Navigating Back-to-School for Children with Autism: Essential Tips, Strategies, Advice for Parents

School season is in full swing across Central Florida, but for parents of children with autism, it’s more than buying new clothes and supplies.




With the school year back in full swing, parents to children with autism face unique challenges, parents and experts in the Orlando area were asked what advice they would offer that helped set their kids up for school.

Dan Ward and Rajiv Menon shared insights from their parenting experiences and from their work with Jonathan’s Landing, while Elizabeth Howe from the Center for Independent Living Orlando offered advice on advocating for your child. Below are their tips to help your child with autism thrive this school year.

Establish a routine
Dan Ward, Parent of a Child with Autism and Jonathan’s Landing board member

• Routine and structure are not just helpful but crucial for your child’s school success. Take the time to discuss each class’s layout, navigation, and daily schedule with your child beforehand. A physical day planner for our daughter has been a game-changer, providing a tangible schedule she can rely on.

Nurture their strengths
Rajiv Menon, Parent of a Child with Autism and Jonathan’s Landing board member

• Perseverance is our son’s superpower, so we were proud to see him gain social confidence through his growth in Tennis. We also email his teachers at the start of each school year to outline his progress, strengths, and areas needing extra attention. This helps ensure consistency and alignment between home and school.

Advocate and adapt
Elizabeth Howe, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living Orlando

• Meet with teachers and the ESE team regularly to understand what they are doing in class and what can be implemented at home. If something is no longer meeting the needs, request an IEP/504 review meeting and advocate for your child.

With 1 in 36 children diagnosed on the spectrum in the U.S. and Florida having the highest prevalence, offering tips on how to set a child up for success isn’t just a back-to-school issue; it’s a critical concern throughout the year.