The first day of school can be stressful for any child, but especially if the child has autism. Dealing with change, new faces and routines can cause stress that leads to meltdowns. Planning ahead of time may help prepare the child for the first day, making the transition a little easier. Routine Find out the school schedule several months in advance and practice it at home. Some children with autism take at least two months before feeling comfortable with a schedule. Get up and go through the morning routine, working out any kinks along the way. Eat lunch at the same time, preferably eating in a different location than normal. Instead of eating at the dining room table, eat lunch outside or even in a bedroom. This can prepare him for eating in different locations If the child will be riding a school bus, practice the rules at the bus stop and on the bus. These can be determined by contacting the transportation department of the school district. If the child requires an aide, see if he can meet with her or possibly sit in a bus before he actually has to ride it. The atmosphere on the school bus can be loud and often takes young children by surprise. School grounds Ask the principal for permission to bring the child to visit the school many times before beginning. This may have to be done during the previous school year. If possible, arrange a meeting with the new teacher and classroom. Take a video of the surroundings so she can watch it several times. Visit the playground so she gets an idea of what it will be like with all the kids playing together. If none of these things are feasible, at least drive to the school many times to familiarize her with the appearance and distance from the house. Favorite shows Many of the shows geared toward young children have episodes that deal with going to school. Watching these and discussing what he sees and how he feels is a great way to prepare for the day he will get to go to school. Almost all of the children’s shows portray school as being fun and adventurous, possibly easing fears. Point out that the characters always go back home after school is over. Supplies Most schools send a list of necessary supplies home for the parents to purchase at retail stores. When possible, allow the child to choose specific characters, colors or designs to make it more personal. Feeling as if she has a part in the decision-making may help her feel more at ease. Buy the supplies ahead of time, possibly with extra, so she can use them at home. She will have the opportunity to get used to them, helping her feel more comfortable as they go to school with her. School clothes should also be purchased in advance, allowing the child to become acclimated to them. This is often a specific issue with new shoes. Breaking them in will make the first day much more comfortable. Remove tags from clothing and wash a few times to remove the new clothes smell and feel. When a child is returning to school after having a summer break, buy supplies that were favorites from the previous year. Some children with autism get so used to being back home during the summer that the same process of preparation needs to be completed each year. However, each year should be a little easier as the child builds more memories of school. Planning for the first day is the best way to help a child with autism transition. Leaving the home without the parents for several hours while being in an unfamiliar environment is stressful for any child. For a child with autism, this can cause sheer panic. Taking a few extra steps in advance may help the child understand what is going on so he can enjoy the process. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society
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