Helpful Tips to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety

As the summer winds down, the anticipation of a new school year begins to build. While this time of year can bring excitement, it can also trigger anxiety, especially for neurodivergent kids. Children with neurodiverse conditions, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences, may experience heightened stress and worry as they face the unknowns of a new school year. Understanding and addressing this anxiety is key to helping these students transition smoothly and thrive in their educational environment.

Back-to-school anxiety is common among neurodivergent kids due to several factors. These children often rely on routines for comfort, so the shift from a relaxed summer to a structured school environment can be overwhelming. Social pressures, such as making friends and navigating interactions, add to their stress, as does the academic pressure of keeping up with schoolwork and new material. Additionally, the sensory-rich school environment, with its bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces, can be particularly distressing for those with heightened sensory sensitivities. With that in mind, here are some of our top tips for easing the transition back-to-school:

1. Make it Gradual: Begin adjusting your child’s routine before school starts. Gradually shift bedtime, wake-up time, and meal times to align with the school schedule. This helps reduce the shock of sudden changes and gives your child time to adapt.
2. Visit the School Ahead of Time: Whether your child is starting a new school or returning for a new school year, arranging a visit before the first day can be beneficial. Reacquainting them with the classroom, hallways, and other familiar areas helps reinforce their sense of security and ease any lingering anxieties. Meeting with teachers or staff members beforehand can also refresh that sense of familiarity and comfort, making the transition smoother.
3. Create a Visual Schedule: Visual aids can be incredibly helpful for neurodivergent children. Use a visual schedule to outline the daily school routine, including key activities like getting dressed, packing a lunch, and attending classes. This provides a clear and predictable structure that can ease anxiety.
4. Practice Social Scenarios: Role-playing different social situations can help your child feel more prepared. Practice greetings, introductions, and other common interactions they might encounter at school. Discuss potential challenges they may face and brainstorm strategies together.
5. Establish a Calm-Down Routine: Teach your child coping strategies for when they feel overwhelmed. This might include deep breathing exercises, counting to ten, or taking a short break in a quiet space. Having a plan in place gives your child a sense of control over their emotions.
6. Communicate with Teachers: Share your child’s specific needs and triggers with their teachers and school staff. Collaborative communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and can provide the appropriate support throughout the school day.
7. Encourage Positive Thinking: Help your child focus on the positive aspects of school. Discuss the activities they enjoy, the friends they look forward to seeing, or the subjects they’re interested in. Reframing their thoughts in a positive light can reduce anxiety and build excitement.
8. Utilize a Comfort Object: If allowed, consider sending a small comfort object, such as a stress ball or a familiar keychain, that your child can keep in their pocket. Having something familiar to hold onto can provide reassurance during moments of stress.
9. Break Down Big Tasks: Large assignments or projects can feel overwhelming. Teach your child to break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This not only makes the workload seem less daunting but also gives your child a sense of accomplishment with each completed step.
10. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s successes, no matter how small. Whether it’s making it through the first day or successfully navigating a challenging social situation, positive reinforcement builds confidence and resilience.

By creating a supportive environment at home and school, parents and educators can help neurodivergent children feel confident and ready to take on the new school year. Every small step toward reducing anxiety is a step toward a more successful and enjoyable school experience. On behalf of Kids Like Me, we would like to welcome everyone back to school, may the coming school year be filled with learning opportunities and new experiences!

To learn more about our programs for children and teens, contact Nate’ Brown at: [email protected].