Advice from the community: Preparing for the new school year
Kadin M. and Jackson C. go back to school
Kadin M., 20, is studying public relations at Kent State University. In this blog, he shares about adjusting to college life, how his family has always been his biggest support system and how a little positive thinking can go a long way when it comes to conquering new challenges.
What do you hope to do after graduating?
After graduation, I'm hoping to work in politics and/or the music industry in the PR field. I also hope to continue to help autistic individuals like me to be motivated to follow their dreams.
How do you prepare for the transition that comes along with going back to school after summer break?
Well, in my freshman year of college, it was overwhelming at first. I was stressed about the social aspects of college, about to miss my family and scared about how the entire experience would go. But lucky for me, I have one of the most supportive sets of parents in the world, who helped me and are continuing to help me during this journey of adulthood.
Do you have tips/advice for other teens and young adults preparing to get back into the routine of the school year?
“You got this,” would be the short answer. But for the long answer, I'd say don’t worry about what you can't control. What matters is having fun and making the most of your experiences in college, high school, or any other level of school. Embrace who you are, and you will find the right path and the right people to join you along the way.
Do you struggle with transitions in other phases of life?
I did more so than I do now. But as I said, thanks to my parents, I learned that you can't stop something you can't control. You just have to roll with the punches of life and focus on the positives.
Did you have an IEP growing up? If so, how did that help you achieve success in the classroom?
I definitely did. When I was younger, I hated having an IEP, because it made me feel different. But looking back at it now, it truly helped me out with my success, especially during COVID when everything was online.
Have you utilized any of Autism Speaks toolkits and services? If so, please tell us about how the organization has helped.
Autism Speaks has helped me out tremendously when I was younger. More specifically, their resources on postsecondary education have been extremely helpful in getting me to where I'm at today.
Prepping for the new school year starts early in the summer for Jackson C., 6, and his mom, Jess
How do you prepare Jackson to go back to a routine during the school year?
Beginning of the school year can be a challenging time of year for all families, not just for special needs families. In my house, we take everything into account for my son Jackson to ensure the transitions are easiest for all of us. Here are some of the things that I do for him as we get ready for a new school year:
- Re-establish routine early. Start adjusting his sleep and wake times a few weeks before school begins.
- Practice school routines. Go through the daily school routine, including waking up, getting dressed, having breakfast and leaving for school at the same time each day.
- As Jackson is nonverbal, we are big on using a visual schedule: Using visual schedule to outline the daily school routine using pictures and visual aides.
- We talk about school positively, mentioning teachers, friends and activities they all enjoy.
- We ask the school in advance if we can visit the school and see the classroom, he will be in. If possible, we try to meet his teacher in advance, so he has a familiar face on the first day of school.
How does Jackson do with transitions? How have you and his support team worked with him on various life transitions through the years?
Jackson for the most part is very good at transitioning to new places. However, it helps if I talk him through emotions and help him visualize what’s to come. This is something we will consistently work on throughout his life.
Does Jackson have an Individualized Education Program? How has that helped his education?
Yes, Jackson does have a new updated IEP every year. I do believe IEP do help a lot because every year he has been progressing in many areas and reaching goals tailored to his unique skillset. We are very involved in his IEP, and always making sure we are collaborating with his educators and therapists to support his development.
What is Jackson’s favorite thing about school so far?
His favorite thing to do at school is play in the playroom, story time, the nook area and discovering all the new toys. He has also recently been enjoying playing with peers as well.
What advice can you give to other parents preparing to send their children back to school?
- Prepare for the new school year to establish and maintain open communication with the school and teachers. Which could be the following:
- Before school starts, schedule a meeting with your child's teacher, support staff.
- Provide the school with important information about your child, including their IEP or 504 Plan, medical needs, sensory preferences, communication methods, and any successful strategies used at home.
- Agree on a regular communication plan with the teacher, such as weekly emails or a communication notebook, to stay updated on your child's progress and any issues that arise
- Be prepared to advocate for your child's needs and ensure that their educational environment is supportive and accommodating. Don't hesitate to ask questions or request additional support if needed.
- Establish positive relationships with the school staff. This can create a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, making it easier to address any challenges that come up during the school year.
