6 Back To School Tips For Kids With Autism

As you all know my son is Autistic. For years back to school was a time I dreaded not because my baby was growing up, or because I wasn't ready for the summer fun to end but because this time of year was the most difficult on my son. Up until last year, his 4th-grade year, he spent the first few MONTHS struggling to adjust. Our mornings were filled with cries and out nights were filled with anxiety about the next day. King has been going to school since he was three years old in order to help with language and social skills and it wasn't until the beginning of the fourth grade that those month-long breakdowns stopped. I credit most of that to our decision to transfer him to a school better suited for his needs, but his maturity and a few extra steps played a big part as well. I'll share a few tips on how we manage back to school.

1. Start your back to school schedule ahead of time: King doesn't start school until around the end of August so around the end of July/ beginning of August we like to put him back on his school routine. While we try to create some sort of schedule throughout the summer it isn't as strict as it is during the school year. He may have to get in bed but still get to watch tv whereas during the school year bedtime means just that time for bed. This way he is eased back into things and is already readjusted to his schedule when school starts.

2. Visit the school and meet the new teacher ahead of time: We take full advantage of orientation every year and I bring him along with me. This way he gets to see his new classroom and meet his new teacher before school even starts. The classroom is already set and if there are assigned desk the teacher already has them assigned (of course things may change once the year gets started and the teacher figures out their students needs more) but this gives him a chance to see where everything will be when he gets there his first day and where he will be sitting. He even gets a chance to meet a few other classmates. All of this helps with that first day back to school anxiety that a lot of kids feel.

3. Buy sensory friendly back to school supplies: King no longer needs school supplies his private school provides everything he needs but things like noise canceling headphones, penicl grips, and even this penicl case from TARGET can help get your little one through the day. The pencil grips and pencil cases were both things that were already on his back to school list (when he had one) but picking out sensory friendly ones helped get him through the day.


4. Buy comfortable back to school clothes: My son has enough to deal with during the school day so the last thing I want him to be worried about is feeling uncomfortable. I try not to get anything that will take extra steps just so he could use the restroom, anything that will irritate him with hard tags or stitching. Basically, anything that is too fussy is a no go. Something like a tiny stitch rubbing up his toe can ruin his morning before he even gets to school so we try to get his the comfiest options we can while still staying in dress code. Targets adaptive clothing brand helps make shopping easier with their tagless seamless options. You can read all about the line on my blog post here

5. Pack a lunch for school: King is an extremely picky eater and there is nothing worst than being at school and being hungry so if it's not pizza Friday he take a lunch to school. This way I know he has gotten a good meal and he can get through the day without feeling tired, grumpy, or sick. He is his mother's child and we don't play about our food. Can you say Hangry?

6. BE POSITIVE: It's simple enough. Be positive about the new year get them excited about all the new friends they will meet, new things the will learn. You know your child and what works for them. Whatever it is that get them going use it! Kids are smart they feed off our energy so put those positive vibes out there!