Autism TIPS: Preparing Your Child for a Positive Return to School

Returning to school is often easier when families begin preparing well before the first day. Establishing familiar routines, reducing uncertainty, and working closely with school staff can help children feel more confident and supported as they transition back into the classroom.

Some practical strategies include:

• Re-establish daily routines early. Begin adjusting bedtimes, wake-up times, and morning routines one to two weeks before school resumes. Practising getting dressed in the school uniform, packing the school bag, and eating lunch from the lunchbox can help identify any practical or sensory challenges before the first day.
• Prepare your child for what to expect. Visiting the school grounds, playground, or classroom (where possible) before term starts can increase familiarity and reduce anxiety. Visual calendars or countdowns can also help children understand when school is approaching.
• Use visual supports. A personalised visual schedule or social story using photographs of your child’s school, teacher, classroom, and daily routine can help explain what will happen throughout the school day and make expectations more predictable.
• Collaborate with school staff. Share information about your child’s strengths, interests, communication style, sensory preferences, and successful support strategies with their teacher. This allows the school to put appropriate supports in place from the beginning of the term.
• Plan for sensory regulation. If your child experiences sensory sensitivities, discuss strategies with the school, such as access to a quiet space, movement breaks, noise-reducing headphones, or other accommodations that help them regulate throughout the day.
• Allow time to recover after school. The transition back to school can be physically and emotionally demanding. Keeping afternoons relatively quiet during the first few weeks, limiting additional commitments, and providing opportunities for relaxation can help reduce fatigue and prevent overwhelm.

A strong partnership between families and schools, combined with thoughtful preparation, can make the return to school a more positive experience while supporting your child’s learning, wellbeing, and successful participation throughout the school year.

For further guidance tailored to the Australian school system, you can explore resources from Amaze.