By Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM – Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health National Director of Family Engagement
For many families, the transition from summer vacation to school can be challenging, especially if you are a parent of a child with emotional, behavioral, or cognitive differences.
While my three children, including my daughter, Annie, who has autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, among other differences, are now grown, I remember the start of the school year always brought about feelings of excitement, as well as anxiety.
As summer winds down, below are a few tips to help families of children with disabilities get back into the swing of things and make the summer-to-school switch a success.
Set a back-to-school sleep schedule: The sooner you can set a back-to-school bedtime routine, the easier it will be when the alarm clock rings on the first day of school. Start a few weeks early and be consistent. Make adjustments in 15-minute increments every other day (when going to bed and waking up) to allow your child plenty of time to comfortably make the transition.
Start counting down: Begin talking about the upcoming school year about three to four weeks prior. Mark off days on a calendar, create a countdown sheet or generate a visual schedule to help your son or daughter look ahead to activities and become accustomed to the idea of the new school year.
Build excitement: While discussing the upcoming school year, talk about it with enthusiasm to help relieve any back-to-school jitters your child may be experiencing. Emphasize the exciting new classes, upcoming field trips and projects. A new school year means a new opportunity to learn, grow and create memories.
Stock up on supplies: Make sure you have what you need to start the school year off right. Purchase supplies (e.g., fidget spinner, backpack, lunch box) to help your child remain relaxed and organized. If appropriate, pack a small bag for emergencies, and fill it with items, such as undergarments, socks and pants. You also can include items, such as a swimsuit, for extracurricular activities.
Tour the school: If your child is attending a new school, take a tour before classes begin. Locating new classrooms, restrooms, the gym and cafeteria, and talking through any questions or concerns your son or daughter might have, can help reduce anxiety. Take photos of the school to remind your child about what they can expect. Drive the route they will travel to and from school, so it becomes familiar.
Touch base with teachers/therapists: Set up a time to chat with teachers and therapists about your child’s summer and any new developments. Share a copy of their latest education plan, and review or establish a communication log or checklist to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Remember, you are your child’s best advocate, and taking these steps can help ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year.
Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, is the mother to Danny, Annie and Ryan. Annie is diagnosed with moderate to severe autism, verbal apraxia, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and general anxiety disorder. Amy is the National Director of Family Engagement for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit providers of behavioral healthcare, and serves as a family representative on several special needs boards in the community, locally and nationally. In addition, she participates with other patients and families in efforts supported by the Autism Care Network and serves on an executive committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics to assist children and adolescents with special needs and the importance of quality care.
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