ND DD stressed about going back to school

[kidsbeingloudagain]

Not my dd actually but my friend. Her dd is audhd and stressed out about going back to school - going into Year 8. Not for the academic side, but the other side of it, interacting with teachers, students, the fact that it’s going to be a different form room and different form tutor, that kind of thing. Does anyone have any suggestions for what might make it easier for her?

Firstly, I'm surprised the school hasn't done anything in terms of managing the transition to Year 8. I'd suggest contacting the new form tutor and the Senco just to let them know that how she's feeling so they can be aware and put in place some kind of appropriate support. Other than that, I'd also suggest getting the 'Social Scripts for the Autistic Student' book, which goes over everyday school interactions and breaks down the 'hidden' social rules behind them. But my main advice would be to contact the school BEFORE she goes back.

Thanks @motheroftwoalwayscan you tell me who the author of the book is so I can look it up?

it didn’t occur to me to suggest contacting the school, I think my friend was concentrating more on her dd to stop spiralling, but that’s a good shout.

The author is Alan Wheelan. It's a really good book but I'd still be looking to involve the school as well because your dd doesn't have to do it all alone. Even if she's reluctant to let them know (and at that age, they hate drawing attention to themselves).

I totally agree with PP that the key is getting the best provision she can for her in school. There are levers that can be pulled - excusing from PE, having a safe place to go, a "red card" to escape the classroom if overwhelmed - and these things are best put in before the crisis.

Keeping her calm over the next few days is more about knowing what works for her personally. Some DC will benefit from being kept occupied or physically tired out, others will need more downtime. We get into a box set and have a little evening routine of watching it, to have something easy to look forward to that gets them out of their room. We also try to just be around to do low demand things with them if they feel up to it. We do jigsaws and put on happy music, just easy stuff. But it is more drawing on familiar ways of regulating than starting anything new, I think.