How to Help Kids With Autism Go Back to School

Kids with autism often need a lot of help to go back to school. Changes in routine are often very difficult for kids with autism and returning to school after a whole summer vacation is a big change in routine. Even if a child with autism appears on the surface to handle the change it may take several weeks for them to settle in and really adapt to the new routine. You can use specific strategies to help you child with autism return to school on the right foot though.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A child with autism
• A school

1. To help kids with autism go back to school, schedule some "school" time into their days at home during the summer.
   
   Kids with autism do much better with consistent routines that do not change. They also do much better when their days are structured. Scheduling some "school" time into their day at home will help to make their schedule of going to school everyday much more consistent and it will also help to give structure to their summer days. It is okay if family fun or something else is scheduled for that day and they do not have school everyday, but provide it often enough that they are used to the routine of school. Also, school at home can be a little different. It could involve more fun tasks like finger painting or other activities. However, it should involve some learning tasks and it should be called "school."

2. Put "school" on your child's visual schedule.
   
   No two kids with autism are exactly alike. Some are completely non-verbal, some have limited verbal skills and some may be very verbal. However, kids with autism tend to be very visual thinkers. Even Temple Grandin who has a Ph.D. and is a known author relates how she thinks in pictures. Additionally, the environment and world can seem very chaotic and unpredictable for kids with autism due to sensory processing difficulties, etc. A visual schedule can help kids with autism predict what is going to happen (this is calming) and it allows them to process that information efficiently (because it is being presented visually).
   
   During the summer, keep "school" on your child's visual schedule to represent the "school" they have at home. Before they return to regular school, put the car or bus on their schedule (actually on the advance schedule) to represent leaving home for school and also put a picture of their school building. Let them know in advance that they will be going back to their regular school.

3. Visit you child's classroom with them.
   
   Your child's school should be able to tell you what room they will be in and they should let you visit that room. If they are going to a different building, they may need to be introduced to the layout of the building. Call first to let them know that you will be coming by. This will help your child to start processing where they will be going.

4. Talk to your child's teacher and let your child meet them.
   
   Meet your child's teacher before school starts. Introduce them to your child and let them know your child's diagnosis and needs. Ask them what their experience with autism is. Gauge how receptive they are to working with your child. If you have any concerns, talk to them. If you still have concerns do not hesitate to ask for a different teacher. I would love to say that all teachers are receptive to working with students with unique needs but that would not be reality. It may be better to switch teachers than to fight an uphill battle all year.

Tips & Warnings

• Generate excitement about school starting.

[mweise]

on 7/5/2009 I have a dear friend who's child has this diagnosis. This is some good information, will be passing this onto her.

[karileighk]

on 7/5/2009 Since he changed schools, he loves it and we don't have to worry.