Summer is over, and fall knocks on our doors with its rains and colored leaves. The end of summer also means that school bells are ringing, signaling the beginning of another school year—which can be an exciting time for parents and children.
However, for children with autism, even kindergarten can be a stressful change. As a parent, you know that integrating them into the education system is beneficial for their growth. But how do you really know when your autistic child is ready for school?
A lot of that depends on how well your child can pay attention (as well as sit still and listen for an extended time) and manage emotions and behavior. The child must play well with other children and know how to share.
Some common concerns for the transition to formal education are:
- Low attention span
- Sensory issues
- Tantrums if the routine is interrupted
- Refusal to follow directions
- Communication issues with other children
- Limited social skills
Yet you can’t know for sure. First of all, you need to take the time to get them ready for the change. Teachers stress that emotional maturity and independence are more important than knowing numbers, shapes, colors, and numbers.
To make it easier, this article explores whether your autistic child is ready or not for kindergarten.
When Should Children Start Kindergarten?
Generally, most kids are ready by the time they reach 4 ½ or five years old. Yet many parents decide to hold them back because it’s advantageous for children to be among the oldest in the class. This phenomenon is called redshirting—an increasingly popular tactic.
For example, if your child is younger than the rest of the other children, they might be too immature to join kindergarten. Consider waiting a year. A study found that the youngest children in the class are likely diagnosed with ADHD.
Children with mental health or developmental issues such as ADHD, autism, and anxiety shouldn’t wait an extra year. They need to get support as soon as possible. While each state has different laws about when children should start kindergarten, they all require children to attend kindergarten at a certain age.
If your child is not ready, you can apply for permission to wait a year. However, if you wait a year, it’s essential to work on developing the skills they are lacking. You can do this at home or by enrolling the child in a play or preschool group.
How do you know your child is ready?
Laura Phillips, a clinical neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute, says that a crucial factor when deciding whether your child is ready for kindergarten or not is reaching a particular developmental milestone, such as social-emotional and language development. This also includes self-regulation skills, as well as paying attention and managing their emotions.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Is the child able to share appropriately?
- Does the child have the ability to show interest in being with other children or play cooperatively?
- Does the child want to learn?
- Can the child sit and listen for an extended period?
- Is the child independent or has trouble separating themselves from their parents?
Continue Reading: Tips for Promoting Independence in Children with Autism.
Tips for Helping Children with the Transition to Kindergarten
Start Working on a New Routine
Kindergarten is the introduction to a whole new world and routine. For children with autism, it can be a nightmare of new sensations and new events. While children may eventually accept the new routine, adjusting will take time.
You can start ahead of time and create a schedule that closely resembles the one they’ll follow during the school year. This way, the child will get used to it and be prepared for school. Or you can buy a visual schedule, such as the one from SchKlDules.
Read: Back to School: Tips for Autism.
Speak with the Kindergarten Teachers
It’s always a good idea to speak with your child’s teachers and let them know the issues your autistic child is dealing with. Explain the child’s triggers and coping mechanisms, and offer any other helpful information your teacher might find useful.
Chances are your teacher doesn’t know how to deal with autistic children. Teachers are there to help your little one grow, so if you want them to do their job more effectively, they need to have all the instruments at their disposal, such as fidget toys, visual timers, or chair bands.
Expose the Child to New Things
Most challenges can be overcome through experience and exposure. You can start exposing your child to social situations, new clothes, environments, and experiences. Don’t panic if you don’t know how to do this—in no time, you will get the hang of this and lead your child to a successful life.
Should You Choose Special Education?
For children with autism, should you choose a public school, a private school, or even special education programs? It’s often difficult to decide, but it depends on your child’s developmental needs and the available educational resources.
Some experts believe that inclusion or educating children alongside children without autism will help children with ASD learn from other peers and improve at a faster rate. However, critics of this tactic believe teachers are not trained well enough to deal with an autistic child’s needs.
Research your local school district options and seek advice from your child’s therapist.
You can read the Pros & Cons of Public Schools for Children with Autism for more information.