Summer vacation is ending all too quickly. Before we know, it those bright yellow school busses will be darting through our neighborhoods, and a new school year will commence. Returning to school can be a stressful time for all families, and especially so for those with kids on the autism spectrum. Moving to a different classroom, grade, or school can be stressful for any child; for those on the autism spectrum, handling anxiety about the unknown can be exceedingly difficult. Children with autism thrive on routine and establish new routines rather quickly. The following tips may be useful to help parents ease into the back-to-school transition process:

ADJUSTING TO A NEW SCHEDULE
Create a new morning routine and practice it.  Begin waking your child up a little earlier each morning so that he or she is acclimated to the new wake-up time before that big first day. You might want to do a run-through right towards the end of the summer holiday before the school starts. You can create a visual schedule outlining everything from getting dressed to going on the bus.
Create a daily school schedule for your child. You may not know the exact routine, but even walking through one day may make your child feel more at ease. If possible, ask your case manager to acquire the present year’s schedule prior to your tour and have your visit at the school follow that schedule.

VISIT THE CLASSROOM BEFORE THE OPENING
Take a tour of the school. This can be arranged beforehand. You may not get to meet your child’s new teachers this early, but at least your child will become familiar with the building prior to attending. When you are on your tour, visit the main office, bathrooms, cafeteria, gym, library, playground, and any room your child may spend time in during the coming year. Take permission to take pictures on your tour and incorporate them into a social story afterwards so that you and your child can review it during the summer (a social story is a book that a parent or caretaker creates to explain in written and/or pictorial detail what the child should expect for an upcoming event).
Walk through emergency procedures on your visit. Many children on the spectrum have difficulty with loud noises and breaks in routine. If possible, when on your tour, have your case manager show your child where to go and what to do during any emergency scenario. Doing this will help your child be prepared, and he or she might find it fun to have mom or dad practice standing along silently.

PREPARING FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Cross days off on your calendar. Some children may have anxiety about when the school year begins. Simply crossing days off the calendar may help your child better understand when the school year starts.
Talk to your child frequently about what to expect in the upcoming year. It’s the simplest tip, and the most important one to help reduce your child’s anxiety.
Play school at home. This can help your child get used to school activities and offer ideas on how to help him or her deal with their questions and fears

SHARING INFORMATION WITH TEACHERS
If at all possible, have your child meet the teachers prior to the start of school. Remember to take the teachers’ photos and add them to your social story.
Write a letter outlining your child’s strengths, weaknesses, possible sensory issues, dietary restrictions, and favorite reinforcers. If possible, have your child help you create this document, as it will be invaluable input for school staff. Be sure to include a few things that are fun and unique about your child. A copy of this letter should go to your child’s teachers and aides. They should also be made available to any staff members who work with your child. It is very helpful for teachers to have a “snapshot” of your child prior to instructing him or her. Don’t hesitate to brag as well!
If appropriate, make certain that a behavior plan is in place on day one. If your child has a plan that’s been working for him or her, ask that it be shared with his or her new teachers and implemented immediately at the start of the year.
If your child has sensory issues, make sure that he or she has a favorite sensory item available from the first day. For those children on the spectrum who struggle from sensory overload, certain objects can offer a great deal of comfort. Make sure that your child will have at least one available at all times.

AFTER SCHOOL STARTS
After the school year begins, be on top of your child’s progress. Contact all of your child’s instructors in the first few weeks of school. This enables you to track how your son or daughter is progressing and lets school staff know that you are interested and invested in your child’s success.
Write a thank-you note to your child’s teachers and principal. It never hurts to thank those responsible for a smooth transition.
If possible, volunteer. Your presence at school sends the message that you are actively involved in your child’s education. Children love to see their parents at school. You will score points for being there!
Ask for help. Requesting assistance shows that you are willing to learn and to try new things to help your child.
Last, but definitely not least, try to relax. All children can pick up on their parents’ anxiety. If you can keep yours in check, it will help your child stay calmer on that all-important first day and through the school year.

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
If you have questions about Autism Care Therapy’s services, we welcome you to visit Autismcaretherapy.com or call 855-5-AUTISM, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Therapy
ACT’s mission is to provide outstanding therapeutic services that improve the quality of life for our children and prepare them for a better future. ACT’s vision is to help people with autism reach their full potential, one child at a time.
At ACT, we strive to set our patients up for success. We do all that we can to help the family. We try to make the program as affordable as possible while maintaining the high quality of our services. This primarily sets us apart from other practices. We go above and beyond with supporting our families and advocating for our patients.
Our pro-bono clinic offers therapy for families without access to ABA through traditional methods
Print this blog post and pin it on your bulletin board at home. Share these tips with parents and caregivers for kids with autism spectrum disorders.
HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

About Autism Care Therapy
ACT’s mission is to provide outstanding therapeutic services that improve the quality of life for our children and prepare them for a better future. ACT’s vision is to help people with autism reach their full potential, one child at a time.
At ACT, we strive to set our patients up for success. We do all that we can to help the family. We try to make the program as affordable as possible while maintaining the high quality of our services. This primarily sets us apart from other practices. We go above and beyond with supporting our families and advocating for our patients.
Our pro-bono clinic offers therapy for families without access to ABA through traditional methods