Tips on Preparing and Facilitating Autistic Children at School

Previously, we discussed the signs of autistic children being ready for school. This time, we will review tips on preparing autistic children for school. Autistic children are known to be rigid (details on habits that become standard), so when something is out of the ordinary, it will cause discomfort, and the child will become restless.

To prevent children from going on 'school strike' and to help the adaptation process, which increases the comfort of teaching and learning, here are particular tips for particular parents at school:

Come to school early

Autistic children need different adjusting times, so parents can come to school a day or an hour before class starts.

Make a photo about school

Autistic children very easily understand visual concepts. For this reason, it is necessary to have an introduction with photos of teachers, principals, classrooms, toilets, and others, well in advance so that children can recognize and get a visual picture of the school and not feel strange later.

Introduce the children

Introduce children to their class teachers and friends before the class begins. Create an intimate and friendly atmosphere, so children and their environment feel close.

Get to know other parents 

Get to know other parents whose children are also in your child's class. Indeed, this is not easy and requires extra attention from parents with children with autism. However, the sooner parents introduce children's conditions and diagnoses to the world, the faster the world can adapt and accept children's needs as they are.

Ask the teacher

How long can you wait for your child at school / outside the classroom? But try not to make it a habit so that the child is more independent and courageous.

Give a compliment

When a child succeeds in sitting in class, no matter how small the success, he deserves praise. Celebrate small things so that children feel valued and loved.

Use books 

This book is a daily communication tool between teachers and parents. Even though now the era is more sophisticated, you can use WhatsApp, but with a book, all the traces of a child's development at school will be in one place.

In conclusion, parents need to consider the child's readiness and comfort before deciding for their child to go to school. Moreover, Children with Autism have communication barriers. Parents need to be careful in recognizing the needs and comfort of their children.** (dyk)

Source: 200 Questions and Answers About Autism's Book - Gayatri Pamoedji