Counselor shares tips on back-to-school for students with different learning abilities

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - As parents prepare for a new school year, the transition can be challenging for families with neurodivergent children.

Christie Bell with The Counselor’s Corner says the uncertainty of a new routine can bring anxiety for children with conditions such as autism and ADHD.

“We have to think differently. We have to think outside the box. Sometimes we have to get away from what we learned in the book and just go with the flow,” Bell said.

Bell says some children may experience challenges with communication, social interaction and changes in routine. She recommends preparing ahead by:

• Driving past the school.
• Touring the campus, if possible.
• Looking at photos of classrooms and school buses.
• Talking through what the school day will look like.

For children who have difficulty communicating, Bell suggests using visual tools like pictures, color charts or emotion boards to help them express how they feel.

She also encourages parents to create a communication plan with teachers and prioritize their own mental health during the transition.

She recommends parents find support through groups, other parents or trusted communities, and making time for small breaks.

Bell also recommends creating a sensory kit with calming tools such as a fidget spinner, slinky or stress ball, and working with school staff to make sure those tools can be used in the classroom.