Courtesy of The Summit Center

Going back to school after a long summer break can be stressful for any child, and especially those with autism or anxiety. Thoughtful collaboration and communication can help ease your child’s worries about returning to school.

Educating school personnel about your child is critical. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) do not include all of the information about your child that can help support a smooth transition. Be sure to tell your child’s teacher about behavioral triggers, warning signs, and any safety or medical concerns. Equally important is sharing their strengths, interests, and proven motivators.

Not knowing what to expect can make anyone feel nervous. To reduce uncertainty, arrange for a visit to the school before the first day. You may want to bring your child by multiple times to increase their familiarity with the school. At home, display photos of the school where your child can easily see them. Consider attaching visual supports to their backpack, like their schedule and bus number.

Social stories are effective for fostering predictability. Create a story that outlines what your child can expect in the first days back, such as, “I can ask my teacher if I forget where to go,” or even, “My dog will be waiting for me when I get home.” Using social stories to embed positive thinking about returning to school is an effective tool. With older students, talk through familiar aspects highlighting positive experiences they can anticipate, and reframe any fears by pointing out past instances when they’ve successfully navigated uncertainty.

Above all, be sure to validate your child’s feelings. Reassure your child that it’s okay to be anxious or scared. As your child’s biggest advocate, you can create a supportive environment that helps them cope.