Autism matters – Back to school tips
Autism can cause stress to parents. The return to school after the Summer holidays is difficult for most. Many pupils experience varying amounts of anxiety as do their parents. Children with autism often find change unmanageable. The return to school is no exception.
These simple tips shared with parents over many years really do help ease autism symptoms.
1. Re-establish a connection with school
Try to set up a meeting with staff where you can build on and develop the existing relationship. Your relationship with the school team is crucial to your child’s wellbeing.
See if you are able to visit school with your child before the official start day. The purpose is to learn about new things. These might be locker combinations, the timetable, the dining hall, etc. New ‘things’ and ‘places’ are usually overwhelming to a child with autism.
Buy uniform early and wash many times. Many children with a diagnosis of autism are very sensitive to new fabrics and prefer the feel of worn fabric. Reducing sensory overload reduces the likelihood of meltdowns.
Once you have the ‘knowledge’, you can practice new skills at home with your child. Social stories are a really useful tool.
2. Start the switch from holiday routine to school routine early
Write the date of the new school term on your child’s calendar, (a visual aid really helps adjustment). Practice the journey in the car, on the bus or train. This includes finding a regular parking spot and even an alternative for the days when you are unable to park in the usual place. Make a chart for these patterns/activities and involve your child in the making of the chart. These tips may seem annoying but it is worth it. Once a routine is established and becomes familiar, the stress will reduce. Attention to the finer details makes for a smoother transition back to school. The trick is to make the new routine familiar. This will lessen the possibility of meltdowns on the first day of term.
It is important to allow roughly 10 days to get your child into the school day ‘wake up’ routine. On the first day of preparation, set the alarm clock for a little earlier in the morning. Get your child into uniform and to eat breakfast. It’s fine for him or her to go back to bed afterwards. Over several days move the wake up time gradually closer to ‘school morning wake up time’. A positive reward like a glass of fresh orange juice or his/her favourite cereal will help during this practice period.
3. Help your child’s friendships
Many children with autism have very restricted interests. Despite this, they are likely to have an interest that is shared by some of the other children. Do your homework. Make sure that you send your child into school equipped with something that will draw the interest of other children. If this seems too difficult, it’s worth asking your child’s form teacher for help. Work at maintaining these relationships.
4. Stay upbeat when living with autism
Living with autism often feels overwhelming. It is very easy to dwell on past events and worry about ‘another’ school year. The beginning of term is an adjustment for everyone in the house, especially caregivers. Remaining positive really helps. Spoil yourself a little!
5. Acknowledge reality might not be as rehearsed
Remember that sometimes even rehearsed events don’t go to plan. Talk to your child about this possibility. Develop a strategy with your child which may be used at such times. Share this strategy with your child’s teacher or support worker. This will provide a sense of base to your child when he or she feels most unsafe.
For more information on autism in school, see the National Autistic Society.
Written by Dr Chrissie Tizzard, Chartered Consultant Psychologist. To find out about autism assessments and psychological support through Christine Tizzard Psychology, see our Treetops Autism page.