Helping Autistic Students Head Back-To-School

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially if you’re an autistic student—or a parent or teacher of one. Yes, the back-to-school transition can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can also be a time of growth, learning, and even some fun. Let’s talk about how to make that happen.

1. Start Routines Early

Routine can make a big difference in reducing anxiety. The predictability of knowing what’s next helps create a sense of stability. Start practicing the school routine a couple of weeks before school begins. This might include waking up at the same time, following the schedule for getting ready, and even practicing the commute to school. It’s all about getting the brain ready for what’s coming.

2. Visualize Success

Having a clear picture of what to expect can be really reassuring. If possible, visit the school before it starts. Walk through the classrooms, find the locker, and even locate the bathrooms. If a physical visit isn’t possible, check out online tours or photos of the school. Create a visual schedule or a checklist for the first day, including what to pack and when to leave. Knowing the plan helps everything feel more manageable.

3. Communicate with Teachers

One of the best things you can do is open up a line of communication with teachers before the school year starts. Share what works best for you or your child—whether it’s needing a quiet space to regroup, preferring written instructions, or having a heads-up before transitions. Teachers are generally eager to help, but they need to know how. So don’t be shy—reach out and let them know!

4. Encourage Special Interests

Special interests aren’t just hobbies; they’re a deep well of joy and focus that can be incredibly grounding. If possible, try to weave these interests into the school experience. Maybe there’s a related club, class project, or elective that aligns with those passions. Encouraging autistic students to lean into what they love can make school feel more like a place where they belong.

5. Prepare for Sensory Needs

Schools can be sensory overload zones. From the fluorescent lights to the noise of crowded hallways, it can be overwhelming. It’s important to have a sensory plan in place. This could include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, or knowing where the quiet spaces are. Don’t forget to pack a sensory-friendly kit for the first day, filled with items that help soothe and focus.

6. Set Realistic Expectations

Not every day is going to be perfect, and that’s okay. Some days will be harder than others, and it’s important to acknowledge that. Celebrate the small wins—whether it’s making it through the first day, speaking up in class, or just getting out of bed on a tough morning. Progress is progress, and it deserves to be recognized.

7. Build a Support Network

Having a support system is crucial. This can include friends, family, teachers, or even online communities. Knowing there’s someone to talk to, share experiences with, or simply vent to can make a world of difference. Encourage autistic students to connect with others who understand their experiences—it’s empowering to know they’re not alone.

Going back to school is a big deal for any student, and particularly for neurodivergent students. It’s totally okay to feel a little anxious about it. But with the right strategies, autistic students can not only survive the school year—they can thrive in it. Being autistic isn’t a barrier to success; it’s just a different way of experiencing the world. And different is good—it’s what makes the world interesting.

So here’s to a new school year full of learning, growth, and maybe even a little fun. You’ve got this.

John Marble is the founder of Pivot Neurodiversity and is a training partner and classroom instructor with Neurodiversity Pathways. Along with Ranga Jayaraman and Khushboo Chabria , he is the co-author of Neurodiversity For Dummies (Wiley). He is autistic.