Preparing your child for a new school year

Heading back to school after a long break isn't just a routine shift—it can be a whole new world, especially for children and teens on the autism spectrum.

The introduction of new teachers, new classmates, a new classroom, and perhaps even a new school environment can understandably stir up a mix of emotions. Rest assured that supportive and helpful guidance is available to make this transition smoother. Here, we explore several top tips designed to ensure your child's success as they return to school life.

Tips for preparing for a new school year

Start early

‍Talk with your child about what the upcoming school year will bring while you're still enjoying the holiday break. Ask the school about their new timetable and who your child’s teachers will be so that you can talk about this during the holiday break. Talking about these aspects well in advance can help clarify uncertainties and pave the way for the new experiences they’ll encounter.

Countdown calendar‍

Who doesn't love a good countdown? Grab a calendar and start marking off the days until school reopens. This visual aid is not just fun; it's a great way to mentally prepare your child for the first day back, turning anxiety into anticipation.

Familiar faces and places

A pre-term visit to the school would be helpful. Walking through the hallways and looking into the new classroom will help familiarise your child with their environment. If possible, meeting the new teacher before the first day can reduce anxiety about encountering a stranger.

Open communication

‍Prepare a friendly, informative letter about your child for their teacher. Highlight your child’s strengths, the challenges they might face, any known triggers, and what strategies work best in helping them thrive. This cheat sheet can be an excellent resource for teachers to support children effectively.

Refresh and rehearse

‍Skills can get a bit rusty over the holidays. Spend some time brushing up on what your child learned last year. A little practice in social scenarios, playground rules, or daily tasks can smooth the path for the days when school's back in session.

Routine run-through

‍Before the term starts, do a trial run of the school routine. Establishing and practising this routine at home can make those first few actual days less daunting. And don’t forget a visual schedule—this helps guide your child through their day without constant prompts.

Reducing anxiety

‍It's perfectly normal to feel a bit anxious about a new school year. Have open chats with your child about how they're feeling. What are they excited about? What’s making them nervous? Talking these through and brainstorming ways to handle these anxieties can empower them to face their fears.

Organisation is key

‍Organising ahead is crucial as it helps alleviate stress through preparation. Arrange uniforms, pack the school bag, and pre-plan meals. Having everything set and ready can ease anxiety for both your child and yourself.

Therapy and adjustments

Therapy is a big part of life for many autistic students, helping them get the most out of school. With the new school year ahead, it’s wise to adjust therapy schedules so they don't clash with school commitments. It's especially helpful to be flexible with times during the first few weeks as everyone settles into the new routine. Getting in touch with therapists early to find the best times is key since everyone’s after these popular time slots.

During breaks, it’s common for some children to regress a little on what they’ve learned in therapy. If this happens, try not to worry too much. It's tempting to pack their schedule with extra sessions, but that can just make things more difficult. Instead, it’s better to chat with the therapy team about adjusting the goals or methods to keep things moving at a comfortable pace for the student.

Therapies need to change as the student’s needs do. If you notice the therapy isn’t doing as much as before, like if progress has stalled or things aren’t improving, it’s crucial to talk it out with the therapists. This could mean making some changes or even looking at new approaches.

Academic collaboration

Connecting home and school is key to your child’s academic success. By reaching out to their teachers and sharing what you know about how your child learns best, you can really help improve their educational experience. This might include information about subjects they find challenging or particular strengths that could be leveraged in the classroom. For instance, if your child excels in visual-spatial reasoning, suggest projects or assignments that incorporate these skills. On the other hand, if they struggle with reading, perhaps recommend tools or strategies that have worked at home, like audiobooks or visual aids.

It’s also beneficial to discuss the learning environment that best suits your child. Some children might thrive in a quiet corner of the classroom, while others may need to be closer to the teacher for frequent check-ins. Establishing this proactive communication not only helps the teacher tailor their approach but also makes your child feel more secure and understood, which can boost their confidence and engagement at school.

Social navigation

Navigating the social environment of school can be one of the more challenging aspects for autistic students. Working with teachers to identify potential friends or allies for your child in the classroom is important. This could involve discussing your child’s interests and hobbies to find classmates with similar likes. Having just one friend in class can significantly reduce anxiety and improve your child’s school experience.

Additionally, identifying "safe spaces" within the school where your child can relax and regroup when overwhelmed is essential. This might be a quiet corner of the library, a counsellor's office, or even a designated relaxation room. Teachers and staff should be aware of these safe spaces too, so they can guide your child there when they notice signs of stress. Organising periodic visits to these places can also be part of your child’s routine, ensuring they have the opportunity to unwind regularly.

Maintaining wellbeing

During the hustle and bustle of a school term, it’s vital to maintain a balanced approach to your child’s health and wellbeing. Regular checks on sleep patterns, diet, and physical activity are fundamental. Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive function and mood regulation, while a nutritious diet can affect energy levels and concentration. Encourage physical activity through structured sports or playful interaction, which can also serve as an excellent outlet for stress.

Mental health is equally important. Look out for signs of distress, which could manifest as mood, behaviour, or even academic performance changes. Frequent check-ins can help you gauge your child's feelings about school and life. If issues arise, don’t hesitate to contact the school counsellor or seek external professional help. Ensuring your child has access to mental health resources is a proactive step towards supporting their overall wellbeing.

By focusing on these expanded areas of academic collaboration, social navigation, and maintaining wellbeing, you can help create a supportive and enriching school environment for your autistic child, paving the way for a productive and happy school year.

Remember, a new school year can be a challenge, but it's also full of opportunities for growth and fun. By preparing ahead, maintaining open communication, and ensuring your child feels supported every step of the way, you're setting them up for a successful year. Remember, each child is wonderfully unique, so adapt these tips as you see fit.