As the calendar turns and summer winds down, the first day of school starts to loom large bringing with it a surge of anxiety. For students with Autism transitioning from the freedom of summer to the structure of a new school year can be particulary challenging for our children. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and provide support to help them prepare mentally and emotionally for the new school year. As a parent who has guided six children and four exchange students through this transition, I want to share some strategies to help ease this process.
First, start by talking to your child about their feelings regarding the new school year. Encourage them to express any worries they may have. If they can articulate their concerns, work together to develop coping strategies. For those who struggle to communicate their anxiety, draw on your understanding of their needs to anticipate and prepare for potential challenges. Creating a step-by-step plan can be particularly helpful if transitions are stressful. For instance, if meeting new classmates is difficult, provide a simple script they can use, such as, “My name is Joe, what’s yours?”
I am a firm believer in the power of social stories to help children navigate new situations. When my son Kieran was in first grade, his social stories consisted mostly of photographs with descriptive words. As he grew, he relied more on text-based stories. These personalized stories were instrumental in preparing him for specific scenarios. One memorable story addressed the teasing he faced in middle school about his hair, which earned him the nickname “buffalo.” This social story helped him handle the situation better and prevent further issues. My favorite social story is linked here.
If possible, allow your child to have an on-site practice day to help her prepare for the new routine. Take pictures of your child’s school routine and teacher(s) to incorporate into a social story for her. Post a picture or calendar well in advance so that your child can see what to expect from the new schedule. Start preparing for new morning and evening routines. Once you learn your child’s new daily school schedule, slowly accommodate for your child’s new wake-up and meal times if needed.
Another valuable tip is to teach and practice deep breathing techniques. Square breathing, for example, is a lifelong calming skill that can be used anywhere to manage anxiety or anger. A great explanation of square breathing can be found on the Calm.com website. There are also various visual aids and apps available to guide this practice.
Finally, I recommend creating a one-page “Highlights of the IEP” sheet for teachers and staff. While it would be ideal for every teacher to know your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in detail, this is often impractical. Summarize the key points, such as, “do not touch him without warning,” “give her advance notice of any change in routine,” and “this is how you know he is becoming stressed.” Include your contact information and encourage teachers to reach out with any questions. This quick reference sheet will help support both your child and the school staff.
Enjoy the remainder of summer! Wishing everyone a smooth and successful start to the school year. Don’t forget you can always email info@autismohio.org or call 614-495-7551. We are here to help!
Warm regards,
Kathi J. Machle
President, Autism Society of Ohio
614-495-7551
info@autismohio.org