Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Kids with ADHD and Autism

Parent Tips| Social Skills| Education and Learning

August 25, 2025•3 min read

The transition from summer break to a new school year can feel overwhelming for any child, but especially for kids with ADHD, autism, or other forms of neurodivergence. New routines, sensory challenges, and social changes can quickly overload a child’s nervous system. As parents, we can make this transition smoother by preparing ahead of time and honoring our children’s unique needs.

Here are seven practical back-to-school tips for parents of neurodivergent kids:

1. Protect Your Child’s Nervous System

For kids with ADHD or autism, too much activity can lead to meltdowns and burnout. During the school year, their nervous system may need extra downtime.

Limit after-school activities if your child needs time to recharge.
Prioritize calm evenings at home when possible.
Remember: rest is just as important as academics or enrichment.

By balancing activity with rest, you help your child regulate better and enjoy school more.

2. Build Excitement About School

Some children dread school, while others can’t wait to go back. No matter where your child falls, find something they’re genuinely excited about and highlight it:

Friends and social time
Favorite subjects like art, PE, or music
Special routines like library visits or recess

This helps reframe school as something to look forward to rather than something to fear.

3. Practice Coping Skills for Stressful Moments

Transitions can trigger anxiety for kids with autism or ADHD. Preparing ahead gives them a sense of control. Practice “what if” scenarios together, such as:

What if the classroom feels too loud? (Use noise-canceling headphones.)
What if I can’t find the lunchroom? (Ask a teacher or a classmate.)
What if I feel overwhelmed at recess? (Choose a safe space to take a break.)

These coping strategies reduce anxiety and help kids feel ready for challenges.

4. Do a Lunchbox Run-Through

One of the most overlooked back-to-school struggles for kids is lunchtime. Short lunch periods and tricky packaging can add stress. Practice at home by:

Packing your child’s lunchbox and having them open everything on their own.
Timing meals so they can finish eating in about 15 minutes (the average school lunch break).
Avoiding items that require adult help, like hard-to-open juice pouches.

This builds independence and ensures they’ll actually eat at school.

5. Attend School Events Before the First Day

Anxiety often comes from the unknown. Back-to-school nights, supply drop-offs, and classroom tours can help reduce stress by showing kids exactly what to expect. Walk them through:

Where to line up in the morning
Where lunch, PE, and recess will be
Who their teacher is and where their classroom is located

This preparation is especially helpful for autistic children who thrive on predictability.

6. Prepare for Classroom Differences

Every teacher has a different system for handling school supplies. Some classrooms collect supplies for communal use, while others require each child to keep their own. Talk to your child ahead of time so they’re not surprised when their favorite markers or crayons end up in a shared box.

This small step can prevent big meltdowns for kids who struggle with sharing or unexpected changes.

7. Focus on the Basics for Kindergarten Readiness

If your child is starting kindergarten, focus on foundational skills that make the first few weeks easier:

Writing or recognizing their name
Following simple routines like unpacking their backpack
Knowing how to ask for help when they need it

Don’t stress if they’re still learning, just let the teacher know where your child is and keep practicing at home.

Back-to-School Success Is About Support, Not Perfection

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean chaos and meltdowns. By focusing on your child’s nervous system, practicing coping strategies, and preparing them for what to expect, you can set them up for a calmer, more confident school year.

Remember: parenting a neurodivergent child is not about perfection, it’s about connection. Give yourself grace, love the child you have, and know you’re not alone in this journey.

For more detailed tips, listen to Episode 127 on the Every Brain is Different podcast.

ADHD school transition strategies school readiness autism

Samantha Foote

Samantha’s mission is to strengthen, guide, and empower parents, children, and adults to develop emotional awareness, improve social skills, and gain effective coping skills resulting in improved peer relationships, increased family harmony, and a calmer & more relaxed demeanor. She is a board-certified music therapist, a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and a registered Music Together teacher. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and completed her Masters of Music with a specialization in Music Therapy degree from Colorado State University. She is a Neurological Music Therapy Fellow and a Dialectical Behavior Therapy-informed Music Therapist. When she is not working, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and extended family. They enjoy fishing, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

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