Autism News Tagged "autism and back to school"

September is here which means the start of a new school year. Great expectations and high hopes abound. Maybe your child is going to a new school this year or attending school for the first time. Parents and children can feel both excited and anxious. How can you make this year a successful one? What is both reasonable and attainable this school year?

At Home

• To make mornings a little less stressful, lay clothes out the night before, make lunches and check agendas for communication, forms etc.
• If your child has trouble waking up, set the alarm 15 minutes earlier than needed to allow time to rise.
• Post a visual schedule or checklist where your child can see it to know what needs to be done before leaving in the morning – bathroom routines, packing a backpack, dressing etc.
• Be cautious about overscheduling with extra-curricular activities. For many children with ASD, it takes great energy to cope with the school day and down time can be needed after school. Look at alternative ideas such as one day events or weekend activities for things to do.
• Decide if your child will do homework or not. If you decide to do homework, assign a quiet spot where it can be done and a regular time in the schedule.
• Create some visual organizers for items that have to go back and forth to school. This could be a basket or bin by the front door.