09/04/2026
🎒 Back-to-School Tips for ALL Children
1. Get back into a routine. Keep bedtime, wake-up time, meals, homework, and morning routines as predictable as possible. Visual schedules can be especially helpful for children with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, or anxiety.
2. Prepare them for what to expect. Talk about the teacher, classroom, transportation, lunch, dismissal, and what happens during the school day. For neurodivergent children, consider using pictures, a social story, or visiting the school beforehand when possible.
3. Don't overload the first few weeks. Returning to school can be exhausting. Your child may need extra downtime after school before homework, chores, activities, or lots of questions about their day.
4. Watch behavior as communication. Increased meltdowns, shutdowns, irritability, trouble sleeping, stomachaches, refusing school, or unusual behavior may be your child's way of communicating that something is difficult.
5. Create a sensory plan when needed. Pack appropriate supports such as headphones, fidgets, a comfort item, chew tools, or other sensory supports permitted by the school. Talk with the school about movement or sensory breaks if your child needs them.
6. Review the IEP or 504 Plan. Parents of children receiving accommodations or special education services should know what supports are supposed to be provided. Keep a copy and communicate with the school early if something isn't happening.
7. Teach children to advocate for themselves. Depending on their age and communication ability, practice phrases such as: “I need help,” “I need a break,” “I don't understand,” “It's too loud,” or “Can you explain that again?” Non-speaking children should also have a reliable way to communicate their needs.
8. Don't compare children. One child may walk into school excited while another needs weeks to adjust. Academic, social, emotional, sensory, and communication needs vary—even between children with the same diagnosis.
9. Build a relationship with the school before there's a problem. Introduce yourself to teachers and support staff. Share what helps your child learn, communicate, calm down, and feel safe.
10. Give yourself and your child time. A successful school year doesn't mean everything has to go perfectly during the first week. Focus on safety, communication, consistency, belonging, and progress.
💛 A reminder from Brown Kids with Disabilities
Whether your child is neurodivergent or neurotypical, every child deserves to enter school feeling safe, supported, included, and ready to learn.
Parents and caregivers: ask questions, stay involved, document concerns, celebrate progress, and don't be afraid to advocate.