For most of us, it hasn’t been that long since the new school year started. Usually enough time to get a feeling for how the school year is going to go. From schedules to homework to after school activities and sports if that pertains.

For our children who have special needs, this month helps us guage all that and more. Especially how our children are handling their new classes and the challenges associated with their individual challenges. And don’t forget, how the school is following the new IEP ( or not, in many cases).

Many of you know that Elizabeth, my daughter, has special needs. She has SPD ( Sensory Processing Disorder) and Global Dyspraxia. Both affect her life everyday. All day everyday really. Including her language as she didn’t talk until she was 5 years old.

And the one big thing I learned waaaaaaay early on was the importance of communication to the best of Elizabeth’s ability at any given time.

Asking her questions and opinions and including her in decisions as best as both she and we can. Be them via visual tools or verbal.

So with that all in mind,

Here are 4 easy tips to use during this school year:

  1. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT GOALS FOR THE YEAR

I say this one because I know what MY goals and hopes are for Elizabeth, but I shared in a blog prior, that they were NOT her goals now. Truly, at the age she is she SHOULD have a say in her goals, but in truth, all typical children have a say in their plans or choices ( some have bigger says than others). From the sport they like, to the after school activities so if neurotypical children can have this say, then it serves to logic that our special needs children should get to have the same…to their best ability. It was truly eye opening to hear Elizabeth’s goals and I was grateful to know them and try to help her meet them.

2. HELP THEM PLAN A WORK SPACE

Face it, trying to learn with the blender going, a sibling talking and the T.V. on can be super challenging for some and for other silence is the enemy. It really is all about the child and their needs and ways of learning. So plan out a place that fits their needs best and designate it as their schoolwork spot. So maybe take a peek at available spaces that may work and go from there. I know Elizabeth wants to be alone and in a quiet room with me when we work but changes the room depending on her mood.

3. HELP THEM PLAN THEIR SCHOOL DAY

My beautiful typical developing son, Michael showed me just how well a greatly motivated student can pull of a quick study session RIGHT before a quiz. or how a nap might sound better than studying, which will then be moved to a not so ideal time. So there’s that option but that one leads to a crammed in day, hurried work and less processing of information. So a few, nice conversations later, Michael was part of planning a schedule for work that allowed time for all things.

It helps our children to have a schedule of their days and work to help them prioritize, plan and process their work. And for those with special needs, it helps them plan for the work and transition between challenges.. I know Elizabeth WANTS to know what work she will be doing each day. Even if your child is home with you, a plan helps everyone stay organized and shows where there is time to put in a walk, some fun thing or simple downtime

4.PLAN A TIME TO CHECK IN WITH THEM

Sure they could literally be at your kitchen table all day. Or home from school for hours. But checking in with them means checking in on emotions, how they are coping, their anxiety or concerns. Just because your child, special needs or typical “look” ok doesn’t mean they don’t have something to share or talk about.

Making time to check in is, in my opinion, critical. Michael and I call it “hanging out for a while” and Elizabeth calls it “chat time” Whatever its term, it is really important.

Time for school is upon us in some form…so a bit of planning can help instill a bit of peace and allows you to catch issues early and deal with them well.

I wish everyone a peaceful week.

Michele Gianetti author of Elizabeth Believes in Herself.