The start of a new school year can bring mixed emotions. For many children, it’s an exciting time filled with fresh notebooks, new friendships, and unfamiliar adventures. However, for neurodivergent children, it can also be a time of heightened anxiety, sensory overload, and overwhelming change.
Whether your child is autistic, has ADHD, or experiences learning differences, returning to school often requires extra planning, understanding, and support. Here are some practical strategies to help make that transition smoother; for both of you.
Preview the Environment
One of the most helpful things you can do is reduce uncertainty. If your child is starting at a new school, or even just moving to a different classroom. visit ahead of time if possible. Walk through the route, meet the teacher, and rehearse the morning routine so the first day doesn’t feel so unfamiliar.
Even looking at pictures of the classroom or school staff online can help your child build a mental map and reduce anxiety.
Use Visual Schedules
Neurodivergent children often thrive with predictability and structure. Visual schedules can be a powerful way to make their day feel more manageable.
Use icons, pictures, or colour-coded planners to show what happens before school, during the day, and after school. Seeing the plan visually can help your child feel more in control and less anxious about transitions.
Support Emotional Expression
Big transitions can bring big feelings. Let your child know it’s okay to feel nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure. Create space to talk about their emotions without judgement.
You can also equip them with calming strategies, such as:
– Breathing exercises
– Fidget toys or sensory tools
– Break cards or quiet corners
These tools help them self-regulate and regain a sense of safety when things get too much.
Communicate with School
You are your child’s best advocate – make sure they are aware of:
- Any formal diagnoses
- Successful strategies that work at home
- Reports from psychologists or therapists
Starting the conversation early helps the school prepare the right supports from day one, and avoids playing catch-up later in the term.
Start Slow
After-school hours matter, too. Many neurodivergent children come home from school mentally and emotionally exhausted from masking or managing sensory input all day.
Try not to over-schedule their evenings. Build in quiet time, low-demand activities, and familiar comforts to help them recharge and recover.
Need Help Understanding Your Child’s Needs?
At Tabla Psychology, we do things differently. By combining educational and clinical psychology, we offer a truly integrated approach to assessment, therapy, and support.
We offer comprehensive autism, ADHD, and learning assessments that give you real insight into how your child thinks, feels, and learns.
A diagnosis can open doors to better school support and help your child feel seen and understood.
We’re now booking for September assessment slots – get in touch today.
