If you have a child with autism, you know how challenging a big change can be. Returning to school after summer vacation certainly qualifies, and it’s often even more complicated after a divorce due to custody changes and scheduling difficulties. How can you make going back to school as easy as possible for your child and yourself?
Talk to Your Child
Talk to your child about the fact that school is starting soon and that the daily schedule will soon change. According to Marcus Autism Center, scheduling a playdate with your child’s friends from the previous year can be helpful. Other steps to take include:
- Pick up school supplies early
- Take your child to visit the school, especially if they’ve never been to this school before
- Buy new clothes early enough to have time to break them in
If your school allows it, consider picking up some fidget spinners for your child. Some children with autism find them soothing.
Talk to Your Child’s Teachers
You should talk to your child’s teachers before the school year starts to give them an idea of what to expect. According to the National Autism Center, children with autism may display any of the following behaviors:
- Lack of eye contact
- Lack of facial expression or inconsistent facial expressions
- Difficulty understanding body language
- Difficulty identifying emotions
- Trouble making new friends
- Intense preference for some activities over others
You would know better than anyone else how your child’s autism is likely to manifest. Talking to teachers about it ahead of time can help prevent problems from coming up. According to the Autism Awareness Centre, it can be a good idea to print out a document for the teacher listing your child’s preferences, sensitivities, and so on. Marcus Autism Center recommends establishing a communication plan so both you and your child’s teachers have a clear plan to stay in touch.
Help with Your Child’s IEP
If your child will have an Individual Education Plan, you can help by thinking about what some reasonable expectations might be for your child. The Autism Awareness Centre suggests making a list of recommendations for the IEP in these areas:
- Social skills
- Academics
- Communication skills
- Life skills
- Motor skills
- Behavior
Your child’s teacher won’t know what is or isn’t a realistic expectation for your child until you tell them. Can your child handle homework? If so, how much homework can they handle? How can you rearrange your schedule to give yourself time to help your child with schoolwork?
Get to know all the specialists who will be working with your child during the school year. If any problems arise, call and make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher and work out how to handle the situation.
If You Need a Family Law Attorney, We’re Here to Help
Raising a child with autism is more challenging if you don’t have the cooperation of your ex. If you need someone to advocate zealously for your rights and your child’s needs, New York City family law attorney Lisa Zeiderman can help. With years of experience in difficult family law cases that involve special needs children, high-net-worth divorces, and mental health issues, Lisa has the skills and knowledge to help you protect your child. Call Lisa or reach out online to schedule an appointment today.