Back-to-school season can bring excitement and stress for every family, but for parents of children with autism, the stakes can feel higher. Will the teacher understand my child’s behaviors? Will they recognize my child’s strengths? How can I make sure my child feels supported in the classroom?
Experts at Henry Ford Health say these questions are common. The key is open, ongoing communication so every adult in the school understands how to support your child’s unique needs.
“Every school year is going to be different in a number of different ways,” says pediatrician Tisa Johnson-Hooper, MD, Medical Director of the Generational Resilience Opportunity & Wellness (GROW) Center for Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities at Henry Ford Health.
We asked Dr. Johnson-Hooper and Jannel Phillips, PhD, a clinical neuropsychologist who works with children and teens with autism at Henry Ford Health, for start-of-school-year suggestions.
Here’s a checklist of actionable strategies to set your child up for success:
1. Share specifics about your child’s autism needs at the start of school
Describe how your child looks when they’re paying attention, feeling stressed or frustrated. This may be different from other children, and these insights prevent teachers from misinterpreting behaviors.
2. Highlight autism strengths and learning styles in the classroom
IEPs often focus on challenges and accommodations, but they may not capture what your child does well. Sharing your child’s strengths gives teachers new ways to help them succeed.
“One of the things I find that IEPs lack is really describing the child’s strengths and how to utilize those strengths in a way that can really assist with learning and really blossoming in the classroom,” says Dr. Phillips.
3. Ask teachers about their teaching style so you can prepare your child
Every teacher has a different approach. Some lecture, some use group work, and others rely on hands-on activities. These differences can affect how your child with autism experiences the classroom.
By asking teachers about their style, you can give your child a preview of what to expect. If the teacher uses group projects, you might role-play at home. If a teacher expects frequent participation, you can practice responses together to reduce stress.
Repeat this important task for every teacher your child has — a number that grows in middle and high school.
4. Find out how your child’s teacher prefers to communicate
Strong communication depends on knowing the best way to connect. Some teachers prefer email or messages through the school’s portal, others want quick notes or short conversations. Establishing this early shows respect for their time and keeps information flowing.
“You want to respect your teacher’s time,” says Dr. Phillips. “Ask them, would it be OK if I communicate different things? What would be the best way for me to reach you if I see any needs?”
Dr. Johnson-Hooper echoes this from personal experience. “At one point, with three kids in three different school systems, all teachers wanted communication in a different way. It can be intense, so ask up front,” she says.
5. Be proactive with concerns and updates
“It is important for parents to know that if they do have concerns, they bring them to the school and not wait until the parent teacher conference,” says Dr. Phillips.
Also, share life updates that could affect your child’s progress. A change in routines, stress at home or a new medication can help teachers interpret what they see in class and respond more effectively.
6. Teachers can help kids with autism build friendships, so lean in
No matter what grade your child’s teacher can help create positive interactions between peers. Children with autism often want friendships but may struggle with the “how.”
“Providing anticipatory guidance to a teacher can make a big difference,” says Dr. Johnson-Hooper. “It does take some prompting and supporting. For some kids more than others, a teacher can help encourage peers to be open and accepting.”
Let teachers know if your child has trouble recognizing personal boundaries or needs support when joining group activities. This helps educators create small but meaningful opportunities for social success.
7. Help your growing child with autism build independence
As your child matures, model how to speak up during school meetings, then encourage them to take the lead. Over time, you can step back so they practice self-advocacy — an essential autism support strategy.
“Parents may need to continue to be physically present. But if they are in the process of being more independent, you can be more in the background,” says Dr. Phillips.
“Ideally, when they’re 19, 20, 21, regardless of the space, if it’s community college, four year college or looking for employment, they have practiced those self-advocacy skills,” says Dr. Johnson-Hooper.
8. Support autism school readiness with healthy routines
Strong and balanced routines around sleep, nutrition and outside play create a foundation for success at school.
“Back to school for everyone, and particularly for kids with autism, you want to reinforce the need for ritual and routine and leverage it for the good,” says Dr. Johnson-Hooper.
This content is sponsored by Henry Ford Health. Learn more at henryford.com.
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