Returning to school after the summer break can be a challenging transition for all children, but it can be particularly daunting for autistic children. The 2019 COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of challenges and reliefs—while some families found homeschooling to be an overwhelming experience, others saw it as a welcome respite from the stressors of school life. Now, as children prepare to return to the classroom, it’s important to address the unique difficulties that autistic students may face and provide strategies to support a smooth transition.
Understanding the Challenges of School for Autistic Children
School environments can be especially difficult for autistic children due to the potential for bullying, sensory overload, and the pressures of social communication. These factors can make the idea of returning to school anxiety-inducing, leading to school refusal in some cases. If your child is experiencing issues such as bullying or sensory challenges, it’s crucial to address these concerns before they return to school.
Additionally, many autistic children experience co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and sensory processing difficulties. These can significantly disrupt sleep, which is already a challenge for many on the spectrum due to potential irregularities in melatonin levels and difficulties in recognizing bedtime cues. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate behaviors associated with autism and create a cycle of stress for both the child and their family.
Preparing for the Return to School: Practical Tips
1. Recognising the Signs of Anxiety
Pay close attention to signs that your child may be experiencing anxiety about returning to school. These can include trouble concentrating, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, irritability, constant worrying, frequent crying, and physical symptoms like stomach aches. Recognising these signs early can help you provide the right support.
2. Keep a Behaviour Diary
Maintain a diary to track your child’s behavior, not only on school days but also leading up to them and on days off. This can help you identify patterns and triggers, giving you a clearer picture of what might be causing their anxiety.
3. Identify the Root Cause
Try to understand what is making school challenging for your child. Is it bullying, sensory overload, or something else? Autistic children may struggle to articulate their feelings, so consider using alternative communication methods like drawing, emotional symbols, or social stories. For older children, journaling or creating a worry box can be helpful.
4. Start Preparing Early
Begin preparations for the return to school well in advance. Use a visual timetable to mark the return date and gradually reintroduce school routines, such as waking up at the required time, wearing the school uniform, and eating lunch at the same time as they would at school. If your child has sensory issues with clothing, discuss uniform alternatives with the school.
5. Create a Visual Timetable
A visual timetable can help reduce anxiety by giving your child a clear understanding of their daily schedule. Include information like subjects, classrooms, and teachers. Adding photos of teachers and using tools like Canva to visualise the timetable can also make it more engaging for your child.
6. Reach Out to the School Early
Contact your child’s school ahead of time to discuss their anxiety about returning. If possible, arrange for your child to meet with their teacher or teaching assistant in a low-pressure environment, such as at home. This can help re-establish a connection and reduce anxiety.
7. Arrange for Quiet Spaces and Times
If your child struggles with the noise and bustle of arriving at school, arrange for them to enter before other students and spend time in a quiet area with a preferred activity. Having access to this quiet space during the day can also help if they become overwhelmed.
8. Consider a Reduced Timetable
If returning to a full school day is too overwhelming, start with a reduced timetable. It’s better for your child to have a positive experience with shorter school hours than to struggle through an entire day.
9. Be Consistent and Positive
Maintain a consistent routine and celebrate small successes. Avoid punishing your child for bad days, as this can increase their anxiety and make the transition more difficult.
10. Seek Professional Support
Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support if needed. Organisations like I AM can provide valuable resources and support for both you and your child during this transition.
11. Explore Breathing Techniques and Mindfulness
Introduce your child to breathing exercises or mindfulness activities that can help them manage stress and anxiety. These practices can teach them to pause and regulate their emotions, leading to better decision-making.
12. Utilise Deep Touch Pressure Therapy
Deep Touch Pressure Therapy, such as weighted blankets or compression garments, can help alleviate sensory processing difficulties and reduce anxiety. This can be particularly helpful during the school day or at bedtime.
13. Build Strong Communication with the School
Establishing a strong, consistent line of communication with your child’s school is essential. Regular updates and a collaborative approach with teachers, the SENCO, and other professionals will ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the best outcome for your child.
14. Leverage Technology
Technology can be a great asset for autistic children. Consider using mobile apps to help them navigate their school day, manage their schedule, and reduce anxiety.
Returning to school after the summer break is a significant transition, especially for autistic children. By taking proactive steps and providing the right support, you can help your child feel more comfortable and confident about going back to school. Remember, you are not alone—there are resources and professionals ready to assist you in making this transition as smooth as possible. At I AM, we understand the unique challenges that come with parenting an autistic child, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.