Back-to-School Tips for Parents & Teachers of Children with Autism

This blog provides actionable tips for parents and teachers alike, focusing on easing transitions, establishing consistent routines, and fostering cooperation between home and classroom. 

The back-to-school season can feel overwhelming for children with autism and their families. Whether it’s navigating new routines, meeting unfamiliar teachers, or adjusting to different environments, the transition often requires careful planning and collaboration. But with the right strategies, this process can set the stage for a successful and fulfilling school year. 

Why Back-to-School Planning Matters 

For children with autism, changes in routine, environment, and expectations can be challenging. A solid back-to-school plan helps reduce anxiety and create a foundation for success. Both parents and teachers play crucial roles in easing this period of adjustment by ensuring children feel prepared, understood, and supported.  

Below, we’ve outlined practical steps to make the transition smoother for everyone involved. 

Preparing to Go to School for Children with Autism 

Here’s how parents can lay the groundwork for a positive experience. 

Create a Visual Schedule 

• Visual aids can make a world of difference for children with autism. Use pictures, symbols, or a written schedule to illustrate what a typical school day will look like. Include key activities like morning routines, class transitions, lunch, and dismissal time. Reviewing the schedule daily can help your child know what to expect and ease anxiety.  

Example: Use a whiteboard or chart at home with simple visuals. For example, draw an icon of a backpack for “getting ready” or a clock to indicate the time of school pickup. 

Visit the School Ahead of Time 

• Familiarizing your child with their new surroundings can reduce first-day jitters. Schedule a tour of the school or attend open-house events. Walk through their daily route, such as entering the building, finding their classroom, and locating the cafeteria or restrooms.  

Tip: Capture the Moment: Snap photos of key people like teachers and staff during open houses. Later, review these pictures with your child and connect them to their daily schedule. For example, 'At 9:15, Ms. Smith will meet you at car drop-off,' or 'At 11, Ms. Tanner’s class heads to lunch.' This visual connection can help ease first-day jitters and make the routine feel familiar! 

Practice the Morning Routine 

• A predictable morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the day. Begin practicing the routine a week or two before school starts. Include tasks like waking up at the same time, getting dressed, and eating breakfast.  

Bonus Tip: Ease into the routine by adjusting your morning or evening schedule by five minutes every day. By gradually adjusting bedtime or wake-up time, you can give your child the space to adjust. If your child struggles with transitions, use a timer or countdown to signal the next step in the routine. 

Read Social Stories Together 

• Social stories are short, personalized narratives that help children understand expectations in specific situations. Prepare a story about going to school, covering common experiences like meeting classmates, following rules, and asking for help. 

Example: “When I go to school, I will sit at a desk in my classroom. I will listen to my teacher and raise my hand when I want to talk.” 

Collaborative Tips for Parents and Teachers 

Building a strong connection between home and school is essential for helping children with autism succeed. Open communication and collaboration ensure everyone is on the same page. 

Share Information with the Teacher 

• No one knows your child better than you do, so be sure to share insights with their teacher. Discuss your child’s strengths, challenges, and sensory preferences. Provide strategies that work at home, such as calming techniques or motivators, to help the teacher customize their approach.  

Idea: Write a “student cheat sheet” for the teacher that includes key details like preferred communication styles and any triggers to avoid. 

Develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) 

• An IEP is a valuable tool in supporting your child’s unique learning needs. Work closely with the educational team to set clear, measurable goals for the year. Remember to revisit and adjust the plan as needed.  

Establish Consistent Routines Between Home and School 

• Children with autism often thrive on routine, so consistency is key. Coordinate with the teacher to align schedules, behavior expectations, and reward systems as closely as possible.  

Example: If your child uses visual supports at home, ask the teacher if similar tools can be implemented in the classroom. 

Maintain Open Lines of Communication 

• Regular updates between parents and teachers help identify what’s working and what needs adjustment. Use email, phone calls, or a communication notebook to share notes about your child’s progress and address concerns promptly.  

Tip: Set regular check-ins, such as biweekly emails or monthly conferences, to stay proactive. 

Tips for Teachers Supporting Children with Autism 

Educators play a crucial role in creating a positive learning environment. These strategies can help ensure all students feel safe, engaged, and prepared to learn. 

Use Clear and Simple Instructions 

• Children with autism often respond best to direct, concise communication. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and use visual cues whenever possible.  

Example: Instead of saying, “Prepare your desk for reading,” try, “Put away your pencil, take out your book, and sit facing me.” 

Design a Sensory-Friendly Classroom 

• Sensory sensitivities are common among students with autism, so consider creating a space that minimizes distractions. Use noise-canceling headphones, offer seating options, and provide access to a designated quiet area for breaks. 

Incorporate Movement Breaks 

• Sitting still for extended periods can be challenging for some children. Build regular movement breaks into the schedule to help release energy and improve focus.  

Tip: Activities like stretching, yoga, or a short walk can be beneficial for the whole class. 

Encourage Peer Interaction 

• Social connections are essential for building confidence and developing communication skills. Facilitate structured group activities that encourage teamwork and turn-taking.  

Example: Assign “buddy systems” during partner-based exercises to create a supportive environment. 

Final Thoughts 

The transition to school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By preparing in advance and fostering collaboration between parents and teachers, you can help children with autism feel confident, supported, and ready to tackle each day. From creating visual schedules to designing sensory-friendly classrooms, small but thoughtful adjustments make a significant impact.  

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or both, these tips for going back to school for children with autism can create an environment where every child can thrive. Together, we can ensure this school year is a positive step forward.