Beyond the Basics: Back-to-School Items Autism Families May Find Helpful

Pencils and folders and notebooks, oh my! Back-to-school shopping is an essential component to a new school year, filled with a list of traditional school supplies like backpacks, gluesticks, and safety scissors. These are all useful things, but as a parent to a child with autism, there may be additional items you consider adding. While not required, these things may help support communication or emotional regulation, making the school day go by more smoothly. Every child is unique, and you understand their needs better than anyone, but this list provides options that may help create a more peaceful school experience. 

Visual Schedules

Children with autism feel more comfortable with a predictable routine and an understanding of expectations. A visual schedule can be a helpful tool that allows them to independently follow along with their day so they are always aware of what is coming next. This predictability can reduce anxiety and lead to a smoother transition between activities. While your child’s classroom likely has some version of a schedule posted, it might be helpful for your child to carry their own. This may look like a simple written schedule, a photo-based visual, or even their own planner. 

Communication Tools

Communication comes in many different forms. Consider what tools help your child express themselves most effectively and make sure those supports are available at school as well. Communication is important between both your child and their teacher and your child and you. If needed, provide the tools or supports that help them express themselves, whether that be cue cards, photos, electronic aids, or a communication notebook. This is an area that should be discussed both with your child and their teacher to ensure everyone is on the same page as far as the best way to encourage effective communication. 

Noise-Reducing Headphones

Noise-reducing headphones can be incredibly helpful for a child with autism. They can help reduce loud or overstimulating noises, like those found in a bustling cafeteria or a loud assembly. They can help improve focus during tests or independent work, or help your child regain a sense of calm when they are starting to feel overwhelmed. Be sure to have a conversation with your child’s teacher about their headphones, including when they may be most useful. 

Water Bottle

Refillable water bottles are already encouraged in most classrooms, and for good reason. A water bottle will allow your child to stay hydrated and comfortable. Having their own water bottle is also an excellent lesson in independence, enforcing skills like refilling it and being responsible for its whereabouts. Beyond the practical, some children also find comfort in bringing a piece of home along with them.  

Sensory Supports

Many schools have started to incorporate their own sensory supports into the classroom, but the type of support may vary. If your child could benefit from certain sensory supports such as a wiggle cushion, fidget or chew toys, or a weighted lap pad, be sure to have an extra for school purposes. Before spending money on an extra or sending one from home, be sure to check with your child’s school for approval. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, make sure these elements are discussed and included as an approved support. 

Adaptive Supplies

If your child does better with adaptive school supplies like pencil grips or a certain type of scissors, add those to the shopping list. Again, discuss the different tools with your child’s teacher so they are aware and expecting them. Even small accommodations can make life in the classroom more comfortable for your child. 

Preferred Snacks

Many children with autism have food sensitivities, either sensory, medical, or both. Your child’s teacher may provide snacks, but if they aren’t aware of preferences or needs they may not have anything that your child can eat. Keep school policy in mind and approve any individual snacks ahead of time. If you’re able to, leave a supply of safe snacks with the teacher in case a need arises and nothing else available will work. Even just the understanding that it’s available if needed can be a comfort to your child. 

Comfort Items

The back-to-school transition can be difficult for many. Create a subtle way to provide comfort and reassurance while they are away from home. This can be specific to your family’s dynamics but may look like a special keychain on their backpack, a family photo taped inside their notebook, or a fun bead threaded through their shoelace. As long as they associate the item with the things that make them feel the safest, it can help them feel better when school starts to overwhelm them. 

Spare Clothing

Even if not required, it may be a good idea to store an extra set of clothes in your child’s backpack. Make sure they are items that they’ll find comfortable if the need arises to use them. While schools usually have extra clothes on hand for accidents, there’s no guarantee these clothes will meet your child’s sensory needs. A change of clothes will come in handy not just for a potential bathroom-related incident, but for spills, unexpected weather, or just general discomfort with their current clothes. 

Emergency Information

Your child’s school will have your information on hand for any emergency situation already, but it’s a good idea to also include an emergency information sheet in your child’s backpack. While it’s unlikely to be necessary, you never know when a child may be in a situation with people who don’t know their needs. If they struggle with communication or get too overwhelmed, it may become even more difficult to interact with someone. An emergency sheet should include emergency contact information, allergies and medical information, calming strategies, and any other information specific to your child. The hope is that it’s never needed, but it should ease some of your own worries to know that it’s there. 

ABA Therapy 

ABA therapy may not be something you can toss in your child’s backpack to carry with them throughout the day, but it is indeed a tool that they can carry with them in other ways. School supplies and support tools are all helpful, but they are only pieces of the puzzle. These items help with the day to day, but ABA therapy can instill skills that they carry with them for life. Bloom Behavioral Healthcare can be part of your family's journey by creating individualized plans built around your child's unique strengths and challenges. We work to improve confidence through skill building that promotes independence, communication, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy. These items can’t be bought at the store, but can become a tangible component of your child’s success. Contact us today to learn more or book a consultation. We would love to be a part of your child’s growth and success!