Helping Your Child with Autism Navigate the “Newness” of School: Ongoing Support for Classrooms, Teachers, Peers & More
Written by Behavior Frontiers as Part of Their Bright Futures Series
Starting school—or returning to it—can feel like entering a brand-new world. For children on the autism spectrum, the “newness” of school isn’t just about the first day. It’s about unfamiliar teachers, different routines, unexpected changes, and social situations that take time and practice to feel comfortable with.
In our Back-to-School Tips for Children with Autism, we shared ideas to help your child prepare before the school year begins. This guide builds on that foundation, offering continued support for once school begins—so you can help your child feel safe, confident, and understood every step of the way.
Why New School Experiences Can Feel Big
For many children on the autism spectrum, comfort comes from predictability. When the school year begins—or when a child moves into a new classroom—so many things shift all at once. Even changes that seem small to adults can feel overwhelming when you're still building your sense of routine and control.
Here are a few common changes that can feel especially big for children with autism:
New teachers and adults in charge – Different tones of voice, communication styles, or classroom rules can take time to adjust to
Unfamiliar classroom setups – A different seating chart, visuals, or flow of the day can make the environment feel brand new
Different peer dynamics – New classmates, recess groups, or table partners may bring excitement, confusion, or uncertainty
Sensory differences – Lighting, sounds, smells, and even the feel of materials or furniture may be new and take some getting used to
Unexpected transitions – Events like fire drills, substitute teachers, or schedule changes can catch kids off guard if they’re not prepared
When several of these changes happen all at once, it can feel like stepping into an entirely different world. That’s why ongoing support—even after the first week—is key. The good news? With repetition, patience, and consistency, your child can learn to navigate these changes and build confidence one step at a time.
1. Revisit the School Environment on Weekends
Even after school begins, returning to familiar places outside of class hours can help your child feel more at ease. These low-pressure visits give them a chance to explore at their own pace and strengthen their sense of familiarity with the environment.
Ways to reinforce comfort and routine:
Walk around the school grounds on weekends—visit the playground, front entrance, or drop-off area to make it feel more familiar
Explore less-frequented spaces like the cafeteria, gym, nurse’s office, or hallways (if accessible), to reduce uncertainty when those areas come up
Take and review photos of the classroom and key locations to help your child recall what to expect
Use a printed or digital school map to label important spots together (e.g., classroom, bathroom, library)
Role-play common routines such as drop-off, walking to class, or hanging up a backpack
Talk about what stays the same each time to highlight predictability: “Let’s see if the same mural is still in the hallway!”
Here’s something you can say:
“Let’s go find your classroom again—remember where your backpack hook is? It’s still right there, just for you!”
2. Build Trust with the New Teacher
For children on the autism spectrum, it can take time to warm up to a new adult, especially one in a leadership role like a teacher. You can help ease this transition by proactively laying the groundwork for a positive relationship between your child and their teacher, even before the first day of school.
Ways you can help support that connection:
Create a simple “About Me” book or one-pager to send before school starts. Include your child’s name, age, favorite activities, what helps them feel comfortable, and how they communicate. Photos can be especially helpful.
Share specific preferences or tips with the teacher via email: “He loves music—mentioning a favorite song might help him open up,” or “Transitions go smoother when he has a 2-minute warning.
Request a brief virtual or in-person meet-and-greet with the teacher before school starts (if the teacher is comfortable). This can be informal and short, but just seeing the teacher’s face or classroom ahead of time can make a big difference.
Ask if the teacher can use a consistent greeting like a fist bump, high-five, visual or verbal cue, or smile each day to build familiarity and routine.
Offer a short, printed reference sheet with strategies that work at home, favorite reinforcers (like stickers or dinosaur toys), and any sensory needs.
Reinforce the teacher’s role as a helper at home: “Your teacher is excited to learn all about what makes you awesome!”
This doesn’t have to be extensive. Even one or two thoughtful, well-timed efforts can help the teacher understand your child faster—and help your child feel more seen, supported, and safe.
Here’s something you can say: “We made this book to show your teacher all the cool things about you—she/he’s going to love it!”
3. Practice Peer Interactions in Low-Stakes Ways
Social situations can be unpredictable and difficult to navigate. For many children with autism, interacting with peers can bring up a lot of questions—What do I say? What if they don’t answer? Where do I sit?
That’s why low-pressure practice outside of busy school environments is so helpful. Rehearsing common scenarios and giving your child space to observe, warm up, and join in at their own pace can build social confidence over time.
Ways to build peer connection skills:
Role-play classroom or playground scenarios at home with siblings or by using dolls, action figures, or favorite stuffed animals
Create flashcards or visuals with simple social phrases like “Can I play?” or “Wanna be partners?”
Set up short, quiet playdates with just one or two children in a familiar environment
Encourage parallel play by visiting a local park during off-peak hours. Your child doesn’t have to talk or engage directly right away. Just playing side-by-side is a great first step.
