Tips to Help Get Your Neurodivergent Child Ready for School in 2023
Neurodivergent is a broad term covering multiple conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, social anxiety, and more. For many neurodivergent students, school can be incredibly stressful, especially when starting a new year with new classes, new personalities to contend with, and new subjects to learn. Finding the right programs and tailored offerings that are available to them can be helpful when getting your neurodivergent child ready for school. Setting expectations and having conversations ahead of time can be extremely important for these students as the unknown can be even more daunting.
Here are some ideas to ensure a smooth transition into this school year:
What to do at school
Set expectations with early conversations: Talk to the educators about your child and their needs. Explain what to expect with their child, common behaviors, and what to look for when a potential issue arises. Go to the faculty in advance to familiarize your child with the surroundings.
Collaboration with School: Meet with teachers, counselors, and a help team of workers to discuss your child's needs and alternatives. Create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan if necessary.
Peer interaction: Set up possibilities for your child to interact with future classmates, fostering friendships. Model effective conversation and encourage empathy.
Transition pal: Assign a "PAL" from the school to assist your child with transitions or difficult moments. Create a signal or code your child can use to communicate their needs discreetly with a teacher or friend.
Persistent assistants: Maintain open conversation with the faculty and be prepared to make alterations as changes arise.
What to do at home
Visual Aids: Create visual schedules to assist your child in capturing each day's routines and transitions. You can make it interactive and use pictures or icons to symbolize different events and their time periods.
Social connections: Practice social skills thru role-playing and modeling real situations. Arrange playdates to help your child expand social connections.
Sensory arrangements: Introduce sensory-pleasant apparel and school supplies to ensure they are comfortable with them.
Transition activities: Step by step, shift your child's daily routine towards the faculty agenda before school begins. Prepare school-themed activities at home to build anticipation and familiarity.
Reinforcement: Use a token system to encourage and have fun with small achievements associated with school preparation. Be aware of your child's strengths and hobbies to reinforce their confidence.
Teach and discuss important topics
Emotional coping: Teach how to recognize emotions and ways to regulate them, deep breathing or using a "calm down" chair. Develop a communication system for your child the able to express their feelings.
Self-care capabilities: Teach realistic skills like using the restroom independently, opening lunch boxes, and tying shoelaces. Practice these skills frequently to promote self-belief and self-sufficiency.
Empowerment and advocacy: Instill a feeling of self-advocacy in your child, encouraging them to champion their needs. Equip them with simple methods to communicate their neurodiversity to peers and teachers.
Healthy lifestyle behavior: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, hygiene, and physical activities. Discuss the importance of healthy habits and how they will benefit them in school.
