Back-to-School: 5 Tips to Get Your Autistic Child Ready for the Year

Autistic children and children on the spectrum require unique preparation and attention to help them be ready and successful in the new school year 

By Amanda Taylor, ABS Kids Director of Clinical Operations

Imagine spending all summer in the comfort of your home, surrounded by familiar faces, enjoying your favorite foods, enjoying your favorite activities, and following your own schedule.  

Suddenly, summer ends. And now you're told you'll be visiting a new place – one where you don’t know as many people and the food is different than what you are used to. You’re open to trying it out, but when you arrive, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet.  

The noise is constant, the lights are glaring, conversations are a blur, and everyone else seems to dictate your every move. You'd probably feel overwhelmed and wish to return to the comfort of your own home, right?  

This is often how autistic children feel when they start school, whether it’s their first day or 10th year. Yet, we may unintentionally push them into this new, often overwhelming environment without equipping them with the necessary tools for success.  

To help your child feel grounded rather than alienated on their first day of school, here are five essential tools for success. 

1. Meet the Teacher and Explore the School Before School Starts 

• Introduce your child to their teacher ahead of time. This will help them develop a connection with their teacher and relieve some of the anxiety surrounding the unknown.  
• Visit the school and explore key areas, like their classroom and common spaces. Familiarity with people and the environment helps ease the transition.

2. Establish a Routine with Visual Aids 

• Create a daily routine and use visual schedules to help your child learn it. Predictability can be comforting and helps autistic children know what to expect.  

• Allow your child to take their schedule to school. This will show them that school eventually ends, and they get to go back to where they are most comfortable – home.  

3. Choose Your Battles 

• As a parent, understand that not every challenge needs immediate action. If your child wants to unwind after school with a nap or some alone time, let them! They've been managing a lot throughout the day, so give them the space to decompress.  

• Focus on what’s most important and introduce flexibility when possible. 

4. Provide Options When Possible 

• School environments can sometimes feel restrictive, so it's essential to offer your child choices to give them a sense of autonomy. Simple options like choosing between a packed lunch or school lunch or deciding between two outfits can make a big difference.  

• While some decisions, like attending school, are non-negotiable, allowing them to control what they can helps them feel more empowered. 

5. Maintain Consistency 

• Consistency in routines, rules, and expectations is crucial for creating a sense of security. It might be tempting to give in on tough days, like letting your child stay home from school, but sticking to established routines will make things easier in the long run.  

• Remember, consistency is key!

Back-to-school season can be a whirlwind, for children and parents. But we hope these tips help ease the transition and make your child more comfortable with the transition, even if they’ve been through it before.  

If you’d like to learn more about how ABS Kids can help support your child, contact us to get started.