Sydney, NSW - As thousands of families prepare for the new school year, Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is urging parents, carers and schools to put simple, proactive supports in place to help Autistic students have a smoother start and settle into new environments more quickly.
Around 1 in 27 Australian children are diagnosed Autistic, and transitions such as starting or changing schools can be harder due to sensory sensitivities, unfamiliar routines and shifting social expectations.
To help families and educators, Aspect has released a practical, evidence-informed checklist for students starting school for the first time or changing schools.
Maryanne Gosling, Aspect’s National Director of Education said starting school is a major milestone for any child, but for Autistic students it often brings added stress. “With thoughtful preparation and the right supports, we can reduce uncertainty, increase predictability and make the experience far more positive for students and their families.”
Ms Gosling added that the right supports don’t have to be complicated. “Simple adjustments, like visual schedules, advance school visits or clear communication, can make a world of difference to a student’s sense of safety, predictability and belonging.”
Aspect’s checklist outlines simple steps for parents, carers and educators that can significantly reduce first-day anxiety.
1. Build familiarity early - Visiting the school, exploring classrooms and taking photos or videos allows children to revisit the environment at home and rehearse what the first day might look like. Practising the journey, whether by car, bus, train or walking, also helps reduce uncertainty.
2. Practice routines gradually - Introducing school uniforms in short bursts, revisiting daily routines such as packing a bag, lining up or sitting on the mat, and using social stories or visual schedules can help prepare children for the structure of a school day.
3. Share key information with the school - Parents are encouraged to work with their school and the teacher to develop a clear profile of their child, including their strengths, interests, communication style, sensory preferences, learning needs and effective calming strategies. This helps teachers understand how to best support the child from day one and ensures continuity between home and school.
4. Involve early childhood educators - Preschools and early learning centres can share valuable insights into a child’s social preferences, motivators, sensory supports, routines and regulation strategies. Passing this information to the new school helps ensure a more seamless transition.
Florence Ah Yek, a parent whose child is preparing to start school with Aspect’s support said the planning has already made a noticeable difference. “Putting into action some proven advice has given our child a sense of predictability,” said Ms Ah Yek, whose son is due to start at Aspect Macarthur School this year. “Simple things like practicing the school run, trying on the uniform in small steps and looking at photos of the classroom has helped him feel calmer and more ready for what’s ahead.”
This checklist is designed to support families as well as educators who may not have had an Autistic student in their class before, Ms Gosling said. However, implementing these approaches can have a wider reaching impact.
“When schools embrace inclusive practices, they’re not just supporting Autistic students but building environments where every child can thrive,” she said. “Predictability, empathy and strong home–school collaboration benefits all students, not only those on the autism spectrum.”
Download the checklist here.
For more information:
Karen Keech karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Aspect
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia)
is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to co-develop, co-produce and co-deliver supports and services that are individualised, goal driven and grounded in evidence-based practices.
