With the end of summer quickly approaching, students and parents alike are preparing to navigate another shift in schedules and daily routines. This year, the idea of returning back into a classroom, after more than a year, can be an added challenge especially to those in the autism community. Autism Speaks has lots of resources to help make your back-to-school transition a smooth one!

In this edition of E-Speaks, you’ll learn how one autism mom is preparing her 12-year-old son for eighth grade and how the challenges and successes of the past year have helped to make his transition back to in-person learning easier. You can also read one autistic teenager’s thoughts on the upcoming school year and who he credits for helping him thrive as a young adult. Lastly, don’t miss our educational toolkits and other helpful resources to make this school year the best one yet!

School for thought: Perspective from an autism mom on her son’s journey into the eighth grade

Autism mom Maurissa T. couldn’t be more proud of her son Noah’s 3.89 GPA last year. She credits his amazing progress to his desire to always giving his best effort in everything that he does as well as a solid foundation of support from teachers, therapists and professional support staff. Learn how Noah is preparing for his upcoming journey into the eighth grade and how it’ll be business as usual for this aspiring video game streamer.

Years of hard work inside and outside of the classroom are paying off for 13-year-old, Jaedan H.

Diagnosed at age 3, Jaedan’s mom, Frances, credits early intervention services, dedicated therapists and teachers, and a rock-solid family support system for her teenage son’s progress. Learn more about Jaedan’s autism journey and how he is preparing for life in the eight-grade.

Make a recovery plan for pandemic learning losses

While you or your child may be returning to a more typical school year, the transition away from established pandemic guidelines may present unforeseen challenges. The 2021-22 school year may also be a time to refocus efforts, get back on track and continue to progress with learning goals. Here are a few important things to keep in mind as you advocate for yourself or your children and prepare for a successful year ahead.