Tips for Back to School 2021
School is right around the corner, and with the return to in-person learning, this year could be more stressful than ever for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) . Here are some ways to make sure your student is is as prepared as possible for the return to in-person learning.
Establish a line of communication with the school and your student’s teachers. This can mean obtaining any emails and phone numbers necessary just in case an emergency happens at school or something prohibits them from going to school.
Get an IEP if the student does not already have one. IEP stands for Individualized Education Program and is a legal document that describes services and support necessary for a child to receive proper education according to their needs. If you haven’t gotten one for your student, you can visit this website to learn all about how to get an IEP. Because schooling has been virtual thus far, you may need to reevaluate the IEP according to the progress the student is making.
If possible, reacclimatize your student to the school.
Some schools will have open house, which is a good idea if you want your student to meet the teachers and their peers, as well as see their classrooms. However, this may not be the way to go if your child gets anxious in crowds. Some schools have their campus open outside of the school year, so if this is the case, you can take your student around to see the different buildings, sidewalks, drop off areas, and other places outside of the school. Doing so will ensure they are walking into a familiar place on their first day.Practice night time and morning routines before the first day.
If you want their routines to change when school starts, it is best to start these changes at least a week before so they can adjust. Waking them up and setting bedtimes is a must during this time. If you want them to do homework at a certain time, give them a coloring book or word puzzle to ensure they are focused on a task. This way, whenever school begins, they will have a set routine and will hopefully follow this the rest of the school year.Gather school supplies, especially masks and hand sanitizer.
Some common school supplies include binders, paper, folders, notebooks, writing utensils, and highlighters, as well as a backpack to carry it all in. With school most likely being in person this year, masks and hand sanitizer is a must-have to ensure your student is learning safely during the pandemic.Reach out to other parents with students in the class.
Not only will this get you some parent friends who can let you know about anything going on in the school, but it will also give your student the chance to meet a peer before classes start. This way, your student will have someone to talk to on their first day of school.Pack sensory toys.
If your student gets anxious in class and likes to use fidget toys, it wouldn’t hurt to pack a few of those. Let their teachers know beforehand that your student will be bringing sensory toys to calm them down to make sure they know not to scold them, unless it gets out of hand and distracting.Prepare your student for what will happen on the first day.
Go over their classes and teachers, a map of the school if you have one, lunch, and how pick up and drop off will work. Make sure that your student knows what is going to happen on the first day so they are less likely to get overwhelmed. As a bonus, if you choose to pack their lunch, allow them to choose what to have for lunch. This way, they have something to comfort them at lunchtime.Go over what needs to happen if they need to leave school.
In any case where they get anxious, overwhelmed, or feel sick, you need to let them know that you are willing to help them. Attach a tag to their backpack with your contact information if your student is too young to remember it. The school should have your information in the system, but it is better safe than sorry, especially if something happens.Relax.
If your anxiety is spiking, your student’s will too! Reassure yourself that everything will go smoothly. The first day is almost always the hardest day, so after this, it will hopefully be smooth sailing!
We hope your first day of school goes well. Stay safe, and make sure to follow CDC guidelines! Have a great school year!