10 Things that Will Help Special Needs Kids Adjust to School

Let’s face it, our kids with ADHD, Asperger etc all thrive on structure.  When the structure changes the world turns upside down for them.  The transition from summer to school is one of the worst!  Below are ideas that I have tried and have been successful with making it a little easier on everyone

1. Start the new routine early

   Do not wait until the week before school to get everything ready.  Start “school morning” practices.  Have the kids start waking up early and walk through their morning routines.  Charts work so that they can check off what needs to be done.  Make it more of a game and kids will love it.

2. Have the kids be part of the supply list selection

   Too many parents get the list, rush to the store (or stores if you are frugal like me) and grab supplies in a mad dash just to get this done.  It works, no kids to bug you and no distractions.  The problem with this process is the kids are left out.  If you include them then where they are allowed they can help select colors that they like and get them excited about using new supplies.  It may take longer, but in the end they will feel like they have a say and it will get them involved and hopefully excited.

3. Set up a homework station

   This idea is not unique to me.  I found it on an amazing website Understood.  We all know distraction, especially at the end of the day when medication is now worn off is the #1 enemy.  So try to set up a spot with no distractions.  One I idea we are trying this year is to download white noise apps on our children’s electronic device to have them be able to focus.  This is one I use myself at work when I need to really pay attention but there are tons out there for free.   The problem I have with 2 kids so close in age (10 and 11) is  one or the other is totally asking for help for attention and it distracts the other one.  Keep supplies in arms reach and remove all “shiny objects”, toys etc that can add to the distraction

4. Schedule a pre-IEP meeting

   This one is even more critical if the child is going to a new school.  Basically, it is a meeting with the person who runs the IEP meetings and it should happen over the summer.  Bring you team of support if possible.  This year for my son we brought our therapist and a person who really helped Robbie during his struggles at the last school.  Tell them what if anything has changed over the summer or if it is a new school explain your child and their needs, Review the last IEP and make sure you understand and discuss help that may be needed.   This is by no means a “show up and wing it meeting.”  It takes preparation and time to prepare.  I have written an ebook that could really help you with IEP’s.  Click here to see more.

5.  Try to do a pre-school tour.

   This will allow your child to become more comfortable on where they are to go and what they are to do without the chaos of meet the teach night.  You can even take pictures to help them remember where all their classrooms will be.  This should allow for comfort and an easier adjustment.

6. Go to meet the teacher night

   I know this sounds like an easy one but normally, at least at our school, this is very overwhelming.  There are a million parents, kids, teachers etc and it makes for a very hard evening.  It is still important though for your guys to meet their teachers and other kids in the class.  I try to go either really early or late to reduce the amount of volume that can come with this.  That is especially important for kids who have sensory issues like my guys.

7. Put together a “Get to Know my Child” worksheet

   There are a lot of people that will interact with your child throughout the day.  All of them will benefit from information from you about how your child is in school from bus driver to cafeteria worker to teachers.   Here is a great example of one that might work.

8. Many special ed kids have trouble making and keeping friends Anything we can do as parents to help foster that will only make it easier for our children.  Scheduling play dates will keep them rekindle times with friends they had previously and possibly make some new ones.

9. Talk to your child

   Spend time with your child discussing their fears and excitement about school.  Let them talk without interruption.  Let them know you will be there for them if they need you.  This will help you know what you need to focus one.

10. Take care of yourself, too

    It’s easy to lose sight of yourself in the shuffle to get everyone else taken care of, but if you don’t do it, no one else will.  So while you’re thinking about what your child needs to get ready for school, think about what you need, and treat yourself well.  You need to be strong for your child during this time or they will sense your concerns too.

Of course, none of this prep work guarantees that your child won’t dig in his or her heels at least some of the time  and that all will be smooth but it should help.