Talk about real-life peer moments from school: “You smiled when you sat near Jack—do you want to sit near him again tomorrow?”
Practice taking turns or sharing during board games or art projects with you or siblings at home
Practice scripts and language for tricky moments, like joining a group, asking for help, or responding when someone says no. You can use flashcards, role play, and even recruit your siblings or trusted adults like a grandparent to help. For example:
When joining a group: “Can I play too?” or “What are you building? Can I help?”
When another child says no: “Okay, maybe later!” “That’s okay. I’ll find something else to do.”
When asking for a turn. “Can I have a turn when you’re done?” or “It’s your turn now, then my turn next?
Needing space or break from play: “I need a break” or “I’m going to play by myself for a little bit.”
For children under age 6, Behavior Frontiers’ center-based ABA programs offer natural ways to build social skills in a safe, structured environment. Our centers provide opportunities for supported peer play, parallel play, and group learning activities—designed to help kids gradually practice social skills with peers at their own pace, with guidance from expert clinicians.
4. Keep Weekly Routines Predictable (Even as School Routines Change)
School schedules can shift unexpectedly—whether it’s an assembly, substitute teacher, or early dismissal. But at home, consistent routines can serve as an anchor, helping your child feel safe and regulated even when the school day feels unpredictable.
By offering familiar rhythms before and after school, you create a sense of control your child can rely on.
Ideas to structure your week:
Use a weekly calendar that includes school, home, therapies, and special events. Visual calendars or magnetic boards can help kids see what’s coming at a glance.
Stick to a consistent morning routine—such as wake up → breakfast → dress → brush teeth → backpack. First/then boards, visual checklists, or picture schedules can make this easier to follow.
Create a predictable Sunday ritual to help your child prepare for the school week, like reviewing the school calendar together or picking out outfits and snacks for the week.
Create an after-school ritual to help your child wind down, such as snack → quiet time → screen time or outside play → dinner. The predictability helps them transition from a busy school day.
Let your child choose one or two things each day that stays the same—like a specific lunchbox, favorite snack, or cozy socks. Even small choices build independence and comfort.
Use countdowns for known changes, like “3 days until the field trip” or “No school Friday.” Consider using visual timers or crossing off days on a printed calendar.
Include sensory or movement breaks after school. A few minutes of swinging, stretching, or jumping can help release built-up energy and support regulation.
Here’s something you can say: “It’s Thursday, so you’ll go to P.E. today—then we’ll have spaghetti for dinner like always!”
5. Help Navigate Sensory Shifts at School
School comes with a variety of new sensory experiences—bright lights, busy hallways, scratchy chairs, cafeteria smells, and unexpected noises. These changes can feel noticeably different for children on the autism spectrum, who process sensory input more intensely.
With a little preparation, you can help your child feel more comfortable and confident as they adjust to their new environment.
Sensory support ideas:
Pack a small sensory toolkit for your child’s backpack. This might include noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, chewy jewelry, sunglasses, or a small comfort item they can keep close by.
Ask the teacher for seating in a quieter part of the classroom—such as a spot near a wall and away from air vents, overhead lights, bright windows, and high traffic areas like close to the door or the center of the room. A more controlled space can reduce distractions and help your child focus.
Request sensory breaks during the day, if possible, ideally in a designated quiet space. Even just a few minutes in a low-stimulation environment can help your child regulate and return to class more focused.
Use visuals and simple verbal descriptions to help prepare for fire drills, assemblies, or other loud or unexpected events. Knowing what to expect—even generally—can ease anxiety.
Practice wearing school clothes for short periods of time at home, especially if your child is sensitive to textures, tags, or layers. Make it part of play or routines to build comfort gradually.
Recreate common sensory experiences from school at home—such as turning on overhead lights, playing cafeteria sounds, or using similar seating materials during short bursts—so your child can get used to them gradually.
Offer calming sensory activities after school to help your child decompress. Options like swinging, playing with kinetic sand or water, squeezing a therapy ball, or lying under a weighted blanket can help reset their system after a full day.
Here’s something you can say:
“If the lights are too bright or it’s too noisy, remember—you can ask your teacher for a break or put on your headphones.”
6. Reinforce What’s Going Well and Celebrate Small Wins (They Add Up!)
Recognizing progress—especially the small, everyday victories—helps build your child’s confidence and shows them that their efforts matter. Whether it’s asking for help, following a routine, or trying something new, these moments deserve to be noticed and celebrated.
Ideas for celebrating wins:
Start a sticker or marble jar to reward brave choices—like joining a group, using a tool, or following directions
Create a “daily win” ritual at dinner, bedtime, or after school by asking: “What felt good or easy today?”
Write short, encouraging notes for lunchboxes or backpacks: “You did a great job yesterday. I’m proud of you!”
