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The start of a new school term is often a time of excitement and anticipation. However, for autistic children, it can also be a period filled with anxiety, stress, and uncertainty—especially when faced with a new teacher or a completely new school environment. As parents, understanding how your child feels during this transition and knowing how to support them can make all the difference in helping them settle in smoothly.
😁😓🤯 Understanding Their Emotions
Imagine stepping into a place where everything feels different—the faces, the sounds, even the smells. For autistic children, this newness can be overwhelming. A new teacher means unfamiliar expectations, and a new school can feel like an entirely new world. This unfamiliarity often leads to heightened anxiety as your child tries to navigate the unknown while managing their sensory sensitivities and social interactions.
During this time, your child might feel a mix of emotions: confusion about the new routine, fear of the unknown, and even sadness about leaving behind the comfort of what was familiar. It’s important to remember that these feelings are valid and that your child needs time and support to adjust.
🧘 The Importance of After-School Regulation
After a long day of trying to adapt to new surroundings and routines, your child is likely to be mentally and emotionally exhausted. This is where after-school regulation becomes crucial. Autistic children often spend the entire day masking their true feelings, trying to fit into the expectations of the new environment. By the time they get home, they need a safe space where they can let down their guard and truly be themselves.
Creating a calming after-school routine can help your child decompress. This might include:
Quiet Time: Allow your child some time alone in a quiet, familiar space. Whether it’s their bedroom or a cozy corner, this time is crucial for them to process the day’s events and regain their sense of balance.
Sensory Activities: Engage in activities that soothe their senses, such as playing with sensory toys, listening to calming music, or using a weighted blanket.
Unstructured Play: Let your child engage in activities they enjoy without the pressure of structure or rules. This could be anything from drawing to playing with their favorite toys.
Limited Demands: Avoid bombarding them with questions or homework as soon as they get home. Instead, give them space to relax before gradually easing into any necessary tasks.
As authors and parents who have walked this path, we understand how challenging this time can be for both you and your child. We’ve experienced the sleepless nights worrying about how they’ll cope and the frustration of not always knowing how to help. But we’ve also learned that with the right strategies and plenty of empathy, this transition can be managed in a way that supports your child’s unique needs.
One thing we’ve found invaluable is the power of routine and consistency. Having a predictable after-school routine has been a game-changer in helping our children feel secure and understood.
The first week of a new school term is a significant adjustment period for your autistic child, but with patience, understanding, and a little preparation, you can help ease their transition. Remember, it’s okay for them to need extra time to settle in, and it’s okay for you to feel a bit overwhelmed too. You’re not alone in this journey.
If you’re looking for more tips and guidance, our books on anxiety are great resources for ideas and tips on how to manage those back to school nerves.
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