Preparing your child for school

Starting school is an important step for any child, and it’s especially important for children with autism and their families.

This move is about more than just academics—it's also about making friends, setting up new daily routines, and embracing a bigger world. It might seem a bit overwhelming, but with good preparation and understanding of what's ahead, this can turn into a positive journey. 

Choosing the right school for your child

There is no perfect school for children with autism, but there are some things that you should think about when choosing the best option for your child. When selecting a school, it's important to start the process early — ideally a year before your child is set to begin. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• School environment and community: What is the overall school culture? Is it welcoming and inclusive? It's important that the school tolerates and celebrates diversity and is equipped to support children with different needs.
• Quality of education: Everyone wants their child to receive the best possible education. Look into how the school supports all its students, particularly those with autism. Do they have specialised programs? What is their approach to inclusive education?
• Happiness and wellbeing: You want your child to be happy at school. This means looking beyond academics to consider the school's social environment, extracurricular activities, and general culture. Will your child feel safe and accepted?

Australia offers a range of educational settings, including mainstream classes, supported classes, and autism-specific schools. Each state and territory has its own system of support and funding, so it’s worth researching to see what’s available in your area. Remember, the right setting for one child may not be the best for another. It’s all about finding a place where your child can thrive.

Preparing for the school transition

Transitioning to school is a big step, and there are many ways you can help make this change smoother for your child. Here are some preparatory steps before school starts:

• Share information: The more the school knows about your child, the better they can support them. Share diagnosis details, assessments, and any reports that might help the school prepare.
• Get to know the school: Visit the school with your child, check out school events, and look at their website together. You could even watch what happens at the school gate during morning arrivals to help your child understand the daily routine.
• Practice at home: Buy the school uniform and gear early. Let your child wear their uniform and practise opening their lunchbox or water bottle. This can make these objects feel safe and familiar when school starts.
• Introducing school materials: Gradually introducing items like the school bag, lunch box, and exercise books can help your child get accustomed to new objects they will use every day.‍
• Visit the school: Before the term starts, try visiting the school multiple times to help your child settle in. Try to arrange for them to meet their future teachers and explore key areas like their classroom, playground, and canteen. Familiarity with these places will make them feel more at ease if the school hosts open days or orientation events. Attending these can further help by introducing your child to the broader school community. It's also a chance for your child to start forming a friendly relationship with the teachers and staff. Knowing there are familiar faces around can make a big difference in helping your child feel secure and supported as they start this new chapter.‍
• Establish and practice routines: Setting up a morning routine that mirrors the school day and practising it together can be helpful. By doing this, you're letting your child know exactly what to expect each morning, which can significantly reduce their anxiety about the unknown. Start with simple steps like waking up at a certain time, getting dressed, having breakfast, and then packing the school bag. As you both get into the swing of things, you can add other activities, like a set time for leaving the house. Practising this routine daily not only makes the actual school mornings smoother but also builds confidence and comfort in your child as they know what's coming next.

Developing a transition plan

A transition plan is crucial for helping autistic children adapt to the school setting. This plan is best developed by collaborating with your child's early intervention service, allied health professionals, preschool teachers, and primary school staff. It should be customised to fit the unique needs and strengths of your child and may include:

• Child profile: A detailed description of your child's strengths, interests, health information, and specific medical or therapy needs.
• Orientation activities: Extended or additional orientation sessions can help your child familiarise themselves with the school environment, teachers, and other support staff.
• Visual supports: Creating a photo album or a visual storybook (social story) featuring images of the school, classroom, and teachers can help familiarise your child with the new school environment.

Starting these activities early, ideally at the beginning of the last year at preschool, can significantly enhance their effectiveness.

Supporting your child throughout their schooling

The initial weeks of school are often the most challenging. At home, it’s helpful to provide a quiet time after school to allow your child to decompress. At school, maintaining open lines of communication with teachers and utilising tools like communication books or apps can help monitor your child’s progress and address any issues promptly.

Your involvement doesn’t end once your child starts school. Ongoing support is key to their continuous adaptation and success. It is important to collaborate continuously. Keep the lines of communication open with the school staff. Attend all meetings, provide updates from home, and be proactive in seeking adjustments to better meet your child's evolving needs.

If your child receives therapy or professional support outside of school, bring these experts into the conversation. Their insights can be invaluable in shaping educational strategies and interventions.

Monitor and adjust

Stay involved and attentive. Keeping a close eye on how your child feels about school is essential. Take some time to chat with them regularly about their days—what are they enjoying? What's tough for them? This kind of feedback is gold. It lets you tweak and adjust your strategies, ensuring that you're always doing what you can to make their school experience better.

You could turn these conversations into a fun part of your day. Maybe chat over a snack after school or while winding down before bedtime. Listening actively to their stories and concerns helps them feel supported and understood. Plus, it gives you the insights needed to work with the school if adjustments are necessary. Always aim to keep the school journey as joyful and smooth as possible for them.