Adjusting to School
Question: How can I help my special needs child adjust to school?
Answer: The change from a relaxed summer schedule to a more rigid school schedule can be a difficult and trying process and may cause a lot of excitement and anxiety for your special needs child. Your child may be starting school for the first time, moving to a new grade, moving to a new school, changing teachers or adjusting to different school hours.
A few important tips can help make this transition easier for your child.
1. Meet with the teacher before school starts to introduce your child. Show them a picture and tell them about your child and their disability. Tell them what they can and can’t expect from your special needs child and provide them with materials about your child’s disability.
2. If your school has an open house, attend with your child. Your child may feel better having had a chance to meet the teacher and see the classroom, school and surroundings.
3. If your child has special medical equipment and technology, arrange a time with the teacher and school nurse so they are familiar and aware of what to do, if needed. It is also good to meet with the other students so they understand what the “gadgets” are for and what not to touch, turn, or pull.
4. Keep open lines of communication with teachers and principals. This way, if there are any problems or concerns, they can be addressed as needed.
More than anything else your child needs your support during this exciting and challenging transition back to school. Parents interested in supporting their children with special needs can play a vital part in assisting teachers to understand these disabilities so they may incorporate educational and fun programs into the start of the school year.
By following these few helpful tips you can help ensure your child has a successful start to the new school year.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of the Ask the Nurse column (“Column”) such as text, medical information, graphics, images and any and all other material contained in the column (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your (or your child’s) physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU (OR YOUR CHILD) HAVE READ IN ANY MEDICAL LITERATURE!
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Helpful Articles
- Navigating Transitions How I did it! [1]
- Transition Planning Timeline (Checklist Form) [2]
- Transitions Your Child Will Need to Handle [3]
- Improving Transitions: When it’s Time to Change, You’ve Got to Rearrange [4]
- Meaningful Summer Experiences to Aid Transition [5]
- Apps for Supporting Independence: The Transition to Adulthood [6]
- A Smooth Transition: Techniques to Shift from Summertime to the School Year [7]
This post originally appeared on our September/October 2012 Magazine [8]