As the new school year approaches, many parents of neurodivergent children and young people feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. While going back to school can be challenging for any child, it can be particularly daunting for those with neurodevelopmental differences like autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges. As both parents and occupational therapists, we understand these concerns firsthand and your goal to support your child's transition back to primary school.
Why do neurodivergent children struggle with school?
The school setting is filled with sensory stimuli, social interactions, and academic demands that can be overwhelming for children who process information differently. Bright lights, loud noises, changing schedules, and the expectation to sit still for long periods can all contribute to stress and anxiety. They may also struggle with executive functioning skills like organisation and time management, which are important for success in school.
Social situations in mainstream schools can be particularly daunting for some children. They may find it difficult to interpret social cues, make friends, or participate in group activities, leading to feelings of isolation or frustration. This social aspect of school life can significantly contribute to overall school stress, making it harder for these children to focus on their academic work.
As parents, we recognise that while neurodivergent children may need support in certain areas, they also bring unique strengths and perspectives to the classroom. With the right accommodations and understanding, your child can not only cope with the challenges of school but also excel in their areas of interest and ability.
1. Schedules and Routines
For many neurodivergent pupils, predictability and routine are essential for reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security. Implementing well-structured schedules with time and practice can help your child understand and attend school more confidently.
Before the school day starts, keep their home routine very familiar. Give them the same snacks, follow the same routine and avoid new extracurricular activities until their routine becomes familiar and comfortable. For a confidence boost, simple, positive affirmations like "I am amazing" or "I am confident" can improve their self-esteem and set a positive tone for the day.
The school holidays can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent children because this disrupts their normal routine. As they prepare to start school again, create visual schedules that outline their daily routines. These can include a getting dressed checklist with uniform, PE, and non-uniform options, depending on their timetable. Visual aids are really effective as they provide clear, concrete information about what to expect and minimise school refusal or uncertainty.
Incorporate a sand timer into your routine to ease transitions before school. These visual tools can help your child understand the concept of time passing and prepare for changes in their routine. For example, a five-minute sand timer can signal that it's almost time to leave for school or switch to a new subject. These also work great for their after-school routine.
Create a calming space they can retreat to before and after a long and busy day at school. This space should be dedicated to your child's sensory needs and filled with calming tools and sensory lighting, giving them calming activities to help support regulation.
2. Meal Times
Meal times can be particularly challenging for neurodiverse children, as many have sensory sensitivities that can make certain foods overwhelming or unpalatable. This can lead to difficulties during school lunches, where options may be limited or unfamiliar.
Schools often have policies and rules about packed lunches in an attempt to adhere to healthy eating standards and allergy guidelines, so you might be worried about what to put in their lunchbox.
However, for our 'picky eaters', their safe foods are not always fruits and vegetables. It's important to discuss with the school that you have a selective eater, reframing the view that they won't eat certain foods, not simply because they don't want to, but because they have aversions to certain tastes and textures.
The goal is to ensure your child receives adequate nutrition without causing undue stress. When approaching the school about your child's eating habits, try the following strategies:
- Communicate openly with teachers and staff about your child's specific food needs and sensitivities.
- Work with the school to create a flexible meal plan that includes your child's safe foods while still promoting a balanced diet.
- Suggest alternatives to traditional lunch setups, like allowing your child to eat in a quieter area if they don't like eating around others or the food hall is too overwhelming.
- Consider packing familiar foods from home to ensure your child has options they're comfortable with.
3. Introducing Breaks
For neurodivergent students, the constant stimulation of the school environment, combined with the need to focus and interact socially, can quickly deplete their energy reserves. Introducing regular breaks throughout the day helps them manage their stress levels and maintain their ability to engage in learning. Take our movement, brain and sensory breaks webinar to understand what your child needs and when.
Movement breaks are short periods of physical activity that can help children regulate their sensory systems, improve focus, and release pent-up energy. Discuss with teachers the possibility of incorporating brief movement breaks between lessons or during longer class periods. These could be as simple as stretching exercises, a quick walk around the classroom, or even using a balance board.
