Getting Special Needs Kids Ready For Back to School

Kids with ADHD, anxiety disorders and learning disabilities can have more difficulty with transitions than your average kid.

Since going back to school is a huge transition, it's a good idea to start preparing them for school 'way ahead of time.

Here's some tips for for how to help your kid start the school year off on the right foot:

• Encourage study habits during the summer.
  My kids are tutored twice a week to keep them on top of their (already learned) material. 

• Go back to school bedtime and wake up rituals and hours at least two weeks before it starts.
  If there's a big difference between summer and school hours, push back bedtime every few days.
• Breakdown before school and after school responsibilities into easy-to-follow lists and post them where your child can refer to them.
  For example, brush your teeth, wash your face, comb your hair, and put your pajamas away need to be separate line items on a morning list.
• Speak with teachers and the inclusion specialist about learning and behavioral needs prior to the first day.
  Double-check that the resources that have been promised will be delivered.  Also, get an idea when you should expect these services to begin.
• Make sure that teachers and support staff each have a copy of the IEP or 504 Plan before your child starts school.
  Don't take for granted that everyone is on-board just because you have a plan!

• Make sure that your child knows what services and accomodations they are entitled to so that they can advocate for themselves.
• Stay upbeat about the approach of school and remind your child of the things that they like about it.
• Schedule doctor visits for two to six weeks before school. Ensure that medication is stable (when used of course) and that your child feels supported.

See Minimize School Morning Mayhem for ADHD Children and the ADD ADHD Blog for more on strategies that can help get children with a variety of special needs ready to return to school.