Back to school as an Autism Parent…..Excitement, Worry and a whole lot of advocating!

🎒 Back to School as an Autism Parent: Excitement, Worry… and a Whole Lot of Advocating

Back-to-school season is often talked about like it’s automatically exciting.

New backpacks. New clothes. Fresh starts. Getting back into routine.

And for some families, it absolutely can feel that way.

But as an autism parent, this time of year can also bring a lot of uncertainty.

A new teacher.

A new classroom.

A new routine.

New expectations.

Sometimes new support staff.

And once again, you find yourself wondering:

Will this teacher understand my child?

Will they recognize what helps them regulate?

Will they understand how they communicate?

Will they notice when they’re overwhelmed before it becomes too much?

Will the IEP actually be followed?

Will the accommodations that worked last year continue this year?

Will my child be treated fairly?

Will they make friends?

Will they have someone to sit with at lunch?

Or will they spend those moments alone?

There is so much that can run through our minds this time of year.

And then there’s the advocating.

Explaining your child all over again.

Sharing what works.

Sharing what doesn’t.

Reminding people that behaviour is communication.

Making sure support plans are understood.

Following up.

Checking in.

And sometimes having to advocate again and again when something doesn’t feel right.

It can be exhausting.

For some autistic and neurodivergent children, going back to school is actually a relief because summer has meant less structure and consistency. They thrive when their routines return.

For others, the transition can take time.

They may need days or even weeks to adjust to a different classroom, different people, different expectations and a completely different rhythm to their day.

Neither experience is wrong.

Every child is different.

I also see this from two perspectives.

I work in the public education system as my other job outside of travel, so I understand some of what happens on the school side.

But more importantly, I understand it as an autism mom.

I understand what it feels like to send your child into a building and hope the people caring for them will see the whole person — not just a diagnosis, a behaviour, or something written in a file.

I understand the worrying.

I understand wondering whether they’re okay when you’re not there.

And I understand how hard it can be to enjoy the “back-to-school excitement” when your mind is busy running through a hundred different what-ifs.

So if you’re feeling a little unsettled as school starts again, you’re definitely not the only one.

And if your child takes a little longer to settle back into routine, that’s okay too.

Here’s hoping this school year brings understanding teachers, supportive classrooms, friendships, growth, and plenty of moments where our kids are given the opportunity to truly thrive. 💛

For the autism parents in the group — what is your biggest worry when a new school year begins?