Back-to-School Made Easier for Autistic Kids

Back to school can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and everything in between. For autistic children, who often rely on structure and routine, this transition can feel especially overwhelming.

The good news? There are small, proactive steps you can take to make it easier—for both you and your child. Whether you’re a parent or educator, these four strategies can help autistic children feel more supported, calm, and ready to learn.

Countdown Calendars & Practicing Routines

Summer schedules often look different from school schedules—later bedtimes, relaxed mornings, spontaneous days. Shifting suddenly into a structured school routine can be tough.

Here’s how to ease the transition:

• Start practicing the school routine 1–2 weeks before the first day.
• Wake up at the school wake-up time.
• Practice getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and heading out the door.
• Do a “practice run” to school—walk or drive by, or even visit the playground.

Pair it with a visual countdown calendar:

• Cross off each day.
• Use real photos (your house, the school, the teacher, or playground).
• Keep it visual and simple.
• Show it daily—even if you’re unsure your child is following. Presume competence.

One family used both a visual countdown and our free Going Back to School social story each day leading up to the first day. Their child, who usually struggled with transitions, got into the car calmly and entered the classroom with ease—all because he knew what to expect.

• What’s one small part of your routine you could start practicing this week?
• Could mornings become a little more predictable starting now?
• If you are an educator, how could you support your students’ parents in preparing their child for the upcoming school year?

Read a Social Story

Social stories turn the unknown into something familiar. They walk your child through what to expect in a calm, visual way.

Our free social story about Going Back to School is available in the Social Story Library and can be customized with:

• Photos of your child’s school or teacher.
• Notes about their classroom or bus.
• Pictures of the playground or cafeteria.

Social stories work best when repeated. Try reading it daily in the weeks leading up to school—and even after school starts!

A parent once told me, “Reading your back-to-school story every night was like giving my child a roadmap—they knew where they were going and felt calmer.”

• Have you tried a social story before?
• When could you add it to your daily routine—morning, bedtime, or both?
• If you're a teacher, could you send the story to your students’ families?

Send an “All About Me” Sheet

This one’s quick—but incredibly impactful.

Teachers love receiving insight into their students before the first day. It helps them connect faster and support children more effectively.

That’s where the Child Interest Survey comes in. This one-page form lets you share:

• Your child’s favorite toys, songs, or activities.
• What helps them feel calm and regulated.
• Communication and sensory preferences.

When teachers know what your child loves—whether it’s bubbles, music, or a favorite character—they can use those passions to connect and motivate. Teachers have told me things like, “The Child Interest Survey saved me weeks of trial and error.” And it’s not just teachers—you can share it with speech therapists, paraprofessionals, even bus drivers if appropriate.

Using both the All About Me Sheet & the Child Interest Inventory can not only better prepare the adults working with your child, it can also assist them in adapting curriculum as well as choosing toys and activities that your child will love!  These things lead to positive relationships and increased engagement.  Who doesn’t want that?

• What’s one thing you wish every teacher knew about your child?
• Could you take 5 minutes today to fill out the Child Interest Survey?
• How might that change your child’s first-day experience?

Pack a Comfort Item

This last strategy is simple but can mean so much: pack a comfort item.

Some kids feel more secure when they bring something familiar to school. This could be:

• A small fidget or sensory toy.
• A family photo.
• A tiny stuffed animal or object that smells like home.

Just check in with your child’s teacher first—most allow small comfort items, especially if they support emotional regulation.

For example, one student carried a soft scarf with her mom’s perfume on it. Whenever she felt overwhelmed, she’d hold it and breathe in. It became her anchor throughout the day.

• What small item brings your child comfort?
• Is there something they already turn to when feeling overwhelmed?

A Quick Recap

Here are the four back-to-school strategies we covered:

1. Countdown calendar + practicing routines
2. Reading a social story (grab your free one!)
3. Filling out and sending an All About Me or Child Interest Sheet
4. Packing a small comfort item

These tips won’t make the transition perfect—but they will make it smoother. And remember: tears and bumps are normal. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s support, connection, and progress.

Free Resources to Help You Get Started

🎁 Going Back To School Social Story (Free Download)
🎁 Child Interest Survey (Free Download)

You’ve Got This

Thanks for reading! If you found this helpful, share it with a friend or educator.

Small, consistent steps really do make a big difference. Here’s to a calmer, more confident back to school for you and your child.

Listen to the Podcast: Episode #133

All About Me Forms

Autism Preschool Classroom

Regulation: Supporting Autistic Preschoolers In The Classroom

If you use visual supports in your classroom or home, you are going to want to sign up for this free Visual Supports Starter Set ASAP! Click here to have one sent to your inbox. Also, be sure to read more about visual supports and how they can help autistic children here.