Preparing an autistic child for school begins along time before they arrive on the first day!
Planning
You would need to think about and plan how and what you are going to do anywhere from six to twelve months prior to the first day of school.
We have outlined some things to be thinking about and getting ready below (in sequential order)
* You might begin by talking with your child about school and what that means;
Contact school
* Initiate contact with the school and classroom teacher (if you know who that will be)
Preparation
* In the week leading up to the beginning of the school year, prearrange for you and your child to visit the classroom to find out things like;
Clothing
* Purchase the school uniforms a size or two larger about six months earlier so that they will be the right size for the following year. If there are sensory issues around the feel of clothing on their skin, begin washing the new uniforms a number of times before school begins to make them feel a little softer and easier on the skin. Also practise wearing the uniform a few times to get a feel for the material.
Practise
If you follow these simple guidelines, your child will have a great start to school and so will you!
Written by Sherri Cincotta
Watch the video HERE