Back to School Anxiety: 4 Tips to Help Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Last year had us all on the edge of our seats. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us — and our children — to adapt to increasingly challenging scenarios. Amid all the COVID-19 craziness in 2020, kids had to adjust to school closure and social isolation during an unprecedented school year. And now, after several months of having to deal with these restrictions, the re-entry panic syndrome is a real struggle. 

For children on the autism spectrum, resuming their pre-pandemic routine could certainly present more difficulties than it would to neurotypical kids. It is particularly common for them to experience separation anxiety, sensory-related stress, and social anxiety. If your little one is having a hard time assimilating to the back-to-school transition, here's what you can do to help.

4 Tips to Regulate Back to School Anxiety in Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Children and teens with autism can often experience higher anxiety levels than other kids because of their inherent struggle with transition and change. Stress can impact your kid's ability to enjoy school, learn, and interact with their teachers and peers. Here are four tips to help your little one navigate back-to-school time successfully. 

1. Talk About School With Them

When dealing with transition, communication is key. Children are more comfortable facing something they've at least heard about. For kids on the spectrum, becoming familiar with a certain scenario before it happens is particularly helpful. Talk about school regularly with your child, and try using a tool like a visual timetable to understand what is happening over the course of each day, week, and month throughout the school year. You could mark up days in a calendar as a fun way to keep them aware of important events and dates that might be happening at their school. 

Also helpful, parents can also do a preliminary walk through of the school and take pictures of what the kids can expect. Putting together a picture book of items (i.e. backpacks, classrooms, lunch rooms, etc) and using pictures to illustrate what they can expect. 

2. Create a Back-to-School Routine

Most neurodivergent children are creatures of habit. Establishing a routine and sticking to it will ease the process of returning to the classrooms. Set up a weekday morning and nighttime plan and practice all things your child might be unfamiliar with, including:

• Waking up and going to bed on a regular schedule.

• Getting ready on time each morning.

• Organizing their school supplies.

• Having a mask on for several hours.

While many Southern Nevada families have recently started school, you can still try and use back-to-school social stories to help navigate their new routines. Here is one that the Down Syndrome Foundation produced but also great for children on the autism spectrum. 

3. Be Patient

This might seem incredibly simple, but for families with children on the autism spectrum, being patient sometimes can be a herculean task in and of itself. Once your child returns to school, there will be an acclimation period - especially after a year of in-home / virtual school because of the pandemic. 

Parents, educators, and therapists who care for children on the autism spectrum will need to be patient and make sure the child is stabilized. Pushing too hard or too fast can be discouraging and overwhelming. Know that the acclimation period is different for all kids - so take a deep breath and stay patient and calm. 

4.  Be creative in developing ways for your child to socially interact

In a recent article published by Stony Brook Medicine, they encouraged parents and guardians to also be mindful of incorporating social interaction back into children’s lives after a year (or more) of social distancing and isolation. Outdoor activities like walks, bike riding, and the playground can be fun and interactive without being in the school setting. Even online games and video games have an interactive and social component to them so don’t be discouraged if that is how your child chooses to ease into interaction.  

Keep Your Expectations Reasonable

Remember, all kids adjust at a different pace, and some might need a little more assistance than others to get fully acclimated. If you need help making this transition easier for you and your child, visit the Grant a Gift site and check out our family support services.