The transition from summer back to school can be extremely tough for anyone. Children or teens struggling with autism may have an even more difficult time with this transition. It is never a good idea to just throw them back into the swing of a school-year schedule. Easing them into it is the best idea for everyone involved- them, their 
teachers, coaches, and you. Don’t let this be the year that things get off on the wrong foot. We have compiled a list of “parent-tested” tips that can help your family get on their way to a successful school year. It is really two simple concepts: prepare your child and prepare yourself. Being proactive about things is the best thing you can do for your child. Here’s how:
Prepare your child.
If your child is used to sleeping later in the summer, start easing them back into the early morning routine. No, this will not make you their favorite parent, but that’s not the goal at hand. Getting them used to waking up early will school-day mornings come as no surprise.
School supplies—get them well in advance and help your child get organized. Getting new supplies often makes kids excited to return to school and use all their colorful new utensils and notebooks. Color code notebooks and materials. Blue for math, red for English, etc. Color coding will help your child identify and keep their materials together.
Get school clothes, uniforms, and shoes early, too. And wash them many times. Cut off the labels, if your child is used to this.
Shopping for a “cool” first-day outfit ahead of time is something that many teens look forward to. First impressions are important to peers at this age. This can also help them feel confident and excited to get to school.
Prepare yourself.
Keeping calm and composed during the chaos is critical. If you have yourself together, it will make everyone’s life easier, and encourage your child to keep their composure during the chaos as well.
Get your medical information in order (Vaccinations required? Documentation from physicians? Allergies? Meds?)
Establish emergency contacts and who they are going to be and make sure you have their current phone numbers. (Sometimes this is a little more complicated for families that have children with autism.).
If your child has dietary issues, create a manageable plan to enforce on a regular basis.
Allow more time for everything during the first week. Cramming and rushing around can be a recipe for disaster. Give them the appropriate amount of time to get into the groove of things.
Discover Seven Stars can help
Discover Seven Stars is a residential treatment center for adolescents ages 13 to 18 who struggle with neurodevelopmental issues. This program takes a revolutionary approach towards helping students gain control over their social and emotional behaviors. By enforcing multiple phases, students are able to obtain useful skills and develop their strengths as a way to manage their neurodevelopmental issues. Discover Seven Stars helps students recognize their potential and gain the confidence and skills they need to lead happy and healthy lives.
Contact us @ (385) 217-6157
Since 2003, Dr. Gordon Day has passionately helped young people with a wide range of family, emotional, social, neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems. Gordon’s mission has been to help people find their strengths and their own passion for living a full and rewarding life. He is particularly sensitive to the pressures, frustrations and disappointments that adolescents face that can sometimes cause them and their loved ones to want to withdraw and throw their hands up in despair.
Dr. Day knows that you really have to understand where a student is coming from and understand their patterns of strengths and needs. When we truly know an individual and their struggles, only then can we truly help.
Dr. Day has pioneered the use of outdoor therapy activities and outdoor living as a dynamic and effective therapeutic tool for learning, confidence building and skill building. His programs provide effective, supportive and encouraging environments that help students find their strengths and power.
