Starting school or a new class can be a stressful process for any child, but for autistic children, the challenges can feel particularly overwhelming. But with the right support and understanding, your child can not only cope with their schooling but actively flourish. Here’s how you can lead them there.
Building Good Foundations in the Home
The foundations of school success often begin long before your child ever enters the classroom. Establishing home routines develops a sense of predictability that can be comforting to many autistic children. Try to mirror some of the school-like rhythms during holidays or at weekends – regular mealtimes, periods of quiet for focused activity, and consistent bedtimes all familiarise your child with the cadence of the school day.
If you are fostering a child with autism, practicing school skills at home can help build confidence. This can be as simple as sitting at a table for extended periods of time, following multi-step directions, or even being able to open a lunchbox independently. These small successes all come together to create a more confident school experience.
Working with Your Child’s School
Communication with your child’s school is incredibly important. Don’t wait for things to go wrong – start building bridges with teachers and support staff from day one. Inform them about what works at home, your child’s individual interests, and any triggers that are likely to cause difficulty.
The majority of schools are more autism-aware nowadays, but every child is different. What suits one autistic pupil won’t suit another, so be specific about what your child requires. Perhaps they need to take breaks to get moving, have a quiet space to visit, or visual timetables to navigate the day. Teachers tend to want to help but may need to be informed what help is for your particular child.
Creating Sensory-Friendly Solutions
Schools can also be sensory minefields – fluorescent lights that are harsh, echoing hallways, playground noise, and the buzz of ongoing activity. Work with your child’s teacher to identify any potential sensory challenges and develop coping strategies together.
This might involve allowing your child to wear noise-cancelling headphones to particularly noisy events, to bring a fidget toy to help them focus, or to sit in a quiet spot where they can relax when they need to. Some children like to get to school a few minutes early so they can transition in before it gets wild.
Celebrating Strengths and Interests
Many children with autism have intense interests and particular strengths, which can be of huge benefit in the classroom. Perhaps your child has an encyclopaedic knowledge of dinosaurs, an excellent memory for facts, or a good eye for detail. Encourage teachers to use these strengths and employ them as learning tools.
When children are valued for their contributions to the classroom, rather than reminded repeatedly of their challenges, their confidence soars. This positive foundation makes the more difficult aspects of school life so much easier to navigate.
Preparing for Transitions
Change can be particularly hard for autistic children, so preparation is key. Meet the teachers and see the building before the start of the new school year. Take photos of key areas like the classroom, toilets, and playground so your child can become familiar with them at home.
Creating social stories of upcoming school routines or transitions can also prepare your child for what to expect and help them feel more prepared to deal with new experiences.
Remember that every small step forward is worth celebrating. Your child’s learning journey may well be different from others, but with understanding, patience, and the right support, they can certainly succeed.