Quiet breaks can be just as important for children who are easily overwhelmed by sensory input. Work with the school to identify a calm, low-stimulation area where your child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. This could be a corner of the classroom, the school library, or a designated "quiet room."
It's also helpful to teach your child self-advocacy skills so they can recognise when they need a break and feel comfortable asking for one. You might create a non-verbal signal with your child and their teacher, allowing them to communicate their need for a break without drawing attention to themselves.
4. Uniform
School uniforms can be a significant source of stress for many neurodivergent children. The unfamiliar textures, tight fits, or scratchy labels can trigger sensory discomfort, making it challenging for them to focus on learning and creating a barrier to school participation.
Here are some strategies to help your child adjust to their school uniform:
- Have a fashion show at home: Make trying on the uniform a fun, low-pressure event. This gives your child a chance to get used to the feel of the clothes and express any concerns before the first day of school.
- Wash before wearing: New clothes often have a distinct smell and stiffness that can be overwhelming for children with tactile sensitivities. Washing the uniform before wear and cutting out the labels can help remove these sensory triggers and make the clothes feel softer and more familiar.
- Uniform accommodations: If certain aspects of the uniform are particularly challenging for your child, don't hesitate to discuss alternatives with the school.
Remember, a child's comfort in their clothes and ability to participate in school should be prioritised over adhering strictly to school uniform rules. Some possible accommodations might include:
- Softer, similar-coloured polo shirt instead of a button-up shirt
- Looser-fitting trousers or skirts
- Wearing their own comfortable shoes
- Wearing their favourite t-shirt under their uniform for comfort
5. Regular Communication with Teachers & Staff
One of the most effective ways to support your child as they return to school is to establish open communication with the school. Building a strong partnership with teachers and support staff can make a significant difference in your child's school experience.
If possible, visit the school together with your child so they can familiarise them with the classroom layout and common areas. This lets your child meet their teacher and support staff in a relaxed setting, making the first day of school feel less intimidating. Put pictures up at home of the classroom, teacher and other school environments to help them ease their anxieties and transitions.
Pay close attention to your child’s behaviours, what they say about school, and any concerns they may have. This can help you identify specific areas where they may need additional support. Working closely with school staff will help you develop strategies that cater to your child's needs, making sure they feel understood and supported throughout the school year.
6. Accommodations
Making sure your child has the right accommodations can make a significant difference in their school experience. Start by reaching out to your child's teacher before the school year begins to discuss your child's unique needs, strengths, and any specific challenges they may face in the classroom. This information can help the teacher understand their additional needs and how best to support your child and create an inclusive environment.
Here are some examples of support that you can ask the school for:
- The Student Support File: This is a strength-based plan to help your child access the curriculum. It involves a classroom support plan that will include the student's strengths and interests to inform ways to support their behaviour, learning and individual needs. In the UK, this is known as an EHC Plan.
- Seating accommodations: Balance and movement cushions are fantastic tools for children who need movement when they're sitting down. Wedge cushions also help children practice their muscle activation if they struggle to remain upright in a seated position.
- Parent/teacher communication book: This can be an invaluable tool for maintaining open communication between home and school, allowing you to stay informed about your child's progress and any challenges they may be facing.
- Sensory supports: Fidget tools are not toys. They can help with self-regulation, focus, attention, calming, and active listening. They can also help reduce anxiety and can be used discreetly in the classroom.
Some schools may not have the capacity to offer all of these supports and accommodations. However, by opening a dialogue with the school, you can work together to identify the most important accommodations for your child's success and well-being.
Preparing for the return to school
Our webinar Ready, Set, School! Support Your Child's Transition to Primary School provides valuable insights and practical strategies for parents and caregivers to create a smoother transition for their children. You'll learn how to effectively advocate for your child's needs, implement supportive tools, and create an inclusive environment that celebrates neurodiversity.
Together, we can make this school year a positive and successful experience for your child.