10 Tips to Ease Students Affected by Autism Back into the Classroom

Although many kids excitedly prepare for back-to-school by shopping for supplies and new clothes, children on the Autism Spectrum may find it traumatic. Donna Swanson, Executive Director and co-founder of the nonprofit Fresh Start School in Canton, is a respected authority on the behavior of children with Autism. She offers ten ways to help to make your child’s transition into a new school year less stressful for everyon

1. If your child is going to be attending a new school, take the child for a visit even if you both took a tour previously. Bring a camera and take pictures so that you and your child can look at them throughout the summer and discuss what the first day might be like. You can also visit the school playground to make them feel more comfortable. There is nothing like a swing to soothe children with autism.

2. Experiment with foods and snacks over the summer to try and expand a picky eater’s food choices. Once you have a list of foods the child finds acceptable, include the child in helping to select the school choices. This can make planning for lunches much easier.

3. There are many children's books on making friends, how to handle bullies, feelings, manners and being afraid. Read them with your child and check for comprehension. Create a plan for your child to put in place if a problem does arise. It may include visuals of who to talk to depending on the situation. However, make sure the child understands to always speak to the parents about everything, no matter what, as children on the autism spectrum take things very literally and may indeed only tell the people who are on the list.

4. Spread out school supply shopping over time. Don't do it in one day! Also try to shop closer to when school is actually starting. Talk to children ahead of time about what kind of clothing they like to wear and maybe look online for ideas. Better yet, shop online if your child really hates going to the store as you want it to be a positive experience whenever possible.

5. Narrow down the choices of book covers, notebooks, etc., so that your child still has choices but doesn't get overwhelmed. Keep in mind your child’s interests so that you offer those choices first.

6. When picking out school clothes keep in mind your child's sensory issues. For example, if the child hates the stiffness of jeans, buy them in a softer material or don't buy jeans at all. Let your child pick what to wear within reason so that you allow for the uniqueness that is what one of our students would call an “autistic ability”.

7. Think of some age appropriate fidget toys that your child might be able to carry in a pencil case or clothing pocket. It can be as simple as carrying a small smooth stone or other object. Be mindful to find something that is safe and won’t distract other students.

8. Create a visual countdown calendar 1-2 weeks before the first day of school so that kids can plan and cross off days. Don’t start this countdown too soon unless the child asks for this information as it can generate “anticipatory anxiety”. This anxiety takes over children’s thinking, causing them to worry about what might happen, to the point of exhaustion for all. As the first day of school approaches, try to stick to a routine that is similar to the school day.

9. Schedule an informal meeting with the new teacher and related service staff at the very beginning of the new school year so that you can explain your child's needs. Try to limit the discussion to key points to focus on "the big picture” of what your child needs.

10. Explore sensory tools with your child like weighted blankets, a body sock, heated microwave pads, a beanie baby or swings. Let your child's school know what sensory items your child prefers.

The Fresh Start School is a new state approved special education program for children ages 11-18 years with Autism Spectrum and other related disorders. Founded by the FOCUS Center for Autism, this full-time innovative school helps children address their obstacles to learning by creating safe, predictable social learning environments. With the skills to help self-regulate their anxiety and frustration, some of the students who completed the program last year will be returning to a main stream school in the fall.

Swanson’s last suggestion is to “try not to rush the summer even if the pressure is in the stores to sell back to school items. Let your child relax. A lot of social learning takes place when they are having fun and interacting with others in a casual setting.”

Families who are interested in learning more about the FOCUS Center for Autism and enrolment in the Fresh Start School can call to make an appointment to arrange a tour.

Since 2000, the nonprofit FOCUS Center for Autism in Canton has been dedicated to helping children and young adults with autism spectrum and other related disorders achieve their full potential. FOCUS has developed a well-respected model of care that has now served over 800 children and families. The FOCUS Fresh Start School is a private, state approved special education program offering children with autism spectrum disorder a quality education experience that addresses their academic, clinical and social needs. For more information visit http://focuscenterforautism.org or call (860) 693-8809.