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Writer's pictureJR Adams

Back to School and Thriving — Preparing your Neurodivergent High Schooler

Back to School and Thriving — Preparing your Neurodivergent High Schooler

High school. For some those two words may bring a smile to their faces, memories of football games, dances, and everlasting friendships. For others, it might send shivers down your spine. 

The transition back to school, especially high school, can come with its own set of challenges. High school brings new expectations, increased independence, and a whole lot of change. But with the right preparation and strategies, we can help our teens navigate this transition with confidence and ease. These simple steps and strategies below will help them gain new confidence and further their skills toward becoming independent. 

1. Develop Independence and Self-Advocacy

  • Encourage Independence: Help your child take more responsibility for their schoolwork, time management, and personal care. Gradually increase expectations in these areas during middle school.

  • Teach Self-Advocacy: Work on skills for self-advocacy, such as how to ask for help, communicate needs, and manage accommodations. Role-play scenarios where they might need to speak up for themselves.

2. Familiarize Them with the School Environment

  • Tour the High School: Arrange for your child to visit the school before the academic year begins. This might include seeing classrooms, the cafeteria, gym, and other key areas.

  • Meet Key Staff: If possible, introduce them to key staff members like the school counselor, special education coordinator, or teachers.

3. Review and Update the IEP/504 Plan

  • Transition Planning: As part of the IEP/504 review, discuss the transition to high school with the education team. Update the plan to reflect the new challenges and goals.

  • Discuss Accommodations: Ensure accommodations are suitable for the high school setting, which might include extra time for assignments, modified seating arrangements, or the use of assistive technology.

4. Focus on Organizational Skills

An image of a smart phone with the thrive app open on the screen, showing an agenda for a teen
  • Time Management Tools: Teach your child how to use planners, digital calendars, or apps to keep track of assignments, tests, and projects. You will need to discuss this with teachers or school administrators to ensure the app can be used by your child during school hours.

  • Organizational Systems: Develop systems for organizing school materials, such as color-coded folders or binders, and practice using them before school starts.

5. Support Social and Emotional Skills

  • Social Skills Training: Consider social skills groups or therapy to help your child navigate the more complex social environment of high school.

  • Encourage Extracurricular Activities: Encourage involvement in clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities that match your child’s interests. This can help them build friendships and feel more connected to the school community.

6. Prepare for Academic Challenges

A group of four teenagers are gathered in a study space, engaged in conversation
  • Study Skills: Teach effective study strategies, such as breaking down large tasks into smaller steps, using graphic organizers, or practicing active reading techniques. The THRIVE app allows you to create subtasks, which help make large tasks seem more manageable.

  • Homework Routines: Establish a consistent homework routine and a quiet, distraction-free space for studying.


7. Address Sensory and Emotional Needs

  • Sensory Breaks: Work with the school to ensure that your child has access to sensory breaks or a quiet space if they become overwhelmed.

  • Stress Management: Teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or physical activity to manage stress.

8. Encourage a Positive Mindset

  • Build Confidence: Reinforce your child’s strengths and achievements. Discuss any concerns they may have about high school and address them with positivity and reassurance.

  • Growth Mindset: Encourage a growth mindset by focusing on effort, learning from mistakes, and celebrating progress.

9. Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed

  • Regular Check-ins: Stay in close contact with teachers, counselors, and other staff to monitor your child’s progress and adjust support as needed.

  • Be Flexible: Be open to revisiting strategies and accommodations if your child’s needs change as they adapt to high school.

10. Plan for the Future

  • Discuss Post-High School Goals: Start talking about future goals, whether it’s college, vocational training, or employment. Incorporate these goals into the IEP/504 plan.

  • Life Skills: Begin working on life skills that will be important after high school, such as budgeting, time management, and self-care.

With your help and guidance, your neurodivergent child will transition to high school with greater confidence and success, further enforcing the life skills that will continue to set your child up for success as they transition into adulthood.

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