The start of a new school year can be both exciting and challenging for families, especially those with children on the autism spectrum. At My World ABA, we understand that transitioning back to the classroom often brings unique struggles for children with autism.
With the right support and strategies, your child can have a successful and rewarding fall. Below, we’re sharing our top five tips to help your family navigate this busy season with less stress and more confidence.
Common School-Related Struggles for Children With Autism
Every child is unique. However, there are some common back-to-school challenges facing students with autism. While there is more support and understanding about autism than ever before, these situations can be difficult for your child:
- Sensory overload: Noisy classrooms, crowded hallways, school bells, and bright lights can overwhelm a child’s senses, leading to anxiety or meltdowns.
- Changes in routine: Transitioning from summer to school often involves earlier wake-ups, different morning routines, and newly structured days, all of which can be difficult for children who rely on predictability.
- New teachers and classmates: Meeting unfamiliar faces and adjusting to new authority figures can trigger stress, especially when communication or social expectations feel unclear.
- Increased social demands: Navigating friendships, group assignments, and unstructured periods, like recess or lunch, can be confusing or draining.
Recognizing these hurdles is the first step in advocating for your child’s needs and preparing them for a more comfortable transition. At My World ABA, you’ll experience the benefits of ABA therapy in every aspect of your child’s life.
How ABA Therapy Can Support Your Child This Fall
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy plays a key role in supporting autistic children through big transitions like the start of school. At My World ABA, our behavior technicians work closely with families to make this process as smooth as possible.
Teaching School-Readiness Skills
We help children practice following instructions, listening to teachers, and participating in group activities, so these demands feel more familiar when school resumes. Our social skills training helps children with autism build meaningful connections with others.
Building Effective Coping Strategies
Transitions can be tough, but our team uses evidence-based techniques to help your child manage change, reduce anxiety, and adapt more easily to new daily routines.
Creating Personalized Plans for Your Child
When you work with My World ABA, we’ll conduct an initial and ongoing assessment to understand your child’s needs. We start with your child’s unique strengths and challenges, then design interventions that target specific school-related concerns—like staying on task, coping with sensory input, or expressing needs during class.
By proactively addressing these issues, ABA therapy helps keep your child’s academic success on track while ensuring your child feels safe, confident, and empowered at school.
Morning Routines That Actually Work for Children With Autism (Most of the Time!)
An effective morning routine helps create a stress-free start to your child’s school day. On weekends, you can treat your child to sensory-friendly activities in Springfield as a reward for good behavior. Try these tried-and-true tips to make mornings a little easier.
Use Visual Schedules and Checklists
- Create a simple visual chart showing each morning task (e.g., getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, putting on shoes, grabbing the backpack).
- Let your child check off items as they’re completed—this boosts independence and sets clear expectations.
Prepare the Night Before
- Lay out clothing, pack snacks and lunches, and make sure backpacks are organized with completed homework and supplies.
- Involve your child in the process so they know what to expect and where things are.
Build In Extra Time
- Give your child a gentle, consistent wake-up and enough time for breakfast, calming activities, and any sensory supports (like quiet time or preferred music).
- Create a buffer zone. Things don’t always go according to plan. Allow an extra 15-30 minutes in each day to accommodate more difficult days without running late.
Consistency and preparation are your best allies for mornings that feel calm and predictable rather than rushed and chaotic.
How to Collaborate With Your Child’s School
Strong partnerships with teachers and school staff make a world of difference. By aligning your child’s teacher with your child’s needs and your ABA therapy plan, you can start your child’s school experience off on the right foot. Here’s how to advocate for your child.
Communicate Early and Often
Schedule a meeting before school starts or early in the year to share your child’s strengths, challenges, triggers, and effective supports. Want to really go the extra mile and earn your own A+? Provide written information like a “student profile” highlighting practical strategies that work at home.
Request regular updates from teachers, aides, or therapists. A daily or weekly email check-in can keep everyone on the same page. This is also a great opportunity for children with autism to learn essential communication skills with peers and authority figures.
Attend IEP or 504 Meetings Prepared
Bring a list of questions or suggested goals, such as sensory accommodations, break schedules, or social supports. If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, review it before the meeting and make sure you understand each section.
Don’t hesitate to share what has worked during ABA therapy. This can help inform classroom strategies and accommodations for other children with autism. Remember, you’re the expert on your child, and effective collaboration is crucial for a successful school year.
Lunches, Lockers, and Sensory Breaks: Best Practices to Follow
Small details can make a big difference in your child’s day. By following these tips, you can help your child look forward to the school day and encourage a love of learning.
- Pack lunches that feel safe and familiar. Many children with autism are sensitive to food texture, smell, or taste. Stick to preferred foods, especially during the first few weeks of school.
- Pro tip: Bento-style lunch boxes work well for keeping foods separate and visually organized. Buy multiples so that you always have one clean and ready to go for each day of the week.
- Help your child understand the importance of locker and backpack organization. Periods between classes can be hectic and stressful, so practicing at home can help your child feel prepared.
- Print and laminate visual prompts or checklists that your child can keep inside their locker for extra support. This helps reinforce their schedule, materials needed for each class, and end-of-day reminders.
- Talk with school staff about the availability of quiet spaces, such as reading nooks, resource rooms, or sensory-friendly corners. Plan for sensory breaks at predictable intervals and help your child ask for breaks when needed.
Find the Support You Need at My World ABA
At My World ABA, we’re passionate about supporting children with autism and their families. If your child needs extra support this fall, or if you have questions about ABA therapy, our friendly team is here to help. Connect with us to learn more about individualized ABA programs. Let’s make this back-to-school season a success together!
