Preparing Your Neurodiverse Child for a Successful Back-to-School Transition

The back-to-school season can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time for all children, but it can pose unique challenges for those on the autism spectrum or with neurodiverse challenges. As a parent or caregiver, you want to ensure that your child has a positive and successful experience when returning to school. To help you make this transition smoother, we have gathered resources, advice, and tips from thought leaders in our community as well as from our Grant a Gift team members to better prepare your family for the upcoming school year. By implementing these tips, you can support your neurodiverse or autistic child in preparing for a new academic year filled with growth and learning.

Establish a Familiar Routine

Routines are essential for neurodiverse children as they provide a sense of predictability and security. Before school starts, gradually establish a consistent daily schedule that mimics the school day. According to the Autism Speaks organization, this can help reduce anxiety and aid in adjusting to the school routine. Consider incorporating morning routines, meal times, and play activities at specific times to create a structured environment at home.

“Many of our patients at the center really thrive on a routine,” says Dr. Rooman Ahad, Pediatric Neurologist at the Ackerman Center. “Some children attend the extended school year program. For those that are now transitioning back to school, this fall parents will often find having a routine bedtime, routine wake time, and routine prepping for the school day will help tremendously in having a successful school year. Many of our patients really love school and they are excited about attending school and participating. Setting a routine early should help in making the school year successful.”

Social Stories and Visual Schedules

Utilize social stories and visual schedules to help your child understand the school environment and daily routines. Social stories are short narratives that provide information about social situations, while visual schedules use pictures or symbols to illustrate the sequence of activities. These tools can enhance communication, comprehension, and comfort in unfamiliar settings. Websites like Autism Little Learners offer a variety of downloadable resources to create personalized social stories and visual schedules.

Communicate with Teachers and Staff

Building a strong partnership with your child's teachers and school staff is crucial for a successful school year. Share relevant information about your child's strengths, challenges, and communication preferences. This will enable educators to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Open lines of communication will also help address any concerns or modifications needed for your child's academic and social development.

For many parents with children who have special needs and have an IEP (Individualized Education Program), it can be a daunting task to navigate the system.

“When patients come to see us in the clinic we often review what aspects of the IEP are helping and in other areas where it can be improved,” says Dr. Ahad. “I often ask parents to stay in touch with the teachers involved in their child's education. I often ask parents to also be advocates for their children when it comes to educational plans. We also have a case management team at Grant a Gift that can help parents better understand what an IEP is and how it can help their child.”

Prepare for Sensory Challenges

Sensory processing issues are common among neurodiverse and autistic individuals, and school environments can be overwhelming. Grant a Gift Programs Director, Cameron Sinquimani emphasizes the importance of sensory breaks and outdoor playtime to reduce sensory overload and promote self-regulation. Collaborate with teachers to create a sensory-friendly space in the classroom and provide your child with sensory tools, such as fidget toys or noise-canceling headphones, to help them stay focused and engaged.

Practice Social Skills

Social interactions can be challenging for neurodiverse children, but practicing social skills in a controlled environment can be beneficial. Consider arranging playdates with peers or joining social groups that focus on fostering social connections and cooperation. Positive reinforcement and encouragement can go a long way in building your child's confidence and ability to interact with others.

Grant a Gift Tip: Practice social skills with siblings or relatives but generalize to peers from school or community.  

Playdate/Activity suggestions: Participating in clubs, sports, music, interest groups foster ongoing peer relationships. Whereas meet ups at the parks, arcades, library, pools encourage participation with novel peers.

Encourage Special Interests

Special interests can play a vital role in your child's emotional well-being and cognitive development. According to recent research, allowing autistic children to engage with their passions positively affects their overall happiness and reduces anxiety. Encouraging your child's special interests can also be a gateway to social opportunities and potential future career paths.

Grant a Gift Tip: Use their interests to help teach new skills. For example, for preschool students you can practice counting with their favorite item. For elementary students, engage in extracurricular activities based on their interests. If you neurodiverse child is in middle school, help them to discover and engage in community/school clubs that foster their interest (e.g., anime club, coding club, drama club). And finally, for high school students, help them discover ways to do volunteer activities or job skills that match their interest.  

Foster Self-Advocacy

Empower your child to self-advocate for their needs and preferences as they grow older. Encourage them to communicate their feelings, challenges, and preferences to teachers, peers, and school staff. Self-advocacy skills are essential for building self-confidence and ensuring that your child's individual needs are met in the school setting.

Grant a Gift Tip: Talk to your kids about the small stuff so they can feel comfortable talking to you about the big stuff. 

Embrace Your Unique Strengths this School Year!

As the new school year approaches, remember that preparation, communication, and support are key elements in facilitating a smooth transition for your neurodiverse or autistic child. 

“I like to talk to children about school and return to school pretty early on before the summer has ended,” adds Dr. Ahad. “Possibly meeting with a new teacher at orientation, maybe taking a tour of the classroom if you are able, and meeting other parents and children may be helpful. This may not be practical for all schools and all classrooms. If this is the case then talking in general about what to expect in the following grade, new friends, new place to sit, and discussing it in an exciting way can be beneficial.”

Grant a Gift Tip: Start talking to your child about their school. You can prepare them by driving/walking by the school and showing them where they will be going.  Attend back to school night. This will allow your child to see their classroom and meet their teacher before the 1st day of school.

You can also create a “Hello” letter, one page IEP summary, or communication sheet for teachers and providers. Here are two you can download and use:

By establishing routines, using visual tools, and fostering communication with teachers, you can create an inclusive learning environment where your child can thrive. Embrace their unique strengths and challenges, encourage their passions, and promote self-advocacy to set them on a path to success both academically and socially.