Back to school!  White shirts and light pants this year – that’s logical for grammar school.  In spite of the fact that white shirts and light pants are probably the worst choice for my own son, we (meaning parents of children with special needs) have other things to occupy the worry sector of our brains.

I have visited several sites about getting back in the groove of “back to school” and they are listed below. Essentially, I believe that it is most important to know your child. Since each of our children are different and are in different places in development, maturity, academics and so on,  the links here will be helpful whether it is your child’s first day or they are returning students. Here’s my take on returning to school.

Routines

Routines change over the summer with vacations, summer camp, or just less structured time. Time is not the only change in routine however, this also includes dress, mealtimes maybe even shower and bath times, time with friends, and general summer activities.

A month before my son returns to school we start earlier bedtimes.   We do it gradually a few nights at a time so that by the time school starts my son is back to his regular bedtime.  If we waited until the final week before his return, it would be a huge battle, which doesn’t really do either of us any good. Small transitions can be overwhelming for some children. Click here to see recommended hours of sleep for children of all ages.

Walking to school?  Taking the bus? If children are to walk, they should not do it alone. Period. Connect with other parents in the area to see if you can get a group or pair to walk together. (Click here for sex offender locator/register) There may be one for other countries - this is for the USA. Plan the route. Near us we also have a crossing guard, its good to introduce yourself and child so that your child knows this person too.

Goals

Some of you might have had goals over the summer. It’s a good time to re-evaluate those goals and what was accomplished and how that fits into starting school or returning. Some children may also be starting at new school (junior high, high school or other program).

Stress and transition

Stress can be a huge concern for many children starting or returning to school.  Insight into your child’s needs and helping them develop coping skills will help them their entire life.

I wouldn’t consider these “tips” I am not a therapist although I have 12 years in Social Service working with children and families as well as a Masters in Education. These are ideas from many articles and sites online and talking with other parents.

Your child’s strengths will carry them through difficult situations. Identifying these strengths helps you as a parent or caregiver and your child can build on these in developing relationships and social skills in general. If you are unsure of what these are I think that is a great first step. Oh did I mention keeping a journal?  I encourage keeping one for you and helping your child keep one.

Whenever possible include your child in setting goals. This can go hand in hand with knowing what options are available.  It is important to help them make their own choices. With my own son, he has a dislike for social stories. One day, he responded  to his school speech therapist by saying, “Stop speaking to me in my perspective!”  So we don’t go that route as much.  Instead, I  lay out the choices and the consequences (I like to use “outcomes” “this will happen”) of those choices. Because of his literal nature, “consequence” is not as concrete.

I think trying to meet or at least open communication with new teachers is extremely important. Though I have found it’s not always easy to reach teachers before the start of school, I encourage parents to do so. Even though some children will already have an IEP in place, make sure all is in place for that first day.  Don’t be shy or afraid you will be a nuisance after all it’s your child. Every time I wrote an email, I would think to myself that I was becoming the parent with a reputation but I would rather be that then one who does nothing. There is no one else in the world that will advocate for your child better than you – his/her parent(s).

(Coping with Crisis--Helping Children With Special Needs, Tips for School Personnel and Parents, National Association of School Psychologists) – basic but helpful.

Coping Skills Activities for Learners With Special Needs

Stress Management

Back-to-school tips for special needs kids

Officials offer back to school tips  -by Pamela Jackson  Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany 

Back to School Planning – by  Karen Plumley