“When he was 18 months, he started showing signs and then around three, he had his like official autism diagnosis,” says Christina Lindsay about her son, Maxwell.
For kids like Max who have autism, staying busy and active is not just beneficial; it’s essential. Routine plays a critical role in their success, providing structure and predictability that helps them navigate their daily lives. As the back-to-school season approaches, maintaining this routine can become even more crucial.
“It gets overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect. I think that he likes knowing what’s coming next and what’s expected of him,” Lindsay said. This sentiment resonates deeply with many parents of children with autism. They often find that a clear and consistent schedule minimizes anxiety and fosters a sense of security.
Maxwell attends the Wildwood School, a specialized environment designed for kids with unique needs. Although he participates in school year-round, he still enjoys a few weeks off at the end of August. While this may seem like a small break, for children on the autism spectrum, such time away from their structured environment can be significant. It can disrupt the routines they have worked hard to establish, leading to potential challenges as they prepare to return to school.
“Sometimes breaking out of that structure, that routine, their day-to-day tasks or academic lessons might kind of throw kiddos off,” said Ayecia Simpson, a special education teacher at Wildwood Programs. This perspective highlights the importance of preparing for transitions, particularly the shift from a relaxed summer schedule back to the demands of the school year.
Simpson emphasizes the need for parents to create a safe and comforting home environment, especially if they have concerns about their child’s adjustment to school. “Coming home from a hard day at school, the last thing you kind of want to do is talk about it and just be kind of overloaded with questions and chores. Just give them some love. Let them, you know, kind of melt down or, you know, have a break, whatever that might look like for parents,” Simpson said.
For Maxwell, unwinding often involves spending time in the pool with his siblings, allowing him to relax and decompress after a busy day. To ensure a smooth transition back to school, Christina is mindful of maintaining his bedtime routine and sleep schedule throughout the year. She also aligns lunchtime at home with the timing he would experience at school. This attention to routine is vital in helping Maxwell feel secure and prepared.
She also highlights the importance of keeping his brain engaged during breaks from school. “So our learning at home is more life skill. So we teach life skills at home and school teaches school skills. If we’re making sure he’s getting things done and he knows that he has things to do during the day in the summertime, it’s just like when he knows what he’s expected to do in the classroom,” Lindsay said.
By integrating life skills into their daily routines and preparing for the upcoming school year, parents can help their children with autism feel more confident and ready to face new challenges.
Discover a Better Way with A Better Way ABA
As you prepare for the back-to-school season, consider how ABA therapy can support your child’s growth and development. A Better Way ABA offers tailored ABA therapy in New York, focusing on enhancing essential life skills while fostering academic success. Our dedicated team is here to help your child thrive in a structured, nurturing environment. Don’t hesitate to reach out and learn more about how we can make a difference in your child’s life!
