Guest writer Josh is Sarah Steinberg’s brother. Josh is 29 years old, lives in California and has autism. As a child, Josh struggled to communicate and he didn’t speak until the age of 4. Over the years Josh learned to communicate, and today he has a lot to speak about and share with listeners. Josh now lives on his own in his own apartment with some in home support. This independence came after years of therapy and special education working toward this goal. Josh writes a monthly article for our blog. We encourage readers to send in questions to Josh to be featured in a special question and answer series with Josh.
Gazing at a paper sun
The first day in a classroom can be a mixture of many emotions for any kid, not just one whose on the Autism Spectrum. Having a new routine of homework, set lunches, and play times can be a strong departure from goofing off, snacks 24/7, and just doing whatever you feel whenever you feel. But if you listen to me, your friend with autism, I can give you some perspective that could help make Tom or Jerry’s first day at school a little more bearable for both the parent AND the child.
One suggestion is simple; comfort items. It is not uncommon for any kid to be nervous about a new setting and having a plushie or a card or other keepsake item at the ready could help. For me, I had a scarlet-and-white blanket that I used like Linus from the Peanuts strips. For your little one, it could be a teddy bear or a baseball card or even an action figure! The possibilities are endless!
Another suggestion is familiarity. One thing that is CRUCIAL to handling a new environment is exploration and getting adjusted to the new locale that surrounds you. Get to know where the bathrooms are, the milk table, where Billy Barty has his tantrums, whatever you can do to associate a sign of routine and comfort to every section. It could be anything from a yellow paper sun to a stick-up calendar. Just associating these things with the different areas could be a real boon.
One more suggestion is DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS. If you are having trouble figuring out where something goes or where it can be found like glue or a book, don’t be scared to ask a teacher or classmate for a little help. Even the strongest have to get help from time to time, it doesn’t make them weak, it makes them normal. If someone makes fun of you for not knowing where something goes on day one, then they’re the ones with serious problems.
Just use some of these tips and I guarantee by the end of the first day, the first question your kids will be asking is “Why do we only go 5 days a week?”
Check out these other great blog posts written by Josh: