Back to School: 5 Ways to Set Your Neurodivergent Child Up for a Successful School Year

Sending your child back to school is always a big moment, and if your child is neurodivergent, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and concern. Every child

deserves to feel supported, understood, and empowered at school. As a parent,

there are steps you can take to help ensure your child has the best possible experience

this year. Here are the top five things you can do to help your child thrive.

1. Build Strong Communication and Collaboration with the School Team

Open, honest, and ongoing communication with teachers, counselors, and support staff is key. Reach out before school starts. Share your child’s strengths, challenges, and strategies that work at home. Stay Connected by setting up regular check-ins (monthly or quarterly) to discuss progress and concerns. Approach meetings as a partnership. You know your child best, and educators have valuable expertise. Work together to problem-solve and adapt plans as needed.

2. Promote Your Child’s Independence

Fostering independence helps your child build confidence and essential life skills. Encourage your child to express their needs and practice asking for help when necessary. Establish predictable routines at home and school, using tools like visual schedules, checklists, or timers to help your child manage daily tasks. Celebrate their efforts to do things on their own, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. Every attempt at independence is a step toward growth, and your encouragement will help them develop resilience and self-assurance.

3. Prepare for Transitions and Changes

Transitions can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent children, but thoughtful

preparation can make a big difference. Help your child feel ready by discussing new teachers, classrooms, or routines well before the first day. If possible, arrange a visit to the school or share photos of the classroom and staff to make the unfamiliar more comfortable. Creating simple social stories or drawings to illustrate what the school day will look like can also help your child know what to expect. Practicing flexibility is important, too—role-play scenarios involving changes or surprises to help your child develop coping strategies for unexpected events.

4. Advocate for Needed Supports and Accommodations

Ensuring your child has the right supports is critical for their success. Review any existing

support plans, such as IEPs or 504 plans, to make sure they are current and reflect your child’s evolving needs. If you notice new challenges as the year progresses, don’t hesitate to request adjustments to supports or accommodations. Even if your child doesn’t have a formal plan, talk with the school about what informal supports might be available. Staying proactive and advocating for your child ensures they have access to the resources and strategies that help them thrive.

5. Foster Emotional Well-Being and Social Connections

School is not just about academics—it’s also about feeling connected and emotionally safe.

When checking in with your child, ask specific questions rather than general ones like “How was your day?” For example, you might ask, “Who did you eat lunch with today?” or “Was there anything confusing in class? How did you handle it?” or “What was the easiest and trickiest part of your day?” Supporting your child’s social skills by practicing greetings, sharing, and joining activities at home can build confidence in making friends.

Every child is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. By prioritizing communication, independence, preparation, advocacy, and emotional well-being, you’re laying a strong foundation for a successful school year. Remember, you’re not alone—reach out to teachers, other parents, and community resources for support.

Here’s to a year of growth, learning, and joy!