Back to School Tips for Children with Autism
Summer is almost over, and very soon you will be saying “Back to School!” Going back to school can cause anxiety for all students, but it can be especially daunting for children with autism. After a couple of months of relaxation and/or summer activities, the transition to a new, daily routine – and possibly a new teacher and classroom – can cause a great deal of stress for both the student and his/her parents.
To help the transition to a new school year feel less overwhelming, here are some tips and strategies recommended by behavior analysts:
Build Tolerance for School Supplies and Clothes
If your child is sensitive to new textures, buy school supplies and clothes early and have your child gradually practice using and wearing them. For example, if your child is going to be introduced to wearing a uniform, have them try on the items for brief periods throughout the day. Don’t forget to praise them! A reward after wearing the new item can help reduce any discomfort associated with the new textures.
Practice Lunch Choices
If your child is going to have their lunch at school, practice sitting down to lunch with a variety of children’s food that may be found on a school menu. If your child is picky when it comes to trying new things, work on getting your child to try new foods at home.
Build Tolerance for Longer Periods of Sitting
If you have a child who has difficulty sitting for long periods of time, work on building tolerance for sitting and attending to activities at home. To do so, have your child engage in activities they prefer at a table and gradually build the amount of time they are sitting before receiving a reinforcer.
Use Social Stories and Visual Schedules
The days leading up to school can be just as stressful for children with autism as returning to school itself. Use social stories and visual schedules to help your child understand and prepare for the change in their routine. If your child has already visited their new classroom, include pictures of the school, classroom, teacher, and peers.
Arrange a School Visit
If possible, visit your child’s new classroom a week or two before the first day. Visiting an empty room can help your child become familiar with the physical environment and the faces they will encounter throughout the school year (e.g., teachers and aides, office staff, school nurse, school counselors, principal and assistant principal, cafeteria staff, school security, etc.). If you cannot schedule a visit, using Google Earth to view their school is another option. The more your child is exposed to the upcoming change, the less anxiety s/he will experience on the first day.
Meet with the Teacher
Request a meeting with your child’s new teacher(s) and share relevant information, including what motivates your child. It’s important to foster a collaborative and supportive relationship with your child’s teacher. Discuss where your child is now in their schoolwork, what skills they need help with, and what behavioral challenges (if any) you have seen during the summer. Use this time to also learn the classroom’s routine. Knowing your child’s schedule can help you prepare them for how they will spend their time at school each day.
Create a Reward System
Make the first few days of school exciting and prepare a reward for your child for completing school each day! If you have an older child who has a hard time sitting through longer classes, create a reward system that will reinforce them for self-management of their own behavior. Print out your child’s class schedule and attach the reward system so your child can track their behavior in each class. For younger children, collaborate with the teacher to create a similar point sheet to help reinforce appropriate behaviors throughout the day.
Maintain Consistent Sleep Schedules
At least two weeks before school starts, make sure your child begins going to bed and waking up on a consistent schedule that matches their actual school schedule. If possible, have your child wake up early enough to do a morning activity, such as a light exercise or play outside. Starting the school day tired can make it harder for children to tolerate different activities throughout the day.
Communicate with Your ABA Team
Communicate with your child’s ABA team about your child’s new school schedule and any changes in behavior you may have noticed. Schedule an ABA session that takes place right after school ends to help your child build tolerance for longer days. Working with your child’s ABA team to establish new goals can help your child become more successful at school.
Final Tips for Success
Remember that transitions can be challenging, but with preparation and the right support, your child can have a successful school year. Stay positive, celebrate small victories, and maintain open communication with your child’s teachers and therapy team throughout the year.