As a parent, the first day of school is always a mix of excitement and anxiety. But when your child has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), these emotions can be magnified. Going back to school with sensory processing disorder can be hard. I’ve been there so, I know how challenging it can be. Through trial and error as a mom and a social worker, I’ve found some effective strategies to help ease the transition. Here’s my guide to help your child start their school year on the right foot.
(I am not a professional, just a mom who’s in it with you. This does not replace professional, medical help.)
Understanding SPD
First, it’s important to understand what Sensory Processing Disorder is. SPD affects how the brain processes sensory information, causing children to either overreact or underreact to stimuli. This can make the bustling environment of a school quite overwhelming. Knowing this and what your kid’s specific sensory needs are helps us approach preparations with empathy and patience.
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Morning Routine
Mornings set the tone for the rest of the day. I’ve found that a consistent and sensory-friendly routine can work wonders. Here’s how I do it:
- Wake Up Slowly: Gentle, slow wake-ups are key in our household. I use a soft-spoken voice and give my child a few minutes to adjust before getting out of bed or turning on lights.
- Sensory Breakfast: I make sure breakfast is not only nutritious but also caters to my child’s sensory needs. Crunchy cereal or a smoothie with a straw provides oral sensory input that helps regulate their system.
- Comfortable Clothing: We pick out clothes the night before, focusing on comfort. Tagless shirts, seamless socks, and soft fabrics are lifesavers. Maybe for the first couple of weeks, they get to wear their most comfortable, favorite clothes.
School Supplies and Comfort Items
Shopping for school supplies can be fun but also a sensory overload. Here’s my approach:
- Tactile-Friendly Supplies: Consider your kid’s sensory needs here. Are there colors, fabrics, or textures that would be helpful? We choose supplies that are comfortable to touch and bright colors. Smooth pencils, soft erasers, and notebooks with silky covers make a difference.
- Familiar Items: I let my child bring a small comfort item to school. This might be a piece of fabric they like to touch or a keychain that smells good. It’s a little piece of home they can hold onto. Our rule is that it has to fit in his backpack, and he must agree that he understands it could get broken or lost. I let his teacher’s know what the comfort item is.
Visiting the School
Familiarity reduces anxiety, so visiting the school beforehand is crucial.
- Meet the Teacher: We arrange a meeting with the teacher to discuss my child’s needs. It’s reassuring for my child to see a friendly face on the first day.
- Tour the School: Walking through the school when it’s quiet helps my child get used to the environment. We visit the spaces he’ll be visiting on a school day.
- Practice the Route: We practice the route to school a few times. This seems silly, but we have the best conversations on our drive about prepping for school. He seems to appreciate recognizing where he’s going. Familiarity: comfort.
Creating a Sensory Toolkit
A sensory toolkit is a collection of items that help your child self-regulate throughout the day. Each school handles this differently. Consider starting a conversation about what is allowed/appropriate for your child’s classroom.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can be a game-changer for noisy environments like the cafeteria or assemblies.
- Fidget Toys: Small, discreet fidget toys can help your child stay focused without being disruptive.
- Chewable Jewelry: If your child seeks oral sensory input, chewable jewelry can be a great option.
- Weighted Items: A small weighted lap pad or stuffie can provide calming deep pressure input during class.
Communicating with the School
Open communication with the school is essential. Here’s what I do:
- IEP or 504 Plan: If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, make sure it’s up-to-date and the school staff is aware of it.
- Teacher Communication: I write a letter to the teacher explaining my child’s needs and sensory triggers. It’s also helpful to provide a list of strategies that work at home.
- Emergency Plan: Though we have not needed it, I have had a plan to present to the teachers for if my child become overwhelmed at school. This might include a safe space where they can go to calm down.
Role-Playing and Social Stories
Preparation through play is powerful. Role-playing the first day of school helps my child anticipate what will happen and how to handle different situations when going back to school with sensory processing disorder.
- First-Day Scenarios: We act out different parts of the day, from saying goodbye at the door to asking the teacher for help. This builds confidence. Sometimes he looks at me a laughs. If he doesn’t take it seriously, at least we’re bonding. 🙂
- Social Stories: Creating a social story that outlines the day in pictures and simple text helps my child visualize what to expect.
Morning of the First Day
The big day is here! Here’s how I make it as smooth as possible:
- Early Start: We wake up a bit earlier to avoid rushing. A calm start to the day makes a huge difference.
- Positive Reinforcement: I use lots of positive language and encouragement. We talk about the fun things they’ll do and the friends they’ll make.
- Goodbye Ritual: We have a special goodbye ritual that’s quick but comforting, like a secret handshake or a hug. We’ve done it since he was 2.5-years-old, and I never want it to stop!
After School
The first day doesn’t end when the bell rings. Here’s how I handle the after-school transition (which can be a real bear!):
- Quiet Time: I give my child some quiet time to decompress. This might be reading, drawing, or just cuddling on the couch. For some kids, TV is very stimulating, so I would not recommend incorporating it here. For others, it provides a great “zone-out space.” To each their own here.
- Debriefing: We talk about the day, but not right away. He’s usually not up for it until bed time. Even then, I only get snippets of information, but at least the door is open, right? Focusing on the positive parts. I listen to their concerns and reassure them that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed if we make safe, kind choices still.
- Celebrate: We celebrate the first day with a special treat or activity. It’s important to end on a high note and reinforce the idea that school can be a positive experience.
Ongoing Support
The first day is just the beginning. Continuing support is crucial for long-term success, not just going back to school with sensory processing disorder.
- Regular Check-Ins: I maintain regular communication with the teacher to stay informed about how my child is doing and address any issues early.
- Adjustments: I’m always ready to make adjustments to our strategies based on what works and what doesn’t. Flexibility is key.
- Celebrating Milestones: We celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Each achievement is a step forward.
Going back-to-school with sensory processing disorder is a journey for everyone that requires patience, empathy, and creativity. By creating a supportive and understanding environment, we can help our children thrive and embrace the school experience with confidence. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—there’s a community of parents and professionals ready to support you and your child every step of the way.
