Preparing a child with autism for a new school year can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, it can become a smoother and more positive transition.
Start by creating a visual countdown to the first day of school. Using calendars, picture schedules, or social stories helps your child understand what’s coming and reduces anxiety. Visit the school ahead of time if possible, walk through classrooms, hallways, and meet key staff so the environment feels familiar.
Practice daily routines a few weeks early, waking up, getting dressed, packing a backpack, and following a morning schedule. This builds predictability and confidence. Talk through changes in simple, reassuring language and role-play common school situations like lining up, asking for help, or transitioning between activities.
Collaborating with teachers and therapists is also key. Share your child’s strengths, triggers, and communication needs so everyone is aligned from day one.
At Steady Strides ABA, we help families prepare children for school transitions with individualized ABA therapy in Texas that build independence, reduce anxiety, and strengthen.
Learn how our in-home and school-based ABA services can help set them up for success. Contact us today!
SOURCE:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875952124000211
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8294154/
https://www.brightmontacademy.com/three-keys-for-successful-teacher-therapist-collaboration
https://www.rifton.com/education-center/articles/school-based-team-fostering-therapist-teacher-collaboration
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1347501.pdf
