School readiness for children with autism

Familiarize yourself with the school in advance: familiarize yourself with the environment of the school; familiarize yourself with the main teachers in the school, such as the class teacher, find out if there are any professionals in the education of autistic children in the school, etc.; find out about the basic rules and regulations of the school, and the student’s code of conduct. Seek some small help from the teachers concerned, such as help in taking the school bus independently, meeting some buddies, timely help from the teachers when being bullied; if the teachers are very patient and understanding, you can also start to introduce some subtle differences of your child, so that the teachers can have a better understanding of your child. Prepare for the new environment: Start to organize your child’s schedule as much as possible to resemble the school’s daily routine; focus on the school’s schedule at first, simulating the school’s start and end times; then adjust the morning wake-up and nighttime bedtimes to match the school’s routine as much as possible. Having a structured day will also help stabilize your child’s mood; if there is still time, it is also a good idea to preview the school’s curriculum, especially for those subjects in which your child is vulnerable. Enhance your child’s social network on campus: Look for ways to help your child build a network of contacts on campus, such as possibly incorporating your child’s unique interests into school social activities. Maintain positive energy: School is an adjustment process for everyone in the family. It is important to find as many ways as possible for your child to shine, learn a small skill, make a buddy, etc., and encourage each other!