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Written by Karen Poole
January 23rd, 2025
Ah, the end of summer break! While some kids may eagerly anticipate returning to school, for our neurodiverse children, the transition can be a little more challenging. The break from routines, the noise of a busy school environment, and the pressure of social interactions can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—this doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of preparation and planning, you can help your child make the leap back to school feeling more confident and comfortable.
As a parent of a child with autism, I’ve gone through my fair share of back-to-school jitters (and meltdowns), so I wanted to share some of my top tips for making this transition smoother. Here are the top 5 things to keep in mind:
Children with autism often thrive on routine, and while summer break is a welcome change, it can also lead to a bit of a shock when school starts again. To make the transition easier, try to gradually reintroduce a school-like schedule a week or two before school begins.
Start waking your child up at the time they’d need to get up for school, and incorporate small elements of the school day like designated playtime, snack breaks, and quiet reading time. This helps your child adjust to the structure again before it becomes overwhelming.
You can even practice the school morning routine, so they’re not caught off guard when it’s time to get out the door. My son (particularly when he was younger) loved having a visual schedule with pictures of each step—getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, and packing the school bag. This can work wonders in reducing anxiety!
Returning to the school environment can feel like sensory overload—bright lights, loud noises, and crowded areas can quickly overwhelm a child with autism. One of the best ways to ease the transition is by preparing your child’s sensory toolkit.
Tip: Pack noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, or a sensory-friendly fidget toy in their school bag. These little tools can help create a sensory-friendly “safe zone” for your child when things get too much. For example, a weighted blanket or lap pad might also provide some calming pressure during classroom time or when sitting still for long periods.
You can find some great sensory-friendly items online:
Social interactions are a big part of school life, and for some children with autism, navigating the complexities of friendships and classroom etiquette can feel tricky. Social stories are an amazing way to prepare your child for what to expect at school and how to handle various social situations.
A social story might outline things like:
You can either make your own, using simple language and visuals, or find a ton of pre-made social stories online. The National Autism Resources website is an excellent place to grab printable social stories. If you’re into digital tools, Model Me Kids has some great apps designed for children on the spectrum that cover social scenarios in an interactive way.
Communication is key! Before school starts, reach out to your child’s new teacher or school support team. Share information about your child’s strengths, challenges, sensory needs, and any strategies that have worked well in the past. It’s always helpful to have an open line of communication so the teacher knows what to expect and can help set up a supportive classroom environment.
You may also want to ask about any accommodations or supports that could make the transition smoother, such as:
Most schools are open to working with families to make sure their child’s needs are met, and being proactive can help ease any back-to-school anxiety.
Back-to-school time can stir up all sorts of emotions—nervousness, excitement, frustration. So, it’s important to equip your child with tools for managing their emotions throughout the school day. Practicing self-regulation strategies at home can help your child feel more in control when faced with challenges.
Try activities like:
Helping your child understand and identify their emotions early can give them the confidence to cope with difficult moments.
Sometimes, the simplest tools can make a huge difference. When shopping for back-to-school supplies, consider picking up some items that might help with focus and comfort:
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to be overwhelming for you or your child. With a bit of early preparation, the right tools, and a little creativity, you can make the return to school an exciting and manageable experience. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for your child, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. You’ve got this!
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