Tips for Autistic Students and Caregivers: Back to School
Going back to school can mean a lot of changes at once. There may be new teachers, new classrooms, new schedules, more people, and new routines. For Autistic students and the parents, guardians, and caregivers supporting them, a little preparation can help.
Think about what worked before.
What helped last year? What made school harder? Think about things like sensory needs, communication, transitions, changes in routine, social situations, getting started on work, and having enough time to rest after school.
Ask for accommodations early.
You don't have to wait until things become overwhelming to ask for support. If something helps a student learn, communicate, or take part in school, it is okay to ask for it.
Be clear about what helps.
Try to explain what the student needs and what works for them. For example:
A quiet place for tests or schoolwork
Written instructions along with spoken instructions
Extra time to process information or finish work
A warning before a change in schedule
Breaks when things become overwhelming
Headphones or other sensory supports
Extra time to move between classes or activities
Different ways to show what they know
Access to AAC or other communication tools
A quiet or predictable place to go when the school environment becomes too much
Changes to homework when appropriate
Know your rights.
IEPs and 504 Plans provide different types of support, and there are laws that protect students with disabilities. Learning about these rights can help students and caregivers feel more prepared when talking with the school.
Wrightslaw is one helpful resource for learning about special education law, IEPs, Section 504, evaluations, accommodations, and other school-related rights.
Wrightslaw:
https://www.wrightslaw.com/
Special Education Law and Advocacy:
https://www.wrightslaw.com/law/
Section 504 Information:
https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/sec504.index.htm
Wrightslaw FAQs:
https://www.wrightslaw.com/faqs.htm
These resources are for education and advocacy and are not a substitute for legal advice.
Communication doesn't have to mean speaking.
Autistic students may communicate by speaking, using AAC, typing, writing, pictures, gestures, or other ways. The important thing is having a way to communicate needs, choices, questions, and concerns.
Caregivers, you know your student.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers often know what helps their student feel comfortable, communicate, learn, and get through the school day. Share that information with the school team. At the same time, whenever possible, make sure the student's own preferences and voice are part of the conversation.
Check what is already in place.
If your student has an IEP or 504 Plan, take some time to review it before the school year gets too far underway. Make sure you know what supports are included and who is responsible for providing them.
If something isn't working, speak up.
It is okay to let the school team know when a support isn't working or when something has changed. Sometimes accommodations need to be adjusted as a student's needs change.
Accommodations are about access and support.
They help remove barriers so Autistic students can learn, communicate, participate, and thrive in ways that work for them.
Every Autistic student is different. What works for one student may not work for another. Start with the individual student's needs, preferences, communication, and lived experience.
And caregivers, remember to give yourself some grace, too. Back-to-school time can be a lot for the whole family!