Back to School Tips for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum

Back to School Tips for Parents of Children with Autism

Students throughout the country will soon be making the transition to a new school year. This includes an increasing number of special needs children identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Since Congress added autism as a disability category to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of students receiving special education services under this category.  In fact, the number of students receiving assistance under the special education category of autism over the past decade has increased from 1.5 percent to 9 percent of all identified disabilities. Autism now ranks fourth among all IDEA disability categories for students age 6-21.

The beginning of a new school year is an exciting yet anxious time for both parents and children. It typically brings a change in the daily routine established over the summer months. Although transitioning back to school can be especially challenging for children on the autism spectrum, the following tips will help parents prepare them for a new school year. 

1. Prepare and reintroduce routines.

• Familiarize and reintroduce your child to the school setting. This may mean bringing your child to the school or classroom, showing your child a picture of their teacher and any classmates, or meeting the teacher before the first day of school. If possible, arrange to visit the teacher or the school a week or two before the first day. If this isn’t feasible, visit the school building or spend some time on the playground. Driving by the school several times is another good idea. You may also want to drive your child on the first day if they ride a bus to school. For many children, riding a bus to school on the first day can result in a sensory “overload.” Ask to meet the bus driver so your child feels comfortable riding the bus. You might even ask if you and your child can do a ride-along to the school. Gradually easing into the transportation routine will be helpful for everyone.

2. Review your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

• The IEP is a legal document and the cornerstone for your child’s education. It includes academic goals, appropriate accommodations and modifications and a description of all specific special education and related services, including individualized instruction and related supports and services (e.g., counseling, occupational, physical, and speech/language therapy; transportation), together with the specific setting in which the services will be provided. Parents should always have the IEP available to reference this essential information throughout the school year. If you do not have a copy, request one from the Special Education/Services Department in your school district. If appropriate, make certain a behavior intervention plan (BIP) is in place the first day of school. If your child has a plan that’s been effective, ask that it be shared with his or her new teacher and implemented immediately at the start of the year.

3. Expect the unexpected.

• Parents cannot anticipate everything that might happen during the school day. Allow more time for all activities during the first week of school. Prepare your child for situations that may not go as planned. Discuss a plan of action for free time, such as lunch and recess. Use social stories to familiarize your child with routines and how to behave when an unexpected event occurs. Anticipate sensory overload. The activity, noise and chaos of a typical classroom can sometimes be difficult to manage. Establish a plan of action for this situation, possibly a quiet room where the child can take a short break. If your child has dietary issues, determine in advance how this will be managed so as to avoid any miscommunication.

4. Review and teach social expectations.

• Although many children may transition easily between the social demands of summer activities and those required in the classroom, children on the autism spectrum may need more clear-cut (and literal) reminders. Review the “dos and don’ts” of acceptable school behavior. You can also create a schedule of a typical school day by using pictures and talk about how the school day will progress. Create a social story or picture schedule for school routines. Start reviewing and practicing early. If possible, meet with teachers and administrators to discuss your child’s strengths and challenges. Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. Establish tech-based or written communication early to develop positive relationships with your child’s teacher and school. Volunteer opportunities, open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and after-school events are ways you can apply in-person communication. Rehearse new classroom activities. Ask the teacher what new activities are planned for the first week. Then, prepare your child by performing, practicing, and discussing them. This rehearsal will reduce anxiety when new activities take place during the beginning of school.

In summary, do everything possible to help reduce the stress level for your child and family during this transition time. Last but not least, don’t forget to prepare yourself! Children sense anxiety, worry, and negativity in others. A calm, collected, and positive approach will help your child make a successful transition back to school.

Lee A. Wilkinson, PhD, is a licensed and nationally certified school psychologist, and certified cognitive-behavioral therapist. He is author of the award-winning books, A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Schools and Overcoming Anxiety and Depression on the Autism Spectrum: A Self-Help Guide Using CBT. He is also editor of a text in the American Psychological Association (APA) School Psychology Book Series, Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Evidence-Based Assessment and Intervention in Schools. His latest book is A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Schools (2nd Edition).