Dear Ohio Autism Community,
As the calendar turns and summer winds down, the first day of school starts to loom large, bringing with it a surge of anxiety. For students with Autism, transitioning from the freedom of summer to the structure of a new school year can be particularly challenging.
It's important to acknowledge these feelings and provide support to help them prepare mentally and emotionally for the new school year. As a parent who has guided six children and four exchange students through this transition, I want to share some strategies to help ease this process.
First, start by talking to your child about their feelings regarding the new school year. Encourage them to express any worries they may have. If they can articulate their concerns, work together to develop coping strategies.
For those who struggle to communicate their anxiety, draw on your understanding of their needs to anticipate and prepare for potential challenges.
Creating a step-by-step plan can be particularly helpful if transitions are stressful. For instance, if meeting new classmates is difficult, provide a simple script they can use, such as, “My name is Joe, what's yours?”
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