Back to School
Back to school can be a big shift — for our children and for us. New routines, new faces, and the unknowns can stir up worry even when everyone’s excited to get going. In our house, the first couple of weeks are all about gentle structure, lots of reassurance, and keeping afternoons light while we all find our rhythm again.
Every child is different. What soothes one child might overwhelm another, especially for autistic and neurodivergent kids who rely on predictability. The goal isn’t a “perfect” routine — it’s a kinder, more predictable one that reduces stress and gives your child (and you) a soft place to land.
Below are simple, parent-tested ideas you can pick and choose from. Take what helps, leave what doesn’t, and adapt freely for your family.
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1. Countdowns: Using Calendars to Reduce the Unknowns
For some children, countdowns to the start of school, mid-term, or holidays can be calming. They remove uncertainty and give a clear sense of when things are happening.
But for others, countdowns can increase anxiety — especially if your child becomes fixated on the days. Only use this strategy if you feel it will help.
What countdowns can do:
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Provide a visual end point for your child to focus on
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Reduce the fear of not knowing what’s next
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Give you a way to talk about upcoming changes
If your child struggles with unknowns, you can ask the school for details (before or after term begins) to update their social stories or AAC device:
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Teacher’s name and SNA’s name (plus photos if possible)
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Updated classroom picture or layout
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Confirmation that the new teacher has the handover from last year
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A photo of a classmate they get on well with (if you have one at home — never ask school for another child’s photo)
Even small details like this can make the unknowns less overwhelming.
2: What to Include in a Communication Passport
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Likes and dislikes – what makes your child happy, what might cause stress.
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Calming strategies – things that help your child feel safe and calm.
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Distress signals – what distress looks like for your child (and what doesn’t).
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Goals for the year – where you’d like the focus to be.
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Recent changes – in communication, learning, or progress made over the summer.
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Family or home updates – anything that might be helpful for staff to know.
You can also add a short note about what your child enjoyed over the holidays. It’s something often done in mainstream classrooms, and it helps build connection in special classes too.
Extra Tips for New Teachers
If it’s a new teacher, include:
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Learning style – how your child learns best.
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Reflections on the past year – gently suggest what worked well (e.g. “We found X strategy works well for George”).
Always frame it positively, without criticism of previous teachers.
Keep Communication Open
Let the teacher know you’re open to ongoing communication and ideas. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can notice new strategies or strengths we may not have spotted ourselves.
3: Reduced Days at School
Not every child can jump straight back into full school days after the holidays — and that’s okay. Sometimes, a settling-in period with reduced hours can make the transition smoother.
👉 Don’t wait for the school to suggest it. If you feel your child will struggle with full days right away, advocate for shorter days and build up gradually.
That said, it’s still important to aim for full days as soon as your child is ready. Let the school know in advance if you’re unsure your child will cope, and arrange to be available to collect them if needed.
If You’re Working and Can’t Manage Reduced Days
Parents often feel guilty if work commitments make reduced days difficult. Please remember:
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You’re doing your best.
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If you can’t take time off work, that’s okay.
Instead, focus on making your child’s school day and home time as stress-free as possible. For example:
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Skip homework for the first week or two.
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Keep afternoons light — more play, less pressure.
4. Carry Forward Previous Supports and Resources
If your child had movement breaks, SNA access, or other supports last year, check if they’ll be available again this year. Schools sometimes need to reshuffle resources as new junior infants start and older children move on.
How to Advocate Positively
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Ask politely about resources and schedules.
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Show you understand schools have limited staff and funding.
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Offer your support (e.g. signing forms if more SNA hours need to be applied for).
This shows teachers you’re a team player, while still ensuring your child’s needs are met. The key is balance: advocate for what your child needs, but keep the tone supportive and collaborative.
5. And Finally… Home Life Matters Too!
Back-to-school time isn’t just a big change for children — it can be emotionally draining for parents too. Routines shift, evenings feel shorter, and energy can dip.
I know for myself, I need at least a week before I can run the evening group I help with. And my daughter Emily also takes a little time to settle. During this transition, you may notice:
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Behaviour changes
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Restless sleep
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Extra tiredness or meltdowns
From our experience, this usually lasts around two weeks before things start to improve.
If It Lasts Longer…
If challenges continue beyond those first weeks, consider exploring extra supports:
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Movement breaks
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Reduced hours
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Occasional day off if needed
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Sensory toys in preschool (ask if you can provide some)
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ABC charts (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence) to track what triggers behaviours and what helps calm them
Working closely with teachers and asking for clear timelines can make the process smoother.
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