Getting Kids With Autism Back in the School Groove
Positive Reinforcement • August 18, 2021
Getting Kids With Autism Back in the School Groove
Wow—it is hard to believe that it is already time to start a new school year! For many, the end of summer brings changes to the routine. This may mean earlier bedtimes or less screen time. It might even mean a new classroom or a new school altogether. Whatever changes lie ahead for you and your child, two words are key to a smooth transition: communication and preparation.
Change can be hard for anyone, but children with autism can be especially reliant on consistency. Communicating upcoming changes ahead of time gives your child a little more time to acclimate to any shift from the familiar. Talk through any new routines, like waking up and getting ready earlier in the morning. Discuss the exciting opportunity to meet new teachers and make new friends. Validate any fears your child may have or problems they may foresee and brainstorm possible solutions. Using social stories can be a great strategy to address challenges.
Communication with your child’s teacher is also vital to starting the year off right and having a great year. Fire off an email introducing yourself and your child. If your school offers a “Meet the Teacher Night,” take full advantage. Use the opportunity to not only get to know the teacher, but the classroom and the school building as well. Introduce your child to the new environment and scope out potential issues. Some children are easily distracted by a window seat; some may be a flight risk if seated near the door. You know your child best, so express any concerns to the teacher. If your child has a behavior plan, take the time to discuss this with the teacher.
Further prepare for the school year by touring the school building, finding the bathrooms, cafeteria, gym, playground, and any other places your child may frequent. Be sure to make a stop by the nurse’s office especially if your child is on medication or has other medical concerns. It may be a good idea to take pictures of locations and people that you can use to create social stories for your child. Be sure to ask for breakfast and lunch menus as well as a classroom schedule. All of these things can be useful in making a visual schedule for your child’s day.
A visual schedule is also a wonderful tool for morning and bedtime routines. Begin practicing these routines before the first day of school arrives. If you need to implement an earlier bedtime, try working the bedtime up over the course of several nights. Set bedtime 15 minutes earlier than your summer norm, and when that becomes successful, move up another 15 minutes. Repeat until you reach your desired school-night bedtime. Establish habits like setting out clothes for the day the night before and keeping backpacks and lunchboxes in a dedicated location. Timers can be a fun, visual tool for nailing down your morning routine. How quickly can everyone get cleaned up, dressed, and fed a quick breakfast? Keep the challenge light-hearted and fun!
No matter how well you plan, prepare, and communicate, remember: things happen. It will take time to adjust to the changes the school year brings, and even with the best of routines, mishaps occur. Expect the unexpected. Be flexible and encouraging. Together, you and your child can make it a great year!
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