Getting acclimated to the school year can be challenging, especially for children with autism. After a long summer, the first few weeks of school can seem like a shock to them. It may take a while with a new teacher, classmates, and a newer environment until they’re used to the big changes. No matter how old your child is, settling them into their current school routine may take time and effort. Doing the following activities with your child can make them more comfortable as they ease into the school year.
Here are three activities for children with autism starting the school year to help ease into their new schedule and routine.
Role-Play Their School Day
The first couple of weeks of school can be tough. Having to wake up earlier and adhere to a stricter schedule can be overwhelming for a child with autism. However, you can ease the stress by role-playing every Sunday. This way, when Monday morning rolls around, it’s not a big shock that they have to attend school. Wake them up at their regular school time and do a few activities and educational lessons to get them prepared for school.
Create Sensory Bottles
Another great activity for children with autism starting school is to create sensory bottles. While creating the bottles is a fun experience, they can use them in overwhelming and stressful situations at school or in other environments. The creation of sensory bottles can be therapeutic and is a great form of art therapy, which is beneficial for children with autism. You can fill these bottles with various small toys and textures that can relax them in a time of sensory overload.
Encourage Physical Activity
Physical activity and exercise do wonders for everyone. Encourage your kid to run around, explore, and play outside. There are loads of outside activities you can do with your child, such as scavenger hunts, jumping on a trampoline, or walking around the park. Physical activity can help your child’s body grow and develop, and it can help them understand spatial awareness. This is a great skill to learn before getting deep into the school year. This way, your child is aware of their surroundings and gains more social experiences by engaging in newer and fun activities.
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