Heading back to school can be a big transition for any child, but for kids with autism, it often means much more than picking out new supplies and meeting a new teacher. The sudden shift in schedule, expectations, and surroundings can lead to stress not just for the child but for the entire family. That’s why having a back-to-school plan in place is especially helpful. When the change is supported with structure and the right tools, the school year can start off on a better note.

Autism ABA therapy can play a big part in preparing children for transitions like these. It helps build routines, strengthen social skills, and reduce stress through practice and familiar patterns. While every child is different, some practical steps at home and with the school can lead to a smoother start. Whether it’s their very first school year or they’re heading back after a summer break, the right strategies matter—and they can make all the difference across Winston-Salem, especially as the new academic year kicks off in early September.

Preparing For The School Year

The weeks leading up to the first day of school are a great time to create a routine. Most kids do better when their days feel predictable, and for children with autism, that weekly rhythm can ease worry and discomfort. If summer meant loose routines and relaxed days, it’s helpful to tighten things up well before school starts.

Here are a few things that can help get your child more comfortable as the new year approaches:

- Start mornings earlier each day so waking up on time doesn’t come as a shock the first week.

- Have your child pick out clothes the night before to avoid rushed decisions and stress.

- Practice getting dressed, brushing teeth, packing a backpack, and other steps of the school day.

- Use fun tools like sleep charts or visual checklists to make routines fun and easy to follow.

In addition to building a consistent daily rhythm, visiting the school can help calm fears and create familiarity. Ask about a walk-through when the building is quieter. Show your child where they’ll enter, where the bathrooms are, and where they’ll be learning and playing. Pay extra attention to things they might wonder or worry about. For example, one child might want to know where lunch will happen, while another might need to feel comfortable on the school bus.

Another helpful tool many families rely on is the use of visual schedules or social stories to walk through what a school day might look like. These can include pictures of real places and people if available or be made with drawings, printed symbols, or templates from trusted sources. Either way, they give your child a way to see what to expect, helping unfamiliar situations feel more manageable.

These steps aren’t about creating pressure or sticking to something perfect. They’re about giving your child a sense of control and confidence ahead of a big change.

Strategies For The First Weeks

The first few weeks back at school can set the tone for what lies ahead. When those early days feel safe and manageable, kids feel more at ease walking into the building each morning. A few simple strategies can make those first weeks smoother.

Try using visual reminders throughout the day, both at home and at school. A picture schedule taped to a folder or the back of a notebook can be very reassuring. At home, have calm and clear conversations about school each day. Focus on what went well and avoid adding pressure to do anything just right.

Encourage good behavior with small, meaningful rewards. That doesn’t always mean toys or treats. For many children, hearing something like “I noticed how calmly you waited today” can be enough to boost their mood. Positive feedback builds confidence and helps kids understand what’s expected in a warm and supportive way.

Give your child space to settle in. Some kids need more time than others to adjust. That’s okay. Leave a small buffer in your routine each day so you’re not rushing. Whether it’s taking five more minutes to get out the door or offering quiet time after school, those moments help balance out the day.

Stay in touch with the teacher during these early weeks. Teachers often notice patterns or behaviors that may not show up at home. Small insights from you, such as what your child enjoys or how they react in certain situations, are helpful for everyone involved. That connection builds a safe environment all around.

Back-to-school season can feel overwhelming, but with structure, communication, and patience, it can also be calm and encouraging for everyone involved.

Communication And Collaboration

One of the most helpful things parents can do is build a strong connection with their child’s teachers and school staff. These relationships form the support system your child will rely on in the school setting, and they make a big difference.

Start by opening a line of communication early. Let teachers know who your child is, what they like, and how they respond to different situations. Keep things honest and clear. Teachers appreciate knowing about both strengths and things that might need extra care.

Offer insight into what helps your child feel supported. Maybe they do better with shorter instructions, prefer to sit closer to the front, or benefit from extra reminders. The little details often make the biggest impact.

Talk with the school about whether an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, might be a fit. If your child already has one, review it together to see if anything needs tweaking based on their growth or current needs. If they don’t, ask how to explore the option. An IEP includes specific goals and strategies, helping the entire team stay on track with your child’s development and comfort level at school.

When families and schools work together, it gives children more consistency. That consistency can turn uncomfortable change into something structured and familiar.

Supporting Your Child At Home

The way your child transitions from school to home matters, too. Kids often hold in a lot of feelings while they’re at school, and by the time they get home, they need space to release those emotions and rest.

Start by mirroring a few of your child’s school routines at home. If they use a visual schedule at school, try using a similar one to help guide after-school time. If they do calming activities during the day, keep those going at home. These small bits of consistency help your child feel more secure.

Set aside downtime after school—even 20 to 30 minutes can help. Let them choose the activity. That might be reading, lying in bed listening to music, or doing a gentle craft. There’s no right or wrong. This isn’t "homework time," it’s what helps them reset emotionally.

Be gentle when things don’t go as planned. Setbacks will happen from time to time. Instead of pushing through or brushing them off, try to talk through what happened. Practice short steps for problem-solving, and be a calm presence. Sometimes just knowing you’re there can make hard moments easier to get through.

Kids aren’t expected to get everything right, and neither are parents. Being patient and intentional at home gives your child a strong base for everything they’ll face in school.

Embrace The Journey Ahead

Supporting your child through a new school year comes down to planning, communication, and consistent care. When parents take time to prepare at home while working positively with the school team, a child is more likely to feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.

By starting routines early, using tools like visual aids and social stories, and offering downtime paired with encouragement, this seasonal shift can feel welcoming rather than overwhelming.

As the months go by, be flexible. Keep checking in with your child and with their teachers. Adjust when needed. This isn’t about having a perfect plan—it’s about finding what works for your child and sticking with what helps them feel supported.

A new school year brings challenges and growth. With steady support from home and school, your child has the foundation they need to thrive. The focus isn't on doing everything right but on walking this path with care, collaboration, and hope for progress over time.

For parents looking for ways to make school transitions smoother for their kids with autism, incorporating support like autism ABA therapy can be incredibly helpful. It fosters emotional readiness, builds essential skills, and supports consistency between school and home. Kids in Motion is here to offer caring, individualized therapies that make the school year feel more approachable for your child.