As summer winds down, many families are beginning to think about the return to school. A new school year often brings exciting opportunities to learn, grow, and make new connections- but it can also bring uncertainty. New teachers, new routines, different expectations, and changes in daily schedules can feel overwhelming, especially for Autistic students who thrive on predictability.
The good news is that preparing for the school year doesn’t have to begin on the first day of school. A little planning and practice ahead of time can help build confidence, reduce anxiety, and create a smoother start for everyone.
To help support your family, we’ve gathered a few practical strategies along with free resources that can help make back-to-school season a little easier.
Start Talking About School Early
As the first day approaches, begin having simple conversations about what the new school year will look like. Talk about what will stay the same and what may be different. If your child knows who their teacher will be, where they’ll be going, or how they’ll get to school, begin introducing those details early.
For many children, knowing what to expect can make unfamiliar situations much more manageable.
Use a Social Story
Our Back to School Social Story is designed to help children understand what to expect as they return to school. Families can read it together multiple times before the school year begins or use it as a model to create their own social story with personalized information specific to their child.
Consider adding details such as:
- Their teacher’s name
- How they’ll get to school (bus, car, walking, etc.)
- Photos of their classroom or school
- What their first day might look like
Many schools also post staff photos and classroom information on their websites. Using real pictures of your child’s school, teacher, and classroom can make the story even more meaningful and easier to understand.
If possible, work with your child’s teacher to create a personalized version that reflects their daily routine and classroom schedule.
Rebuild School Routines Before School Starts
Summer often brings later bedtimes and more flexible schedules. Gradually returning to school routines a week or two before classes begin can help make the adjustment less stressful.
You might begin by:
- Moving bedtimes and wake-up times earlier.
- Practicing the morning routine.
- Getting dressed, bushing teeth, eating breakfast, and packing a backpack at the same time each morning.
- Talking through what mornings will look like once school begins.
Practicing these routines ahead of time allows children to become familiar with the expectations before the added excitement of the first day.
Add Visual Supports
Visual supports can make routines more predictable and reduce uncertainty.
Consider using:
- A daily visual schedule
- A weekly calendar counting down to the first day of school
- A first-then board
- A visual checklist for the morning routine
Seeing what comes next can help children feel more prepared and confident as new routines are introduced.
Meet the Teacher and Visit the School
If your school offers an open house, consider attending. For some students, however, a busy open house may be overwhelming and confusing.
If it’s an option, ask whether your child could visit the school at a quieter time before classes begin. Meeting their teacher, seeing the classroom, locating important areas like the bathroom or cafeteria, and simply becoming familiar with the environment can help reduce anxiety on the first day.
Even a short visit can make a big difference!
Help Your Child’s Team Get to Know Them
Every child is unique, and families know their children best.
Our All About Me Cheat Sheet gives families an opportunity to share important information that may not always be included in an IEP. It highlights your child’s strengths, interests, communication style, sensory preferences, motivators, and the little things that help them feel successful.
Maybe your child loves music, enjoys drawing, responds well to visual supports, or is motivated by stickers or extra reading time. These personal details help educators build relationships more quickly and create a welcoming environment from day one.
Plan Ahead for Student Safety
For students who may wander or elope, planning ahead with the school is an important part of preparing for a successful year.
Our IEP Wandering Toolkit includes resources to help families advocate for safety planning, including:
- A sample letter for the IEP team to support conversations about wandering and how to keep your child safe.
- A wandering history log to document any incidents.
Collaborating with your child’s school before the year begins helps ensure everyone understands how to respond if a safety concern arises.
Remember That Every Child is Different
There is not a “right” way to prepare for a new school year. Some children may need weeks of preparation, while others may be excited to jump right in. Celebrate small successes, allow time to adjust, and remember that routines often take time to develop.
With preparation, collaboration, and right supports in place, families and educators can work together to create a positive and successful start to the school year.
