Back to school can be a stressful time for any child, but it can be especially challenging for children with autism. At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we understand the unique challenges that children with autism face when starting a new school year. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips to help your child succeed.
1. Start preparing early.
The earlier you start preparing for the new school year, the better it will be for your child. This will give you time to work on any areas that your child may need help with, such as social skills, communication skills, or behavior management.
- Talk to your child about what to expect. Help your child understand what changes they will be facing in the new school year. Explain to them what their new school will look like, who their new teachers and classmates will be, and what their new routine will be like.
- Practice new skills. If your child needs help with any specific skills, such as social skills, communication skills, or behavior management, start practicing those skills at home before the school year starts. This will help your child feel more confident when they start school.
- Visit the school ahead of time. If possible, take your child to visit their new school before the first day of school. This will help them get familiar with the surroundings and meet some of their new teachers and classmates.
- Create a visual schedule. A visual schedule can be helpful for children with autism to help them understand what is going to happen each day. Write down the activities that your child will be doing each day and post the schedule in a place where they can see it.
- Give your child plenty of breaks. Children with autism often need more breaks than other children. Make sure to give your child plenty of opportunities to take breaks throughout the day, both at school and at home.
- Be patient. It may take some time for your child to adjust to the new school year. Be patient with them and offer them your support.
2. Work with your child’s school.
The school can be a great resource for helping your child succeed. Work with their teachers and administrators to develop a plan for your child’s individual needs.
- Meet with your child’s teachers at the beginning of the year. This is a good time to discuss your child’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as any goals you have for them for the year.
- Provide your child’s teachers with information about their autism. This will help them understand your child’s needs and how to best support them.
- Be an active participant in your child’s education. Attend parent-teacher conferences, volunteer at your child’s school, and communicate regularly with their teachers.
3. Get support for your family.
Raising a child with autism can be challenging, and it’s important to have support from your family and friends. There are also many resources available to help families of children with autism, such as support groups, online forums, and counseling services.
4. Stay Consistent.
It may take some time for your child to adjust to the new school year, but with your support, they can succeed. Be patient, understanding, and consistent. The daily routine will start to be comforting for them and they’ll soon be giving you reminders to get the day started.
If you are looking for additional support for your child with autism, Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting in Fairfield County can help. We offer a variety of services for children with autism, including ABA therapy, social skills training, and behavior management. To learn more about how we can help your child, please visit our website or call (203) 900-4720. We are here to help your child succeed.
