing anxiety and promoting independence.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Ideal for children sensitive to noise, these headphones can help maintain focus and calm in noisy environments.
- Fidget Toys: Fidget toys provide sensory stimulation and can help improve concentration during lessons.
- Social Skill Books: These books teach social skills through engaging and fun activities, helping children understand and manage social situations better.
- Weighted Blanket: Weighted blankets offer deep pressure stimulation, which can be calming for children with sensory processing issues.
- Bottles: These bottles provide visual stimulation and can be used as calming tools during stressful moments.
- Sensory Chew Necklace: Perfect for children who need to chew for sensory reasons, these necklaces are safe and discreet.
- Portable White Noise Machine: A white noise machine can help children focus on tasks or sleep better by masking disruptive background noises.
- Adaptive Clothing: Designed for easy dressing, adaptive clothing can make mornings less stressful for both parents and children.
- Timeless Timer: Timers can help children understand the concept of time and manage transitions between activities.
- Therapy Putty: Therapy putty provides resistance and helps strengthen hand muscles, improving fine motor skills.
The back-to-school season for children on the autism spectrum is a challenge, but it can be a smoother process with the right strategies and resources in place. By understanding the unique needs of your child and proactively planning, you can create a supportive and nurturing environment for their educational success.
If you need additional support, Eyas Landing’s therapeutic services are here for you! Contact us to learn more. Let us make this school year a positive and successful one!
Eyas Landing is a therapy clinic with a mission to provide evidence-based and family-centered therapy services for children, adolescents, and their families. The primary goal is to deliver relationship-based interventions within the most natural environments and to empower families to reach their full potential. To achieve this goal, our highly educated, compassionate staff dedicates time and expertise to create experiences that maximize therapeutic outcomes. The strength, determination, and perseverance of our clients are evident as they succeed in therapy, and ultimately in their daily lives.
Eyas Landing offers a wide range of comprehensive services including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, ABA Therapy, Social Work, Family Therapy, and Neuropsych testing. Services are provided throughout the Chicagoland area via Telehealth, In-Home, and in our state of the art clinic.
Want to learn more or you have a specific question? Feel free to connect with us here!
