Transitioning in School

Change is hard for most people, but for autistic children, it can feel like the world has been turned upside down.  A new school means unfamiliar faces, routines and environments – all of which can be overwhelming for both you and your child.  I know this because I’m right in the middle of it.  Transitioning my son to a new school has been one of my biggest challenges I am facing as a parent, but it is also a opportunity for growth – for him and for me.

Here are a few things I have implemented to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Preparation is everything. Before the move, take some time to familiarize yourself and your child with the new school environment, if you can.  Visit the school, ideally more than once.  Show your child the classrooms, playground, cafeteria- any space they will spend time in.  If possible, meet their teacher or support staff ahead of time.

When my son transitioned to his new school, I made a point of taking him to visit during a quieter time.  We walked through the hallways, explored the sensory room and even looking around the classroom.  At first, he was not really interested, but after a few visits he grew more comfortable.

Open communication with the school is crucial. Share as much as you can about your child’s needs, preferences and triggers.  No one knows your child like you do, so don’t be afraid to advocate for them.  I explained to my son’s new teacher and headmistress his sensory sensitivities and that he would need extra support.  I also shared what calms his down – regular breaks walking around, jumping on the trampoline, noise-cancelling headphones, etc.  In our case, despite all this, we still had challenges, but with lots of communication and insisting on what my son needs, things improved.  Remember, teachers want to help, but they need the right information to do so.

Transitioning in School

Work with the school to create a personalized transition plan. This might include shorter school days to start,  a buddy system with another student, a 1:1 aide or a visual schedule to help your child understand what to expect each day.

For my son, we started with half-days.  This allowed him to adjust to the new environment without feeling overwhelmed.  Slowly, we increased his time at school until he was attending full days comfortably.  It has not always been easy – there are meltdowns and tough mornings – but having a plan makes it manageable.

Social stories can be a game-changer for helping your child understand what’s coming.  These are simple, personalized stories that walk through a specific situation – like starting at a new school – in a clear and reassuring way.

I created a social story for my son with a picture of his new school.  The story walked him through his day, from arriving at school to lunchtime and pickup.  We read it together every night before bed and it helped him feel more prepared and less anxious.

Autistic children thrive on routine, so do your best to establish consistent morning and evening routines that support the school day. Practice getting up, eating breakfast and getting dressed at the same time very day, even before school starts.

For us, the morning routine is a lifesaver.  We kept it simple:  wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, have a smoothie, brush teeth and go.  We also built in extra time in case things don’t go as planned, because, let’s be honest, mornings don’t always go as planned!

Transitions are rarely smooth sailing. There will be tough days – days when your child doesn’t want to go to school, when meltdowns happen or when you question if this was the right move.  But there will also be wins and those are worth celebrating.

A win was the first time his teacher told me that he was trying to make friends with someone in his class.  It was a small moment, but it was huge for him and for me.  Remember, progress isn’t always linear.  Be patient with yourself and your child and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Transitioning in School

Lastly, don’t forget about you. Transitioning to a new school is a bit adjustment for parents too.  It’s ok to feel stressed, worried or even a little scared.  Lean on your support network, whether that is friends, family or a parent group for children with autism.

I find that taking just a few minutes for myself each morning – whether to have a cup of coffee, journal or do a quick meditation – helped me show up better for my son.  You cannot pour from an empty cup, so make sure to fill yours.

Till next week

A

Xxx

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