As a parent of a child with autism, you want to do everything you can to make their time at school a positive experience. This means setting your child up for success by preparing now before the academic year is in full swing. You are your child’s advocate. It’s your job to get them as much help with autism as you can and stay in communication with teachers and staff.
Your child may need some extra support as they transition back to school. Going back to school means lots of changes, and changes cause stress and anxiety. Here are a few simple things you can do to help keep your child from feeling overwhelmed and avoid stress during the beginning of the school year.
Talk to the School
It’s likely that your child will have new teachers and aides than they did last year. Before the first day of school, try to speak with the teachers who will interact most with your child. Let them know what your child struggles with. If possible, see if your child can meet with the teacher ahead of time. Making them less of a stranger can help alleviate some of the stress.
Establish a Routine Ahead of Time
Summertime often means all sense of normal routine goes out the window. And by now, your child has fallen into a new routine that might not work during the school year. Start reestablishing that school year schedule at least a few weeks before the first day of school. This will help with autism symptoms by giving your child the chance to adjust to the new routine before they need to use it every day.
Find a Conversation Starter
Children with autism often find it tough to socialize with their peers. And the more they feel different, the more pronounced that difficulty may be. Help your child by finding a conversation starter they can use to interact with their classmates.
What are the topics they love and are fascinated with? How can they use that topic to find common ground with others at school? Start thinking of strategies and discuss them with your child. Once kids figure out they have something in common, they’ll be able to build a friendship. And once they have a friend or two, those normal stresses will start to have less of an impact on their day.
Get Help with Autism Now
The school year is inherently stressful, whether you have a child with autism or not. But the sooner you get help with autism from a trusted provider, you and your child will be better equipped to handle everything the school year can throw your way.
Make an appointment with our team and let us help you and your child develop the tools you need for a successful school year.