Back-to-School Tips for Students with Disabilities and Their Parents

As the new school year approaches, preparation is key for students with disabilities and their parents. The transition back to school can bring excitement and anxiety, but it can be a smooth and successful experience with the right strategies and support. Here are some tips to help you get ready for the upcoming school year:

Plan and Communicate Early: Start the school year by planning and communicating early with teachers, school administrators, and support staff. Schedule a meeting before school starts to discuss your child's needs, accommodations, and any changes over the summer. Provide updated medical records, IEP (Individualized Education Program), or 504 Plan if necessary. Clear and early communication helps ensure everyone is on the same page and prepared to support your child.

Create a Visual Schedule: A visual schedule can be incredibly helpful for students with disabilities, especially those with autism or ADHD. Use pictures, symbols, or words to outline the daily routine, including class times, breaks, lunch, and extracurricular activities. Visual schedules provide predictability, and help reduce anxiety by showing what to expect throughout the day.

Practice the School Routine: Before school starts, practice the daily routine with your child. This can include getting up simultaneously, packing a backpack, and walking or driving the route to school. Familiarizing your child with the school environment, especially if it's a new school, can help ease the transition. Consider arranging a visit to the school to meet teachers, see the classroom, and locate important areas like the bathroom, cafeteria, and nurse’s office.

Focus on Self-Advocacy: Empower your child to advocate for themselves by teaching them about their rights and how to communicate their needs. Role-playing different scenarios can help them practice asking for help, explaining their accommodations, and speaking up if something isn’t working. Building self-advocacy skills is crucial for fostering independence and confidence.

Establish a Support Network: Connect with other parents, support groups, and organizations specializing in disabilities. A support network can provide valuable resources, advice, and a sense of community. Schools often have parent-teacher associations or special education parent groups that can offer support and information.

Promote Social Skills and Friendships: Get involved in school activities, clubs, or sports to encourage social interactions and friendships. Arrange playdates or social outings with classmates before school starts to help your child build relationships. Social skills are an important part of the school experience, and fostering friendships can make a significant difference in your child's happiness and comfort at school.

Focus on Health and Well-Being: Ensure your child’s physical and mental health needs are met. Schedule regular medical check-ups, manage medications, and address any health concerns. Encourage healthy eating, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep to keep your child’s energy levels up and reduce stress. Pay attention to their emotional well-being and seek support if needed.

Resources

NM PED

APS Special Education

Early Childhood Education

After years of advocacy and preparation, 988 has been recently rolled out nationwide as the new number to contact for mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. People now have a simple, easy-to-remember way for people to get help. This new number will allow people to quickly connect with support during an emergency, 24/7, regardless of location.