Helping Kids With Autism Thrive at School. Tips from Rebekah Lansford

The start of a new school year can feel exciting and overwhelming for any family. For parents of children with autism, the transition from summer to school often comes with unique challenges. Recently, I sat down with Rebekah Lansford, Licensed Behavior Analyst, and Kimberly Hawkins, Owner of Multiple Choices, to talk about practical ways parents can make back-to-school smoother.

Communication Makes All the Difference

Now that school is underway, keeping open lines of communication is very important. As Kimberly Hawkins, owner of Multiple Choices and autism parent, explained: "It's very important to communicate with your teachers, with your support persons at home, your family members, your friends, all the folks who are going to be there to help assist you with your child."

Rebekah Lansford, licensed ABA specialist, agreed, "Collaboration is so important that I actually have it as a part of my practice as an ABA professional." This kind of teamwork shouldn't stop once the first day is over. It includes not just parents and teachers, but also speech therapists, co-parents, and caregivers — anyone who supports your child's growth week after week.

Talking to Teachers Without Feeling Pushy

Parents often wonder how to approach teachers without sounding demanding. Rebekah suggests starting with the positives: "Start off with their strengths. Say, 'This is my child — he loves X, Y, and Z.' Then share some of the things you do at home that support him."

This makes the conversation feel supportive and cooperative, while still giving teachers the information they need to help.

Don't Wait Until There's a Problem.

Should parents wait a few weeks before reaching out? Rebekah's answer is simple: "Best practice is prevention. We always say a pound of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure."

That means making contact early — even before school starts — to share strategies that work at home and could make the classroom transition easier.

How Parent Training Fits In

Parent training is designed to give families practical tools they can use every day. Rebekah explained it this way: "One thing I would do is teach parents how to practice listening and following directions at home. Then, when the child goes to school, they already have that skill."

When children see the same expectations across settings, they're more likely to succeed at home and school.

A Reminder for Parents, Too

Rebekah also offered a reminder for parents themselves: "Autistic children experience the world so intensely. When they're at school, it can be a lot. I just ask for your patience when they're having a hard day."

And as one parent wisely put it, "Before you can help someone else, you have to help yourself."

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With clear communication, small routines, and strong partnerships between parents and teachers, children with autism can thrive in the classroom and at home.