Autism Special Needs Checklist for Kids Aged 6 – 12

Transition planning is a critical step to help your child with ASD make the most of their elementary school years. Here are some steps that will allow them to ease into group learning and feel comforted and supported through these years.

1. Tap into Support Systems at School: As per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDA), children with an Autism diagnosis are eligible for the Individualized Education Program (IEP) as part of additional services at their local school district. IEP typically addresses behavior, sensory concerns, and speech and language, and helps your child get extra support through a classroom aide, during breaks, or through designated social skills groups.

2. Add Technology to the Mix: Whether it is educational apps, computer programs or games, or assistive devices, technology can be a great friend to children with ASD. Choose from a variety of apps and digital media that use fun and engaging content for improving verbal and social skills, encouraging and rewarding good behaviors, increasing focus, and reinforcing the skills that the child learns in both, school and therapy sessions.

3. Plan Social Activities: Since socializing may not come easily to children with ASD, it may translate into added stress and struggle in a school environment. Planning play dates and other extracurricular activities with peers will help your child practice their social skills, as well as make new friends.

4. Encourage Physical Activity: Enroll your child for some type of physical activity that they enjoy or teach them yourself. Regular physical activity will not only prevent childhood obesity, but also improve your child’s strength, balance, coordination, and body awareness. Depending on the activities you choose, you may also notice other benefits, such as enhanced focus and attention, reduced challenging behaviors and increased self-stimulating behaviors.

5. Address Emotional Needs: At times, the school environment could make your child feel isolated, sad, or angry. Keep an eye out for anything that indicates that your child is not comfortable at school. Decreased appetite, lack of desire to attend school, unexplained crying, lack of sleep, are all classic signs that your child may be lonely, depressed, or a victim of bullying. Talk to your child frequently about their experiences at school, check on their satisfaction with the group learning environment, and use role-play to discover any issues that they are unable to vocalize. Report issues (if any) to the teachers, counselors, or other trusted authorities in order to address them immediately and appropriately.

6. Prepare for Puberty: Children with ASD may experience the same emotions and confusion upon reaching puberty as neurotypical children do. Talk to your doctor about what to expect as your child matures and reassure your child that the changes that come with puberty are a normal aspect of growing up. Sensitize your child about their private parts, inappropriate touching, proper dressing, expected physical changes, and other aspects related to hitting puberty.

7. Find Support for Yourself: While parenting a child with Autism, it is important to have a support system for yourself as well. Connect with peer parents who understand the day-to-day challenges of nurturing a child with ASD, find a local support group, or join any online communities that exchange anecdotes and advice.