Helping a Child with Autism Succeed in Regular Class

Every parent has a key role to play in their child’s academic success, whether by supporting them in school or in their social development. This is especially true when your child has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Physical and social environments are not always adapted to all children, whether or not they are on the spectrum. This article offers a few tips on helping your child integrate at school when they have an ASD. It also discusses your role at school and at home.

When it comes to collaborating with your child’s school team—that is, all the adults who work with your child, including teachers, special educators, specialists, and the school principal—it is essential to understand and respect each person’s role and expertise.

As your child’s parent, you know better than anyone how your child behaves at home. You may need to explain to the school team what ASD looks like for your child. They may ask whether you use any strategies at home that could be applied in the classroom (e.g., pictograms, a schedule, a transition object).

That said, you should be prepared for the school team to have methods and practices of their own, in line with the school environment and academic requirements. It is important to trust them. If circumstances allow, you may need to implement certain practices at home to ensure continuity with the school’s approach.

In addition, it is up to you and your child’s teacher to stand up for your child’s rights and needs regarding their learning and academic functioning.
 

Communicating with the school team is an integral part of your role as a parent. Good communication is essential anytime you want to prepare your child for a change in their routine (e.g., a substitute teacher, a special activity at school, a major change at home). You can also discuss how to prioritize lesson review and homework. For example, if you struggle with getting your child through homework time, their teacher can help you structure it more effectively and recommend what assignments to focus on. At the start of the year, agree on a method of communication, whether it be an app like ClassDojo, your child’s agenda, or email.

Lastly, you have no small influence on your child’s overall state at school. Maintaining a clear and stable routine at home is crucial: this means doing tasks or activities in a similar sequence from one day to the next. Do not hesitate to use the various routine-related tools offered by the school or by health professionals. For example, some children only need a verbal heads-up about a change of activity shortly before and during the transition, while others need visual tools (like a schedule or timer) and help from an adult. There is no universal solution: every child has their own way of doing things.

In general, pay attention to your child’s energy levels. They may need to take breaks from social interaction, especially at the end of the day. For example, you could schedule some alone time for your child to do an undemanding activity in their room that matches their interests.
 

In conclusion, parents of kids with ASD have a vital role to play in their child’s successful integration at school, whether through their actions at home or their communication with the school team. But try not to be too hard on yourself. Remember, your child needs you to be emotionally available—it does no good to spread yourself too thin. Believe in yourself and the school staff; integrating your child into regular class is a team effort.