Does anyone truly love the end of summer? We go from sun-filled days with less structure and more fun to the visual noise of a classrooms, strict schedules, and sitting still for hours. These drastic changes can cause anxiety and stress for many kids. For students with learning disabilities (LD), the impact can be even greater.
In fact, a full 94% of parents with neurodiverse children report that going back to school causes stress and anxiety. Nearly a quarter of these parents (23%) specifically feel anxious about managing their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) during this transition1.
We recognize that our kids may enter the classroom this fall with big emotions, and we want to reassure you: simple, intentional steps can ease this change. Helping students navigate back-to-school transitions builds confidence that grows throughout the year. Here are some simple transitions to get started with!
1. Ease Into Routines Early
Jumping straight into back-to-school rush—last-minute shopping, hurried mornings, and scrambling to get in the car—feels like flipping a light switch in the middle of the night. There’s little time to adjust before facing the new school day realities.
The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDAA) recommends re-establishing routines about 1–2 weeks before school starts, ideally in August2. Simple habits like getting dressed and eating breakfast prepare students for school mornings and help their brains adjust to the change in pace2.
Encourage your child to check their school supplies in their backpack each day to know where everything is. The more routine a task becomes, the more comfortable and confident your child will feel when it’s time to perform.
2. Preview What’s Ahead
Many schools host a ‘preview’ night for students to meet teachers and explore classrooms. Use this opportunity for personal conversations with your child’s teacher and to build topics they can discuss when school begins.
Dropping off supplies early reduces stress for younger students who might worry about managing materials. If your school doesn’t offer preview nights, try virtual tours or look at photos of school areas together.
Review your child’s schedule to anticipate morning and afternoon classes, and role-play routines like walking to the bus stop, entering the school building, and following classroom procedures. Practicing these routines helps make the school day more predictable and less stressful3.
3. Use Visual Tools
For many children with LD, processing words alone can be challenging. Visual aids provide a powerful way to remember routines and stay focused.
Create a visual schedule or have your child draw their own step-by-step routine for getting ready for school. Visual cues can prompt kids to complete tasks independently, reducing the need for adult reminders.
Add fun elements like progress trackers or reward charts to keep motivation high both before and during the school day.
4. Communicate and Prepare Together
Regular conversations about the upcoming school year help your child process their feelings. Are they excited, nervous, or both? Talking daily about their thoughts creates a safe space for sharing.
Encourage your child to write down worries or things they’re looking forward to. This helps them organize their thoughts and gives you topics for meaningful discussions.
Taking it a step further, help your child write a letter to their teacher expressing how they feel about the new school year. This can include how they learn best, what supports they need, and what helps them feel confident in class. It empowers kids with LD to advocate for themselves and builds connections with teachers.
5. Celebrate the Wins
Transitions are not about perfection—they’re about predictability and resilience.
Some days won’t go perfectly. Maybe someone is feeling unwell or the family runs behind schedule. Practice what to do in those moments, and celebrate the effort it takes to keep going.
Get your child excited for the first day with a special activity or favorite snack. Afterward, talk about the good moments and create plans for any challenges that arose. Celebrating small wins builds confidence and a positive attitude toward school.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t prepare your child for every moment of the first day of school, these intentional transitions give them tools to face it with confidence and resilience.
The more practice they have with routines and expectations, the more prepared and self-assured they’ll feel. Start these steps early and enjoy a smoother, happier back-to-school experience for your whole family.
Additional Resources for a Successful School Year
The Power Of Vision Boards For Kids: Boost Creativity, Focus & Confidence
The Power of Gratitude for Children: Emotional Well-being, Social Skills, and Academic Success
LD Social Skills Activities: Empower Kids to Build Meaningful Friendships
References
- Parents.com. (2024). Reducing Back-to-School Stress for Parents of Neurodiverse Kids. Retrieved from https://www.parents.com/reducing-back-to-school-stress-for-parents-of-neurodiverse-kids-7668855
- Learning Disabilities Association of America. (n.d.). Starting School Ages 3 to 8. Retrieved from https://ldaamerica.org/info/starting-school-ages-3-to-8/
- CAMHS North Derbyshire. (n.d.). Introducing Routines for Learning Disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.camhsnorthderbyshire.nhs.uk/learning-disabilities-introducing-routines