The School Year: Tips for Success for the Autistic Student
Return to school is a great time to teach students about balancing their life schedule based on what their nervous system needs. Here are three of my most common recommendations for the autistic student.
1. Create a Balanced Schedule
Many students feel pressure to take on advanced classes, extracurriculars, and maintain a packed schedule. However, for autistic students, managing a heavy academic load can quickly become overwhelming. It’s essential that they learn to to balance the demands of school with their mental and emotional needs.
Consider Regular Classes Instead of Honors: Honors or advanced placement courses might seem like the path to academic success, but they often come with increased expectations and workload. For autistic students, the stress from these classes may outweigh the benefits. Standard courses may offer a more manageable pace, allowing them to focus on learning without the added intensity.
Build in Downtime with a Study Hall: Instead of a packed academic schedule, consider adding a study hall. This structured break allows the student to work on homework, catch up on assignments, or simply decompress during the school day. A little downtime can prevent dysregulation and set them up for a more balanced experience.
2. Use Scheduled Breaks
A standard accommodation within a 504 plan or an IEP is to offer "breaks as needed." However, I recommend scheduled breaks. Having a schedule and routine can be comforting for the student, and knowing when they have a break coming up can actually decrease a build-up of anxiety and help them stay in the classroom longer.
Scheduled Breaks Instead of “As Needed”: While well-intentioned, “as needed” breaks require students to recognize when they need to step away, which can be difficult for autistic students. They may not realize they’re overstimulated until they’re already in a crisis, making it harder to manage emotions. Worse, asking for a break may involve speaking in front of the class or approaching the teacher, which can be anxiety-inducing.
504 Plan or IEP Accommodations: An educational plan (either an IEP or 504) can include the need for scheduled breaks. This proactive approach gives students a predictable routine, helps them manage sensory overload, and reduces the need for self-advocacy when they're already overwhelmed. Two 10-minute breaks may make a big difference in their resilience at school.
3. Build Protected Time After School
The time immediately after school is another important period for autistic students. Without structured downtime, students may carry the stress of the school day into the evening, impacting their ability to focus on homework or enjoy their time at home.
Don’t Insist on Homework First Thing: Many students are expected to dive into homework as soon as they get home, but for autistic students, this can be a recipe for burnout. After a day of managing social interactions, sensory inputs, and academic demands, they need time to unwind.
Create a Post-School Routine: Build a routine that allows them to have a snack, drink water, enjoy quiet time, or do an activity they love before even thinking about homework. This protected time helps them recharge, refocus, and transition smoothly into the next part of their day. Prioritizing their well-being and balance will lead to greater success in schoolwork and emotional health.
Conclusion
Setting autistic students up for success involves creating thoughtful balance and structure both during and after the school day. By lightening their academic load, offering predictable breaks, and building in protected downtime, we can support their unique needs and ensure that they thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, small adjustments can make a big difference in helping autistic students navigate the school year with confidence.