Easing back to school anxiety for children with autism
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - We’re just a couple weeks away from kids heading back to class. If you’re a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, the time to prepare for going back to school is now.
Something as simple as a small book with a few pictures showing your child’s old teacher and classroom and their new one can make all the difference.
“Kids on the autism spectrum, or really on the autism spectrum, are all about schedules and routines,” said Autism Evansville Executive Director, Kelsey Schapker.
And starting that routine now, a week or two before the start of school, can make all the difference for a child on the spectrum.
“Typically, anyone on the autism spectrum may struggle as we go back to school,” Schapker said. “But just encouraging those parents and caregivers, and even the school staff just to have extra patience as those students with autism adjust accordingly.”
Schapker says parents can put out picture schedules, talk to their child about the school year, and even start a countdown.
Optimal ACCESS CEO Casey DePriest says having conversations with your child’s teacher before school starts can help too.
“I think it’s really important for parent to review the IEP,” DePriest said. “If the child has an individualized education plan, take some time to sit down and look at that, make sure that it’s the way that you want it and that it makes sense for your child. It’s supposed to be individualized.”
Other tips, set out school supplies, lunch boxes and backpacks, getting your child reintroduced to school related things.
“In my experience in working with children on the autism spectrum,” DePriest said. That unknown can sometimes be exciting and sometimes it can be scary.”
That’s why it’s important to prepare your students before they year and continue checking in with them after they’re back at class, too.
Preparing for the start of school can help students not on the autism spectrum too. If your child suffers from back-to-school anxiety or is nervous about starting the year in a new building, softly shifting from a summer routine to a school year routine can help.
It’s also important to follow up with your child after school starts, regularly checking in with them and how things are going.
Copyright 2024 WFIE. All rights reserved.
