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E-Speaks eNewsletter

Returning to school after summer vacation can be a difficult transition for any child. For children and teens with autism, this time of year can be especially challenging. Changes in daily routines, meeting and interacting with new classmates and teachers, dealing with sensory issues, and learning a new curriculum can be overwhelming and cause feelings of angst and frustration for kids, parents and caregivers alike.  

 
Planning ahead can help ease the stress that may arise during back-to-school time. In this edition of E-Speaks, you'll hear how one high school student used his summer break to begin his first part-time job and prepare for his sophomore year. You’ll also find resources to help navigate the transition back to school, manage anxiety and ADHD and access valuable information about autism that you can share with teachers and other school staff. 

Preparation for sophomore year starts in the summer for 15-year-old Jeremiah A. 

This summer, Jeremiah decided he no longer wanted to go to camp. Instead, with his mother’s blessing, he landed his first part-time job as a game room attendant at the local Chuck E. Cheese. In this blog, you’ll read how Jeremiah, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3, used his newfound responsibilities to take the next step towards adulthood and prepare for the new school year. 

Lessons learned while helping my 12-year-old with ASD transition to middle school  

Lisa C. has spent her 19-year career teaching kids. Seven of those years were also spent advocating for the school rights of her son Chase, a 12-year-old on the spectrum.  As they both enter new chapters in school this year – Lisa as an assistant principal and Chase as a middle schooler – Lisa recognized that her son has taught her as much about managing change as she has taught him. Read about their back-to-school journey here. 

Support learning among teachers, administrators and classmates 

One in 44 children is diagnosed with autism in the United States, and many are enrolled in general education classrooms. But teachers often lack sufficient autism-related training.  Here are some great tips to share with your child’s teachers to help them create an inclusive classroom environment. You can also download our School Community Tool Kit and view our Flipgrid content to promote autism awareness and acceptance among classmates, teachers, administrators, bus drivers and other members of the school community. 

Learn to identify and manage your child’s anxiety and ADHD symptoms 

Some autistic children and adolescents can become hyperactive, distracted, withdrawn, agitated or non-compliant in the classroom. These symptoms could indicate ADHD or anxiety. In these recorded webinars from Family ECHO: Autism, a FREE virtual learning program for families and caregivers, hear from the experts about ADHD and anxiety in autism spectrum disorder. Sign up for the new Family ECHO: Autism series starting in September. 

Prepare your child for school using visual supports 

Visual supports are a great way to help autistic people learn new skills and prepare for their day, making it easier to cope with change. For example, visual schedules can show your child how to get dressed in the morning and what to expect throughout the school day so there are no surprises. Download our Visual Supports Tool Kit for more guidance. 

Live, lead and learn with kindness through Autism Speaks’ Kindness Campaign

Celebrate and encourage acceptance, understanding and inclusion by completing daily acts of kindness through our Kindness Campaign! Whether virtually or in person with classmates, colleagues or on your own, have fun completing daily activities and earning Autism Speaks swag. With every act of kindness you complete, you are bringing us one step closer to a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.

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