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What kind of binders do we need this year? Where’s the supply list? What do you mean none of your shoes fit anymore?

All these questions – and more! – are in the air as parents gear up for the switch from summer to school. 

The back-to-school season can be especially challenging for neurodiverse children and their parents. In a 2023 study conducted by The Harris Poll for understood.org, (reported in Parents magazine) “a full 94% of parents of neurodiverse children agreed going back to school causes them stress and anxiety.”

We can’t eliminate all the anxiety, but we can share some 5 tips to ease the back-to-school transition.

 

#1: Preparation = Setting Expectations

Gradual Transition: Begin the transition a few weeks before school starts. Gradually adjust your child’s sleep schedule, reintroduce morning routines, start the conversation about tech/screen usage during the school year (which is typically less than during the summer), and talk about what’s coming up at school to familiarize them with the upcoming changes. 

Visual Schedules: A great way to make a new school year more comfortable is to create a visual schedule of the school day. Start with the at-home morning routines, how they will get to school, classes, lunch routines, and go all the way through potential after-school activities. 

“If you can turn the schedule into a social story, that’s even better,” says Allie Reid, Mental Health Counselor at Franklin Therapy, which is co-located with Franklin Academy. A social story is simply a detailed narrative with pictures, either real ones (maybe from last year’s school year) or clip art you can find free online. (Click here to see an example of a social story Franklin Center created for their annual Calmapalooza event.)

 

#2: Visit the School

School Tour: Schedule a visit to the school before the first day. Many schools have a “Back to School Night” where students can see their classroom and meet the teacher in a less-crowded, less-scheduled way. You can also take time to walk the hallways, plan the route to lunch and the bathrooms, and show them other parts of their daily routines, like lockers. The more you can make the new familiar, the less potential anxiety. 

 

#3: Add to School Supplies

Sensory Tools: If your child is at a public or private school for neurotypical students, the supplies list may not include important items they’ll need. Plan to add items like noise-canceling headphones, preferred fidgets, or a weighted blanket to their backpack, or ask if you can put them in their locker in advance.

Labels and Organization: Clearly label all school supplies and help your child organize their backpack. Using color-coded labels/ folders can make it easier for them to find what they need. And buying new stickers can make it even more fun!

 

#4: Practice Social Skills

Role-Playing: Practice common school scenarios with your child, such as how to ask for help, how to take turns, and how to follow classroom rules. You can take turns playing different roles in each scenario. Acting out everyday events can build their confidence as well as their social skills. 

Peer Interactions: If your family has been away from your child’s school friends for the summer, try to arrange playdates with classmates before school starts. Sometimes even a month without seeing familiar faces can make the adjustment harder. 

 

#5: Collaborate & Communicate

Collaborate: Maintain open communication with your child’s teacher and support staff. If the staff knows you see them as part of the team, it can help with proactive communication. It may sound obvious, but a friendly email ahead of the start of school (and a conversation at back-to-school night) can help to build or maintain the relationships you need for a successful school year.

The Fundamental: Take Care of Yourself, as a Parent 

Your health and wellbeing are the foundation for your child’s success in school. It can take time or extra work, but if you can find a way to connect with other parents of neurodiverse children, you’ll have a built-in network of support. Sharing experiences and strategies can provide valuable insights and emotional support. 

And speaking of time, please take time to take care of your own well-being. While you’re looking at the school calendar, book some time for you and the other caregivers to relax and enjoy what you like to do. 

“It’s so important for parents and other caregivers to put on that proverbial oxygen mask for themselves first,” said Reid. “You can get so busy taking care of your neurodiverse child that you put yourself last in line for care. Even if it’s 20 minutes a day to take a walk, or weekly coffee with a friend, make time for your health – physical, mental, and emotional.” 

Every child, family, and school are unique, so tailor these suggestions to meet your child’s needs and abilities. And if you have tips to share, please let us know!

Interested in learning more about a school built for neurodiverse students K-12? Let’s find time to talk about the Franklin Academy difference.