Going back to school can be a bit overwhelming for kids with neurodiversity, but don’t worry, there are ways to make the transition easier! Here are six tips to help your child feel comfortable and confident as they head back to the classroom.

1. 1) Talk to the teachers and staff – Make sure the people who will be working with your child know their needs and any accommodations that will help them succeed. Clear communication is key! Whether it’s extra time for assignments, use of a computer or other assistive technology, or a specific seating arrangement, it’s important for your child’s teachers and support staff to be aware of their needs so that they can set your child up for success.
2. 2) Create a schedule – Having a routine can make the new environment feel more familiar and less stressful. Consider making a visual schedule that your child can refer to throughout the day. This can be especially helpful for children who have difficulty with verbal communication. It can also help them to understand their schedule and tasks, and to feel more secure and comfortable in their new surroundings.
3. 3) Use pictures and diagrams – Visual aids can be really helpful for kids who have trouble with verbal communication. A diagram of the school layout, for example, can make it easier for your child to orient themselves. Visual aids can also be used to help your child understand their schedule and tasks and can be a powerful tool for supporting children with neurodiversity.
4. 4) Give them breaks – Processing information can be tough, so don’t be afraid to let your child take a break when they need it. A quiet space to retreat to can be a big help. Encourage your child to take breaks when they need to, it can help them to recharge and come back to their work with renewed focus and energy.
5. 5) Encourage socialization – Making friends can be hard, but it’s important for kids to have social connections. Look for activities and groups that your child will enjoy and feel comfortable in. This can include things like joining a club or group that interests them, or participating in a mentoring program. The important thing is to find activities that your child enjoys, and that will help them to feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.
6. 6) Work on coping strategies – Going back to school can be stressful, so help your child find ways to cope with any anxiety they may feel. Breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling are all great options. The key is to find strategies that work for your child and that they are comfortable using. Encourage your child to develop coping strategies and techniques to help them manage any stress or anxiety they may experience. This can be an essential step towards helping your child to succeed in school and reach their full potential.

Returning to school can be a challenging time for children with neurodiversity, but with the right support and strategies in place, they can thrive in their educational setting. By communicating effectively with teachers and support staff, developing a schedule or routine, using visual aids, encouraging breaks, providing opportunities for socialization, and working with the child to develop coping strategies, you can help your child to succeed in school and reach their full potential. Remember, every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another, so be patient and keep an open line of communication with the teachers and staff. With the right support, your child can succeed and reach their full potential.

Very soon we will be launching some ParentTV LIVE bootcamps and in our first series Allison Davies will be running a bootcamp on Understanding your Neurodivergent child. To get on the waitlist to find out more about Allison and what the bootcamp entails click here …