As the summer holidays come to an end, many of us start thinking about the upcoming school year. For children with sensory needs, this transition can be particularly challenging. Supporting children with sensory processing needs returning to school can be made easier with some preparation. Sensory processing issues can make changes in routine, new environments, and social interactions overwhelming. However, with some preparation and the right strategies, we can make this transition smoother for our children. Here are some tips to support children with sensory needs as they go back to school.
1. Prepare in Advance
- Visit the School: One of the best ways to ease anxiety is to familiarise your child with the school environment before the term starts. Arrange a visit to the school, walk around the classrooms, and explore the playground.
- Meet the Teacher: If possible, meet the teacher and any support staff. Supporting children with sensory needs returning to school includes helping them recognise familiar faces on the first day, making it less daunting.
- Visual Schedules: Create a visual schedule of the school day. This can help your child understand what to expect and reduce anxiety about the unknown.
2. Sensory Tools and Strategies
- Sensory Breaks: Work with the school to incorporate sensory breaks into your child’s day. These breaks can help them manage sensory overload and stay focused, which is crucial in supporting children with sensory needs returning to school.
- Fidget Tools: Provide fidget tools that your child can use discreetly in the classroom to help them stay calm and focused.
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones: If your child is sensitive to noise, noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver in a busy school environment.
3. Routine and Consistency
- Morning Routine: Establish a consistent morning routine to help your child start the day calmly. This might include a visual schedule, a specific order of tasks, and a quiet time before leaving for school.
- After-School Routine: Similarly, an after-school routine can help your child decompress and transition from school to home. Supporting children with sensory needs returning to school involves maintaining consistency.
4. Communication with the School
- Individual Education Plan (IEP): Ensure that your child’s IEP is up to date and includes specific sensory strategies and accommodations.
- Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins with the teacher to discuss your child’s progress and any adjustments that may be needed.
- Read more about dealing with sensory overload at school.
5. Social Stories and Role-Playing
- Social Stories: Create social stories that explain what will happen during the school day. These can help your child understand and anticipate different scenarios.
- Role-Playing: Practise role-playing different school situations, such as asking for help, joining in play, or dealing with sensory overload.
6. Healthy Lifestyle
- Sleep: Ensure your child gets enough sleep. A well-rested child is better able to handle sensory challenges.
- Diet: Provide a balanced diet and consider any dietary needs that may affect your child’s sensory processing. Supporting children with sensory needs returning to school also involves paying attention to their overall health and well-being.
7. Emotional Support
- Validate Feelings: Acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings about returning to school. Let them know it’s okay to feel anxious or excited.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to encourage and reward your child’s efforts and successes, no matter how small.
8. Professional Support
- Occupational Therapy: If your child is not already seeing an occupational therapist, consider starting sessions. An OT can provide tailored strategies to help your child manage sensory challenges.
- Counselling: If anxiety about school is significant, counselling can provide additional support and coping strategies. Supporting children with sensory needs returning to school might require professional assistance.
Here is a list of a few supportive services in Cornwall, for children and their families. These services are in no way endorsed by Waves OT as we have not formally assessed them ourselves:
- Parenting Programmes to support children and young people up to 25 years with SEND – Cornwall Council
- Invictus CLEAR Counselling – CLEAR (clearsupport.net)
- Schools Welcome Pack 50395_pr 3.pdf (headstartkernow.org.uk)
- UNDER 18 SUPPORT – Ruby Country Medical Group
- The Wave Project (Cornwall) – BBC Children in Need
If you are a school looking for OT support, click here to read about out OT consultancy services!
By preparing in advance, using sensory tools, maintaining routines, and providing emotional support, we can help our children with sensory needs have a smoother transition back to school. Remember, every child is unique, so it’s important to tailor these strategies to fit your child’s specific needs.
Check out some extra tips HERE!
Here’s to a successful and enjoyable school year!