Back to School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
It’s time for a new school year and “new” is not always easy so we have dedicated this blog post to help you and your loved one get back into the school routine.
Master the Mindset
Be aware of any negative feelings or anxiety you may have about the new school year. Your child will pick up on that. Look forward to the new year with a positive mindset. Feel excited about all of the opportunities they will have such as, learning new things, make new friends, and feel included by their peers. Also, feel confident that you have done your best in the IEP meeting. There will be more IEP meetings. Adjustments can be made as needed. Take one day at a time. Take notes about any situations that may happen so you can bring them up at the next IEP meeting.
Get Organized
Create a physical and digital folder of important paperwork like; IEP’s, any special education documents, meeting notices, and upcoming events. Use an online joint family calendar (like gmail) for the family schedule. Include everything from therapy, doctor’s appointments, extracurricular activities, birthdays, and date nights. Keeping everyone informed is a great way to avoid overbooking and arguments. When you can see the schedule laid out in front of you, it is easier to prioritize. Keep in mind that the quality of life is more important than the number of afterschool activities. Avoid burnout for everyone in the family. If the only time available for dinner is limited to the drive-thru, you may need to re-evaluate the schedule.
The Ultimate Amazon Special Needs Shop created a Back to School category for some really great products to help make shopping a little easier.
Ensure daily communication!
Introducing the answer to this challenge! It is important to know how our child’s day went. When we have a child that is non-verbal or has any communication challenges it is nearly impossible unless we open the lines of communication with the school staff. As a parent we have so many questions that we NEED to be answered; Did they drink or eat enough? Did they use the bathroom? Did they exhibit any abnormal behaviors? Did they have any symptoms of illness? Did they participate in classroom activities? How are their interactions with other students? Daily communication is so important.
Deep Pressure Hugg ME Tank Top – A Tank top with deep pressure and soft material provides just the right amount of sensory input.
Special Supplies Sensory Bed Sheet for Kids Compression (Alternative to Weighted Blankets) – Breathable, Stretchy – Cool, Comfortable Bedding.
Sensory Weighted Lap Pad for Kids 5 pounds – Great Weighted Lap Blanket for Kids with Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder – Help your child stay calm and focused in class. Portable sensory processing disorder therapy.
Show and Go (Picture Exchange Communication System)
IEP Support The Angelman Syndrome Foundation has several resources for you. The ASF IEP Bank allows parents and IEP team members to exchange IEP goals and objectives with each other to assist in planning your student’s IEP.
This line of adaptive clothing is so soft and sensory-friendly. No tags to irritate the back of their neck. This t-shirt is actually a onesie to help them keep their shirts on during the day. It has easy access for tube feeding and snaps at the bottom.
The app for IEP Goals and Objectives – This app allows teachers to build a list of students and then save, edit, add, and/or delete selected Goals and Objectives that are unique for each student, build an exportable list of enrichment experiences to enhance student’s development from a list of over 2,700 Suggested Activities, and export the assembled annual goals, short term objectives, and behavioral objectives for each student via email, or text message.
We hope you found this information helpful. Please feel free to share and comment with any other helpful suggestions.
