Getting Ready for a New School Year: Autism-Friendly Prep Tips
- Moe | Scarlet Plus
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Back-to-School Success with Providence Community ABA in Stafford, VA
The start of a new school year can bring excitement, but for children with autism—and their families—it often comes with stress, uncertainty, and sensory overwhelm. Changes in routine, new teachers, loud classrooms, and social pressure can all feel like too much, too fast.
At Providence Community ABA in Stafford, VA, we work with families year-round to help make transitions smoother. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or returning after summer break, these autism-friendly tips can help prepare your child for a more successful and comfortable school year.
On this page:
1. Create a Visual Countdown and Predictable Routine
Children with autism often thrive on routine. Sudden transitions can cause anxiety, so gradual changes paired with visual aids help prepare them emotionally and cognitively for the shift to school.
What to try at home:
📆 Make a countdown calendar with daily visuals
📚 Read social stories about going back to school
⏰ Adjust sleep and mealtime schedules to match the school routine
🧩 Use pictures or icons to represent parts of the school day
🗓 Create a morning and after-school visual schedule
As noted by Autism Speaks, building predictability helps reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
2. Practice School Scenarios Through Play and Role-Play
Unfamiliar environments and social situations can be overwhelming. Practicing common school routines ahead of time helps build comfort and predictability.
Practice tips include:
🏫 Visit the school, walk the hallways, meet the teacher (if possible)
🎒 Role-play getting dressed, packing a backpack, and saying goodbye
🪑 Practice sitting at a desk or table with quiet time
🙋 Go over simple classroom rules using visuals or videos
🗣 Use scripted phrases for greetings, asking for help, or taking breaks
At Providence Community ABA, we often incorporate role-play and modeling into therapy sessions to help kids build skills in a safe, supportive way.
3. Prepare a Sensory Tool Kit for School
Many children with autism have sensory processing differences that can make school settings overwhelming. Preparing a sensory-friendly toolkit gives your child strategies to self-regulate throughout the day.
Ideas to include in a sensory kit:
🎧 Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
🧸 Fidget toys or chewable jewelry
🧻 A soft cloth or calming object
📃 Visual cue cards for asking for breaks
🪑 A small cushion or weighted lap pad (if permitted)
Be sure to coordinate with your child’s teacher or IEP team to ensure tools are used consistently and appropriately in the classroom.
4. Communicate Early and Often with School Staff
Strong communication with teachers, aides, and support staff ensures that everyone is on the same page about your child’s needs, preferences, and goals.
Start the year with:
📋 A simple “About My Child” one-pager with likes, dislikes, and sensory needs
🗂 A copy of the IEP or behavior support plan
📞 A meeting or phone call to introduce yourself and your child’s needs
💡 Tips that have worked at home (e.g., what calms them, how they transition best)
📅 A plan for regular updates or check-ins
At Providence Community ABA, we help families prepare for IEP meetings and communicate effectively with educators so children can access the support they need from day one.
Conclusion: Small Steps Make a Big Difference
The new school year doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—for you or your child. With the right planning, visual supports, and communication, you can create a smoother, more positive transition.
At Providence Community ABA in Stafford, VA, we’re here to partner with you through every step of the school journey—offering support, guidance, and tailored strategies to help your child thrive.
👉 Need help preparing your child for school? Contact us today to learn how our ABA services can support your family.
Contact Providence Community ABA
Every journey with ASD is unique, and every step towards understanding makes a world of difference.
