Questions Parents of Autistic Children Should Ask at Back-to-School Night

Summer is winding down, which means a new school year is on the horizon. Soon, you’ll be heading with your child to their official Back-to-School night to meet their teacher and explore the environment. The night can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but ultimately it’s a great opportunity to become better prepared for the upcoming year. Plan ahead with a list of questions to ask your child’s teachers so you’ll feel more confident and prepared for the school days to come. There are many questions you may want to ask, some specific to your family’s own unique circumstances, but here are a few to get you started.

Communication

A strong level of parent-teacher communication is vital when it comes to a child with autism. It’s important for everyone to stay on the same page to give your child the best school experience. Ask your child’s teacher their preferred way of contact, how they share classroom information, and how quickly they typically respond. Some teachers may communicate on their planning period, their lunch break, or after school. If you know what to expect, you’ll feel more comfortable knowing if the topic is something that can wait or something that needs to be addressed in a different way. Also share with the teacher the best ways to contact you during the school day in case something comes up.

Routines 

With so many children to watch over, teachers tend to have a pretty strict routine in place. Inquire about what a typical day will look like, including how transitions from each activity tend to be handled. Ask if a schedule is posted for students to follow along with. If not, you can request to send one with your child. Many children with autism stay more regulated when they know what to expect. 

Sensory 

Children with autism often have sensory sensitivities that can have a large impact on their emotional state. Find out how sensory needs are supported in their classroom. Will they be providing breaks for movement or allowing alternative seating methods? Is there a quiet space for your child to calm down if they become overwhelmed? Will there be sensory tools available in the classroom, and if not, is your child allowed to bring their own? Are there alternatives available during high-stimulation situations, such as during lunch or assemblies? Learning these things in advance can ease your mind, letting you know that if your child needs support, it will be there for them. 

Socialization

With so many children in one classroom, socialization is a big part of the school day. Social challenges can take place amongst all children, but children with autism often struggle more with certain social aspects. Find out how the teacher handles student-to-student conflict, how inclusion is encouraged, and what opportunities are planned for structured social interaction. When you understand the classroom social dynamics, you can better identify areas your child can feel included or build friendships in a way that feels comfortable to them. 

Support 

No matter how much you try to prepare, it’s likely - and normal - for some bad days to pop up from time to time. Ask how difficult days are handled and what support is available if your child does become too overwhelmed. Share your child’s challenge areas and what helps them work through them. Confirm they have your contact information and discuss how and when you should be contacted if issues arise. 

Strengths

The start of a new school year can feel daunting and overwhelming to a parent who has a child with autism. Much of the conversation with their teacher is going to feel like you’re focused on challenges and solutions, but it doesn’t have to be. Don’t forget to spend time talking up your child’s strengths, too. Your teacher should know their interests, what motivates them, the things that allow their personality to shine. These things can provide useful insight into who your child is and opportunities for the teacher to connect with them. Plus, who doesn’t love bragging about their kid?

Support School Days with Bloom Behavioral Healthcare

The transition from summer break to a brand new school year can be a tricky one, but it doesn’t have to be overly challenging. Having a conversation with your child’s teacher at Back-to-School Night, or even planning a one-on-one pre-school meeting, can help start the year on the right foot for everyone. A strong line of communication between family and educators can set the tone for a fantastic year of growth for your child. To further support that growth, consider bringing in a qualified therapist for guidance. Bloom Behavioral Healthcare provides compassionate ABA therapy that helps children build communication, emotional regulation, confidence, and autonomy both inside and outside the classroom. Working closely with your family, we create an individualized plan that builds on your child’s strengths while supporting areas of growth. Our goal is to build skills while still honoring the unique individual that they are. We are also happy to extend that help to your child’s classroom as needed. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child bloom this upcoming school year - and beyond.