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Tips for Preparing an Autistic Boy for Elementary School

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It’s time to say goodbye to preschool and hello to elementary school. If you’re the parent or caregiver of an autistic boy starting this journey, the following information is for you.

You’ll find several tips meant to make Preparing an Autistic Boy for Elementary School easier. Let’s get started preparing your autistic son for school!

elementary school tips for your autistic son

Preparing an Autistic Boy for Elementary School:

Make a Calendar

If your son has anxiety about when school is going to start, make a calendar. Crossing off each day typically leads to a better understanding of when the semester is scheduled to begin. Allow your child to decorate the calendar or decorate it together for even more fun.

Ease into a Routine

Easing into a routine, both morning and bedtime, a few weeks before school begins is a great idea for any child. This helps to get everyone on the same page, regarding what’s expected on days when school is in session.

Tour the School

Touring your son’s school (before classes start) is a wonderful way to acclimate him to his new surroundings. Go one step further by taking pictures of his actual classroom, the gym, the cafeteria, the restrooms, the playground and any other areas he’s required to frequent.

Discussing each of the photos at home allows you to answer any questions he may have and hopefully gets him excited about his new adventure.

Write a Letter to Teachers

Sit down and write a letter to your son’s teachers and other staff members, detailing his strengths, weaknesses, behavioral difficulties, learning level, etc. Give everyone their own copy to file away. This way, they’ll each have an idea of what to expect from your child and what you expect from them as his parent or caregiver.

Discuss Emergency Procedures

Unfortunately, no one is immune to an emergency situation. It’s always wise to discuss the school’s emergency procedures, before the beginning of the year. This is also a good time to mention specific things your son may be afraid of.

These are just a few suggestions to consider when preparing an autistic boy for elementary school. Of course, you don’t have to take advantage of all of them. But, anything and everything you do ahead of time usually makes the process simpler.

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