Opening Story

Summer vacation is coming to an end, and Daisha is experiencing a mix of emotions. She’s excited for her daughter, Lani, to begin kindergarten, but she’s also feeling anxious. Lani was recently diagnosed with autism and struggles with changes in routines, unfamiliar environments, and meeting new people. Since she isn’t currently receiving school-based services, Daisha isn’t sure how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The transition back to school can be overwhelming for many families of neurodivergent children. With planning, collaboration, and the right supports, children can enter the new school year feeling more confident and prepared.

Understanding the Challenges

For many autistic children and other neurodivergent learners, returning to school means much more than buying school supplies and meeting a new teacher. It often involves major changes in routines, environments, expectations, and social interactions.

A child entering a new classroom may experience sensory overload from bright lights, crowded hallways, students talking, school bells, or whistles in gym class. They may struggle with an unfamiliar classroom layout, new teachers, different expectations, or navigating the cafeteria where preferred foods may not be available. Changes that seem small to adults can feel overwhelming for a child who thrives on predictability and routine.

How to Support the Transition

There are several ways families can prepare their child before the first day of school.

Plan ahead.

Begin adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake-up schedule one to two weeks before school starts so their body gradually adapts to the new routine.

Use visual supports.

Create a visual schedule or social story that explains what the school day will look like. Whenever possible, include actual photographs of the school, classroom, teacher, playground, cafeteria, or bus to help your child become familiar with their new environment.

Practice through role-play.

Pretend to walk through a typical school day at home. Practice skills such as raising a hand, waiting in line, asking for help, taking turns, or using coping strategies when feeling overwhelmed.

Visit the school before the first day.

If possible, arrange a visit so your child can meet school staff, locate their classroom, find the bathroom, and become familiar with important areas of the building.

Partner with the school.

Communication is one of the most effective ways to support your child’s success. Share information about your child’s strengths, interests, communication style, sensory needs, and strategies that work well at home. Working together helps create consistency across settings.

If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism or another developmental disability, you can request a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting to discuss an educational evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services. If your child does not qualify for special education but still needs accommodations, you may request a Section 504 meeting to discuss supports that will help them access their education successfully.

In Closing

Every child’s transition back to school will look different. The goal isn’t to eliminate every challenge but to anticipate potential obstacles, prepare your child, and build a collaborative partnership with the school.

When children know what to expect and feel supported, they are more likely to begin the school year with confidence, and caregivers often experience less stress as well.