Ways to Make Back-to-School Season Easier

Coffee Break Conversations with Katrina Newman, M.A., B.C.B.A., L.B.A., Board Certified Behavioral Analyst

 

Hillary invites Katrina Newman on Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation podcast to discuss the challenges of back-to-school transitions for both kids and adults. Katrina, MA, BCBA, LBA, a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst working at Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development (ACCD) shares the importance of routines, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Together, they offer practical tips for helping children prepare and create a welcoming environment for children during this transition.

 

Importance of Routines

Back to school can be challenging for kids and adults because there is going to be a new routine and schedule to coordinate. There’s a lot more kids, social opportunities, and transitions.

For children with neurodivergence, like autism spectrum disorder, this can be extra challenging. One of the diagnostic criteria for autism is that their daily routine is rigid through repetition. You can start practicing early to get your child into a routine. For example, set an earlier bedtime two to three weeks before the start of school. It is important for your child to go on a tour of the school, see what the playground looks like, follow the route they’re going to take that first week of school, and practice the end-of-the-day routine. There is a sense of comfort in knowing what to expect next.

 

How can you prepare your child for the school year?

As an adult there are signs you should be looking for that may indicate your child is struggling, dependent if they’re highly vocal, low verbal, or if they communicate with a device. You want to prepare their teacher or classroom how they communicate, so peers aren’t confused and can accommodate them.

It is important to consider parking lots and sidewalks. Make sure to discuss safety rules for those and how you’re supposed to walk. For example, students may have to find a color or line up with other classmates. Make sure you know what’s expected of them, so you can practice with your child. Especially for kids with ASD, they may not pick up on social cues quite as easily as their peers. Preparing your child puts them at ease and allows them to focus a little more during the school day.

To make this transition easier for kids and caregivers, maintain open communication. You want to discuss what their anxieties and fears may be. Starting a conversation about how to handle certain situations helps your child remember how to stay calm and act.

 

How can caregivers set themselves up for success?

Preparation is very important. Taking the time to reset the schedule, talk about expectations, and go through different transitions with your child will make throughout the day. Getting familiar with specifics of what a day looks like and making sure you’re prepared is also just a comfort for families.

 

KATRINA’S THREE ‘S’s  OF MAKING THIS BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON EASIER

Safety

Take a look at the schedule and think about possible safety problems. Start talking about those signs over the summer. You can even just start with little steps, like pointing out stop signs, and practice not running in a parking lot.

 

Social

Try to practice introductions, greetings, and farewells. You might just start on a playground having your child introduce their name and ask if they would like to play. Some sort of conversational skills to introduce themselves. Friendships and relationships have such a big part in setting your child up for success at school to have fun.

 

Sensory Issues

There are a lot of accommodations that can be made, but you may have to speak up about them from the beginning. Establishing your child’s sensory issues immediately can bring you a sense of comfort knowing the teacher is aware and will continue throughout the year.

 

Wedgwood is here to help!

At Wedgwood Christian Services, you’ll find a caring and compassionate team of professionals who understand the complexities of mental health and are committed to providing individualized care that meets your unique needs. Wedgwood’s holistic approach offers a comprehensive range of services to help you or your loved one achieve mental health growth & progress.

For parents and guardians of children with autism spectrum disorders, early intervention plays an important role in the development of your child. Visit our blog to learn more about the importance of early autism detection and intervention.

Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development is a leader among West Michigan Autism Centers, located on the northeast side of Grand Rapids. We’re here to help!

Learn more about our fun and life-changing services at Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Childhood Development.

To schedule a tour of the center or for guidance in the diagnosis process call 616.965.3492 or email autismcenter@wedgwood.org.

 

Want to learn more about being prepared for the back-to-school season? Check out Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation to see the full episode with Katrina on our YouTube channel or the Wedgwood Podcast – available wherever you get your podcasts.