As we enter the month of August, “Back to School” is just around the corner for many students. For those on the Autism Spectrum, this period can mark a stressful transition. Common symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include “insistence on sameness” and “difficulties with transition.” To make this process easier for your student and family, ABA-LLC has prepared this article outlining our best tips for Preparing Your Student with Autism for Back to School.
Gradually Adjust Your Child’s Schedule
During the summer, it is common for kids to sleep in late. That means that going back to school can be a large and immediate adjustment. You can help your child by slowly adjusting their schedule over several days or weeks. Start by setting an earlier bedtime, and getting your student up earlier than they’ve been waking up. Either hours or half hours are a great increment to work by. By adjusting your child’s schedule slowly rather than all at once abruptly, you ease the strain of transition and prepare them for success. Be sure to provide lots of praise and positive reinforcement for waking up early!
Make School Supply Shopping Fun
For many students, shopping for School Supplies can be a positive experience that helps them get excited for the new year. Giving your child the opportunity to pick out their own school supplies helps give them a sense of independence. They are able to choose tools and products that appeal to them. Finding clothes that are comfortable and sensory friendly can also be a great way to help guarantee your child’s comfort throughout the school year. There are additional sensory tools, like fidget toys, that can help accommodate your student during the school day.
Create a Social Story
Social Stories are an incredibly helpful tool for students on the spectrum. A Social Story is a visual tool that “shows” your loved one the steps that will happen over the course of the day. By reviewing the social story regularly with your loved one, they get more familiar with the “story” of their new routine. Social stories help to make new things feel comfortable.
Practice Driving Your Child to School
If you plan on driving your student to school, you can practice the ride to school before school is in session. Get in the car together and drive to the new location. Try getting out and walking around together to get familiar with the new location. Practicing the ride early will help prepare your child for a smooth ride to school in the coming mornings. If there is a playground at the school, consider getting out and playing on the equipment, so that your child develops a positive association with the drive to school.
Visit the School in Advance
Many schools offer “Open House” or “Meet the Teacher” days before the school year starts for real. However, these events are often chaotic and loud. It may be better for your student to find a quiet time to visit. Consider calling the principal to see if you and your student can come visit during the teacher workweek. The event will be quiet and slower than usual, allowing your child to get their bearings in a calm environment.
Write your Teacher
It is advisable to communicate with your students’ teacher about their unique needs in advance of the school year. Write a letter to your teacher with any helpful information about your students’ needs, accommodations they need, and resources that the teacher may find helpful. Additionally, you can include any questions you as the parent or your child’s therapist may have.
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC contracts with around 160 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.
In everything the agency does, ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.” Learn more about us at https://aba-llc.com/