Tips for parents of children with ASD and ID

“IT’S officially back-to-school time, the best time of the year!” said no parent ever. The running from bookstore to bookstore trying to complete the book list, getting new school uniforms and shoes, new school bags, crayons and pencil cases is a tiresome and tedious event that deserves its own slot at the Olympics.

However, apart from the hectic hustle and bustle from Half-Way-Tree to downtown to obtain the needed school supplies, what are some back-to-school activities that cost less but have lifelong positive effects?

Here are six back-to-school tips that can be used for both atypical and typically developing children. Keep in mind that these recommendations are primarily meant for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disabilities (ID). However, these can be tweaked and used for typically developing siblings as well.

Tip #1 Develop a routine accompanied by either a written/visual schedule or checklist

Schedules and checklists that children with ASD and ID can visually see and manipulate are an excellent tool for keeping them on task. It minimises unwanted behaviours while maximising positive and productive behaviours and outcomes. More downtime equals more negative behaviours and tantrums. Always remember to be consistent, corresponding, appropriate, follow through and effective (CCAFE).

Tip # 2 Start reading social stories about back to school including any new details that the child has not been previously introduced to, such as new teachers or a new classroom.

Having created a social story, proceed to read, re-read and discuss the story with your child a couple weeks prior to the beginning of school. This will minimise possible anxiety, stress or resistance your child may experience beginning the new academic term. This will better facilitate a smooth transition into school which will not only benefit the child but you as the parent and the teacher.

Tip #3 Create a structured work system or study nook

A structured work system is an organised, visually supported physical space which is used to promote independence and generalise skills learned in other contexts. It is also beneficial for memory and fluency and for gaining on task behaviour in addition to completing and prioritising tasks. Creating a structured work system at home will help your child organise and follow through with productive activities and tasks. This will further help the child to get into a “constructive work” mindset as they know what is expected while in their structured work system study nook. A structured work system can also be used to elicit and expand children’s play and leisure activities and should be included in their daily schedule.

Tip #4 Create a reward system

A desired behaviour, response or action is only as good as its reward. Adults go to work and are motivated by praise from their boss, perks from the job, or their pay. The same goes for our children. If there is a desired action that is not being executed or carried out, there needs to be a worthy incentive. Start small, think about one to three behaviours or actions that you want your child to display or do and then decide on the reward. Put some serious thought into this. The rewards chosen should be appropriate, corresponding in value, off-limits otherwise, capable of keeping with the child’s interest and easily attainable.

Tip #5 Create a reinforcement/ reward inventory

This should be a simple task if you followed through on tip #4. All this entails is creating a list of at least eight to 10 rewards or reinforcers to give to your child’s new teacher. You know your child best! Help them help you by getting the best out of your child from day one.

Tip #6 Get a headstart on social relationships

Building meaningful and lasting friendships and relationships can be the most difficult aspect when teaching or raising a child with ASD or ID. Get a headstart on developing the skills necessary to promote fun and engaging friendships. Try and obtain pictures of teachers and classmates to begin writing conversational scripts that you and your child can practise prior to the beginning of school. Topics could include a specific place you visited, your favourite summer movie or how you feel to be back at school.

Here’s a back-to-school list that will cost you nothing but your time, with a policy of no returns or exchanges as your child will never grow out of the meaningful benefits that can be achieved if each tip is consistently and effectively carried out.

Lead the race in the back-to-school heats. Don’t drop the baton during the final days of the summer. Give your child a headstart to a world record first day of school.

Rachael Cann Dip Ed, BEd, MSc is a special education teacher and autism specialist who is a strong advocate of inclusion, the least restricted environment and functional education. She is a trained early childhood educator.