As summer winds down, many families are preparing for a new school year filled with excitement—and sometimes uncertainty. For autistic children and those with other developmental differences, even positive changes can bring increased stress. New teachers, unfamiliar classrooms, different routines, and changing expectations can affect regulation, communication, and confidence.
The good news? A little preparation before the first day can make a big difference.
Preparing Before School Starts
Rather than waiting for challenges to arise, begin easing into the school routine a few weeks before classes begin. Simple strategies can help children feel more confident and reduce first-day anxiety.
Try:
- Talking about the upcoming school year in a positive, predictable way.
- Practicing morning and bedtime routines.
- Visiting the school or playground, if possible.
- Looking at pictures of teachers or classrooms.
- Creating a visual calendar or countdown.
- Packing backpacks and choosing school clothes together.
Small, familiar routines create predictability and predictability builds confidence.
Image credit: Handprints Therapies
Collaboration Is Key
Children thrive when families, schools, and therapy providers work together. Sharing strategies that help your child communicate, regulate emotions, learn, and participate successfully creates consistency across home, school, and therapy settings.
If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, the beginning of the school year is an ideal time to reconnect with the educational team. Reviewing accommodations, sensory supports, communication preferences, and goals before challenges arise helps everyone begin the year on the same page.
Supporting the Whole Child
Every child has unique strengths and needs. Depending on those needs, different therapies can support success in meaningful ways:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Supports transitions, flexibility, emotional regulation, executive functioning, independence, self-advocacy, and classroom routines.
- Occupational Therapy: Builds sensory regulation, fine motor skills, handwriting, and daily living skills.
- Speech Therapy: Strengthens communication, language, social interaction, and self-advocacy.
- Physical Therapy: Improves balance, coordination, strength, endurance, and participation in school activities.
When these services complement one another through open communication and shared goals, children often experience greater success across home, school, and community environments.
Image credit: Handprints Therapies
Every Small Victory Counts
A successful transition doesn't mean a child never struggles. It means the adults surrounding that child anticipate challenges, work together, and provide support before those challenges become barriers.
And let's be honest, back-to-school isn't just a transition for kids. It's a transition for parents, caregivers, and the whole family.
Whether this school year begins with excitement, nerves, or a little of both, remember that progress doesn't require perfection. Celebrate the successful drop-off, the brave step onto the school bus, the new friendship, or simply making it through the first week. Those small victories are worth celebrating.
To all the caregivers navigating new schedules, permission slips, lunch packing, early alarms, and the occasional missing shoe, we're cheering you on, too. Wishing your family a school year filled with growth, confidence, connection, and countless moments that make you smile along the way.
What's New in Colorado Special Education?
As another school year begins, families can feel reassured that students with disabilities continue to be protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Colorado schools remain committed to providing eligible students with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) through individualized supports outlined in IEPs and Section 504 Plans.
If your child's needs have changed over the summer, don't hesitate to request a meeting with your educational team. Starting the year with open communication helps ensure supports remain effective and allows everyone to work together toward your child's success.
About the Author
Betsy Hart is the Founder and CEO of Handprints Therapies, a Colorado pediatric therapy practice providing ABA, Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy. She is passionate about helping children and families thrive through collaborative, family-centered care.
About Handprints Therapies
Handprints Therapies is an interdisciplinary pediatric clinic serving families across the Denver metro area. Our team specializes in supporting children with autism, sensory processing challenges, and developmental delays through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. We partner closely with caregivers to build confidence, emotional regulation, and practical routines that carry over from the clinic to home.
Locations in Lakewood and Greenwood Village.
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