Back to School Tips: How to Prepare a Child with Autism

How to Prepare a Child with Autism for Back to School

Back to school shifts are stressful in general, particularly to children with autism disorders who employ structure and routine to secure safety and comfort.If you’re wondering how to prepare a child with autism for back to school, the key lies in planning ahead, building familiarity, and providing emotional and sensory support. This guide contains professional-supported tips that would help relieve stress and provide a successful beginning of a school year.

Practice with a Social Story

• A social story is a visual, basic account of what your child can hope to experience in a new or changing circumstances.  You may design your own social story including:
• Photos of their new teacher(s), classroom, lockers, or cafeteria.
• Short sentences stating what will happen (e.g., In the morning, I will take a walk to my classroom and greet my teacher.).
• Emotional self management tips such as: When I am nervous I can breathe deeply, I can talk to my teacher.

Social stories have been used very effectively to enhance the level of social comprehension and alleviate anxiety among children with autism (Gray, 2000). You can learn more about using social stories effectively from the Indiana Resource Center for Autism.

Develop a Written and Visual Routine

Visual schedules and daily routines create predictability. Set up:

• A monthly calendar that shows major events (e.g., “School starts,” “Visit grandma,” “Zoo trip”).
• A daily schedule using pictures or written cues indicating what is going on during the day: sleeping, waking up, eating breakfast, brush teeth, get dressed, go to school, etc.

Routines support emotional regulation and have been linked to decreased anxiety in children on the spectrum (Boyd et al., 2011).  Chech out our blog The Vital Role of Routines for more.

Coordinate with the School and Teachers

Make sure that each teacher and support staff members have a copy of your child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program). This ensures:

• Your child receives the services and accommodations they need.
• Everyone understands your child’s sensory, academic, and emotional needs.
• You can exchange techniques of relaxing at home to employ in the classroom

If possible, schedule a school visit before the first day to walk through classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds. This familiarization process can reduce first-day anxiety and confusion.

Do a Dress Rehearsal

New clothes, backpacks, and lunchboxes can be triggering. Let your child and practice:

• Try on their school suites and shoes several times before school starts.
• Practice using their backpack and opening their lunch containers.
• Assist in packing school supplies to feel ownership and excitement.

Role-Play School Scenarios

Role-playing school situations (raising a hand, asking for help, taking turns) helps your child build confidence. You can act out:

• Greeting the teacher
• Asking to go to the restroom
• Lining up for recess
• Sitting quietly during reading time

This practice helps children generalize these behaviors in the real setting.

Address Sensory and Emotional Needs

Children with autism tend to be hypersensitive. Transitions can increase sensory overload and emotional distress. You can try:

• Earlier bedtimes during transition weeks prior the school
• Sensory-friendly clothing (remove tags, choose soft fabrics)
• Make sure you pack your child’s comfort food in their lunch
• Tools like fidget toys, weighted vests, or noise-canceling headphones (if allowed)

You can also use a mood thermometer to help your child recognize and express emotions like calm, worried, or overwhelmed.

Despite all the preoccupation, always make space for fun. Go out for an ice cream, or have a park day. The more your child feels you are relaxed and enthusiastic about returning to school, the more comfortable they will become.