Praise specific actions instead of just general effort: “You remembered to raise your hand!” or “You stayed in your seat during circle time!”
Display schoolwork, certificates, or drawings proudly at home—on the fridge, a bulletin board, or a “wins wall”
Take photos of proud moments and compile them in a “school success” book or digital album your child can flip through
Celebrate with small rewards or traditions—like choosing the story at bedtime, a special snack, or picking the dinner music
You might say things like: “You used your help card today—so smart and brave!” or “You walked into class all by yourself. That was awesome!”
7. Keep Practicing, Even After Week One
Adjustment is a process, and new challenges may pop up weeks, or months, into the year. Whether it’s a change in schedule, a new classroom activity, or an unfamiliar substitute teacher.
That’s why continued practice and gentle reinforcement are key to helping your child feel confident and prepared throughout the year.
Ways to keep progress going:
Continue using pretend play or role-play to practice situations like assemblies, fire drills, substitute teachers, or classroom changes
Keep reinforcing key skills—like asking for help, taking a break, or following a routine—with simple practice at home
Prep for upcoming changes using countdowns or visual reminders: “Three more days until the field trip!”
Check in with teachers regularly (even once a month) to stay in sync, share notes, and reinforce the same strategies at home
Celebrate flexibility when your child adapts to something new or unexpected: “That assembly was different today, and you handled it so well!”
Lastly, Collaborate with the School and Your Behavior Frontiers ABA Team
One of the most powerful ways to support your child during the school year is by building a strong partnership between their school team and their ABA team at Behavior Frontiers. When both sides are aligned—sharing insights, reinforcing the same goals, and using consistent strategies—your child benefits from a more predictable and successful experience across settings.
As a parent or caregiver, you play a key role in making this connection happen. The good news? It doesn’t require daily check-ins or tons of paperwork. Even small, thoughtful efforts can make a lasting impact.
Share What’s Working—On Both Sides:
Your child may behave or communicate differently at home, in ABA, and at school. Sharing what works in each setting helps everyone support your child more effectively—and reinforces skills faster. Here’s what you can do:
Start a communication log (printed or digital) where school staff and your ABA team can jot down short updates—what worked well, what was tricky, or what’s changing soon.
Ask your BCBA to share effective strategies from ABA sessions, such as token systems, visual prompts, reinforcement tools, or prompting techniques that teachers could adapt for the classroom.
Help teachers understand how your child communicates—whether it’s using gestures, visuals, AAC, or specific vocalizations—so they can respond more accurately and confidently.
Celebrate progress across environments: “She asked for help using her break card at home yesterday—maybe she’s ready to try that at school, too!”
Even just a few shared successes each week can help build momentum and confidence for everyone involved—including your child.
Coordinate Touchpoints Between Teams
You don’t need a formal meeting to create strong communication. A few simple touchpoints between the school and ABA team can make your child’s support system more cohesive and responsive. Consider:
Requesting a short virtual or in-person alignment meeting at the beginning of the school year (or during a transition) with your child’s teacher, BCBA, and yourself to discuss shared goals, motivators, and strategies.
Providing written permission for your child’s ABA team and school staff to communicate directly via email about strategies, progress, and updates.
Inviting the teacher to observe an ABA session, if permitted, to see what your child responds well to and how they learn best.
Asking your ABA team to create a simple one-page document with key motivators, preferred supports, sensory needs, and communication tips that school staff can reference easily.
Share Custom Tools from Your ABA Team
Your Behavior Frontiers ABA program is already designed to help your child build the foundational skills needed for school success—like following directions, sitting for short periods, sharing and taking turns, participating in group activities, and practicing self-care routines.
In addition to this direct skill-building, your team can also offer tailored supports that make it easier for teachers to meet your child’s needs without starting from scratch. Ask your team if they can provide:
Visual schedules or First/Then boards aligned with your child’s daily classroom routine
Break or help cards your child can use independently when they need support
Token boards or reinforcement menus customized to your child’s interests to encourage task completion
Prompting guidelines so teachers know how much support to give and when to fade it out
These tools don’t just help your child succeed, but they also help educators feel more confident in supporting them, too.
And, in some cases if deemed medically necessary, our Behavior Frontiers Team provides ABA Therapy in school – contact us or your BCBA for more information.
Helping Your Child with Autism Thrive, In School and Beyond
Starting school is a big deal—for both kids and parents. And while newness can feel overwhelming, it can also be an opportunity for growth, connection, and celebration.
Remember: consistency, compassion, and collaboration are key. With steady support from home, school, and your Behavior Frontiers team, your child can feel empowered to navigate school with confidence.
Don’t forget to revisit our Back-to-School Tips for Children with Autism blog post for proactive steps to take before school begins. Together, these guides form a complete roadmap for year-round success.
Ready to take the next step? Call us at 888-922-2843 for a free consultation or fill out the form below and we’ll call you within one business day.