Transitions are hard. But you’ve done this before. It always sneaks up on us. One minute it’s popsicles and splash pads, and the next it’s "Wait… school starts WHEN?"

For families with autistic kids, back-to-school season isn't just about shopping for pencil cases and sizing up shoes. It's about preparing for a massive routine shift, handling anxiety (theirs and ours), and hoping the new teacher is one of the good ones.

Deep breath. You’ve got this.

Here’s how to soften the transition and head back into school mode without burning out before the first bell rings.

Start the Routine Before the Routine Starts

The jump from summer mornings to school mornings can feel like going from zero to 100 in a single alarm clock buzz.

Ease into it:

Gradually shift wake-up and bedtime earlier a week or two in advance
Start using visual schedules again if they’ve fallen off
Add small pieces of “school-like” structure back into the day (like quiet reading time or packing a lunch to eat at noon)

Bonus: Practicing the getting out the door routine—even just for a walk—can help work out the kinks without the pressure of actually being late for anything.

Visit the School (If You Can)

If your school offers a meet-the-teacher day or lets you drop by before classes start, take advantage of it.

Photos of the classroom, the desk, and the teacher can help make things more concrete. Even a video walkthrough of the school can make the environment feel less unknown.

If visits aren’t possible, ask the school for pictures or send a quick “hello” email to the new teacher. That small connection can go a long way.

Talk (Honestly) About What’s Coming

Try to name what’s exciting and what might be hard:

“You get to see your friends again.”
“There’s a new teacher this year. That might feel weird at first.”
“You’ll have art class again—remember how much you loved that?”

Use social stories or comic strips to explore common situations (like assemblies, lining up, or lunchtime). And don’t forget to include yourself in the prep—you might be feeling anxious too, and that’s okay.

Prepare Comfort Strategies

Some ideas:

Pack a familiar item in their backpack (a stress ball, keychain, or quiet fidget)
Create a printed visual schedule they can carry
Work out a break plan ahead of time with the teacher—when can they go for a walk, or ask for quiet?

Also: re-introduce their “reset” activities at home. If school feels overwhelming, it helps to have a reliable decompression plan in place for after.

Don’t Be Afraid to Advocate Early

Now’s the time to check in on:

IEPs and supports
Communication plans (how often and by what method?)
Your child’s needs—sensory, social, or otherwise

The earlier you raise concerns, the easier it is to prevent problems down the road. You know your kid. Your voice matters.

There’s no “right” way to return to school.

If your child is excited, great. If they’re scared, that’s okay too. If it’s a mix of both (or changes by the hour), that’s totally normal.

The start of a new school year is a transition—not a test.

You’re doing enough. They’re doing enough. And just like every other year, you’ll find your rhythm again—even if it takes a little while.

Preparing for Back to School with Autism