Jessica Willits, Author at Indy's Child Magazine

Summer is almost over, which means we’ve either finally found our groove ... or we’ve completely lost our marbles. Just as we’ve settled into sleeping in, late nights, no schedules, and saying “yes” to one more trip to the pool, it’s time for another big transition: back to school. For many families, back-to-school season is filled with excitement. For ours, it often comes with a healthy dose of anticipation. Transitions can be hard, especially for neurodivergent and special needs children. After a summer of no routine, preferred foods, favorite activities, and plenty of time with family, the return to school brings a lot of change all at once. Suddenly it’s early mornings instead of sleeping in. Structured days instead of free play. Busy classrooms instead of the comfort of home. New teachers, new expectations, different foods, unfamiliar classmates, louder environments, and hours away from the people who help our children feel the most regulated. That’s a lot for any child to process. For autistic children and many other neurodivergent kids, it can feel especially overwhelming. The goal isn’t to eliminate every challenge. It’s to make the transition feel a little more predictable, a little less stressful, and a lot more supportive. Start the Routine Before School Starts One of the biggest adjustments is moving from summer’s relaxed schedule back to structure. In our house, that starts before the first bell, sometimes with just getting out of the car at drop-off. That moment can be one of the hardest parts of the day. Talking about the transition ahead of time helps. We walk through what mornings will look like, what drop-off involves, and what comes next. Predictability makes things feel safer. A weekly reward system has also been a game changer for us. The key is finding what truly motivates your child, whether that’s a preferred activity, a small treat, or choosing a family activity on the weekend. Encouragement goes further than pressure, especially during transitions. Prepare for More Than Academics Back-to-school preparation isn’t just about supplies. It’s sensory, social, and emotional too. One of the best supports is connecting with your child’s school early. Ask about Extended School Year (ESY) if appropriate. If that’s not an option, see if your child can visit the school quietly before the building fills up. Walking familiar halls when things are calm can make a big difference. If your child has an IEP, this is also the time to talk about transition supports like visuals, sensory breaks, or arrival accommodations. We’re not just preparing our children for school. We’re partnering with the people who support them there. Think About the Little Things There’s something really joyful about a new backpack. In our house, that excitement is real. But the smallest things can also create the biggest struggles. A lunch container that’s hard to open or clothing that doesn’t feel right can turn a good morning quickly. We try school routines early, from lunches to outfits to practicing everyday skills like shoes, backpacks, and headphones. It’s not about perfection. It’s about removing small barriers so kids have more energy for everything else. Give Everyone Grace The first few weeks can be an adjustment for the whole family. There may be harder mornings, bigger emotions, and more exhaustion after school. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong. Transitions take time. Success might look like walking into school without tears, asking for a sensory break, or coming home completely wiped out from trying hard all day. Those moments still matter. Back-to-school isn’t about instant routine. It’s about meeting our children where they are, supporting regulation first, and building confidence one day at a time.

Jessica Willits

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