You deserve a gold star for all the work you do to make back to school time manageable for the whole family. Starting a new school year can be scary and stressful for parents and children alike. Aside from holidays, for the majority of the year your child with autism is following a predictable routine and likely finds comfort in this schedule. While every day presents new demands on parents, you too find security from the structure of the school year calendar.

Here are 9 Tips from ACES for families to help relieve some of the anxieties brought about by this time of year.

1. 1. Adjust to the school morning routine a week or two ahead of the first day. This includes wake-up time, dressing for the day and breakfast.

1. 1. Drive by the school to reacquaint you and your child to his surroundings. Visit the playground area and go over drop-off and pick-up routines.
   2. Talk with your child about what to expect in the year ahead. What goals do you have for your child’s learning and social development? Discuss these things in a manner that is appropriate for him.
   3. Get all school supplies purchased well in advance and get your child acquainted with them. For some children with autism, it might be helpful to use color coding or some other symbol system to compartmentalize folders and supplies by subject areas.
   4. Meet in advance with the teacher(s) and other staff whom will interact with your child to review learning goals and any special accommodations that may be required. Take photos of the teacher and classroom for sharing later with your child.
   5. Make sure the office and teacher have on hand all necessary medical and contact information. This includes any special dietary requirements.
   6. Prepare your child’s outfits for the first week of school; which is an activity that can be done together. You will thank yourself later for those extra minutes while in the midst of the back to school morning frenzy.
   7. Adjust to the school night schedules a week ahead of the first day. This includes dinner time, bath time and bed time routines.
   8. And finally, be prepared to the extent possible yet expect the unexpected. Allow for everything you do to initially take more time. Stay positive.

Another resource available to you is the Autism Speaks online School Community Resource Kit. The purpose of this kit, according to Autism Speaks, is “to provide helpful information about students with autism and tools and strategies to achieve positive interactions and increase learning for all members of the school community.”

We know how hard you work each day for your family. In the final weeks of summertime you are definitely earning extra credit. You get an A+ for being a great autism parent!