-from the Autism Society: Planning for Successful Transitions Across Grade Levels
The beginning of the new school year is a time of transition.
Many teachers may not have previous experience with students on the autism spectrum. therefore, they will need basic information about asd and how it impacts the student.
This brochure from the Autism Society’s Living with Autism Series has suggestions that can help ease the impact of the transition process for a student on the autism spectrum.
Facilitating a Smooth Transition
“Whether a student is moving to a new classroom or to a new building, it is helpful to identify the homeroom teacher, or general or special educator who will
have primary responsibility for the student.”
- Before entering a new school, any anxieties the student may have about the new setting should be alleviated. Preparation for this move can be facilitated by providing the student with a map of the school, a copy of his or her fall schedule, a copy of the student handbook and rules, and a list of clubs and extracurricular activities.
- A videotape can be developed about the new school, providing written information about specific situations so that the student can learn and rehearse for the change at his or her own pace.
- Visitations should be conducted to allow the student and his or her family to meet relevant school staff, locate the student’s locker and become familiar with the school culture.
- Key people or a mentor should be identified that the student can contact if he or she is having a difficult time adjusting to or understanding a certain situation. Finding allocation where the student can go to relax and regroup also is helpful, as is providing the student with a visual menu of coping strategies.
When will your child transition across grade levels?
Remember – preparation for transition should begin early in the spring.
Use these tips as a resource for developing a written transition plan this year to facilitate a student’s successful movement.
Living with Autism: Planning for Successful Transitions – across grade levels
https://www.autism-society.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Transition_Across_Grade_Levels.pdf
