1. Create a Predictable Routine
Predictability reduces uncertainty, which calms anxiety. Establish clear morning and goodbye routines. Use visual schedules or consistent sensory tools for autism like timers or routine charts to ensure your child knows what to expect.
Occupational Therapy Activities for Children With Autism
Understanding and Managing Autism Meltdowns: Strategies for Calming Down
2. Use Visual Supports
Visual supports act as communication tools for children with special needs. These can be picture cards showing step-by-step actions or goodbye tokens that indicate when a caregiver will return, making transitions less daunting.
3. Weighted Items for Comfort
Weighted tools, like blankets, vests, or lap pads, offer soothing pressure to help regulate sensory systems during stressful mornings. These sensory tools for autism and SPD can provide a comforting, calming effect when goodbyes feel overwhelming.
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4. Plan Sensory Breaks
A child experiencing sensory overload in kids benefits tremendously from short, intentional breaks to reset. Whether it’s deep breathing, rocking, or listening to calming sounds, sensory breaks can help them handle the day’s transitions more effectively.
5. Create a Safe Space at School and Home
Identify or build sensory-friendly environments your child can retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. For example:
- At home, a cozy corner with soft pillows.
- At school, a sensory room or designated area for kids with school anxiety ADHD.
Sensory Tools in the Classroom
Active Sensory Tools: Enhancing Play for Children With Sensory Disorders
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6. Use Social Stories to Normalize Goodbyes
Craft simple stories to help your child understand and rehearse goodbye scenarios. Social stories provide a powerful visual narrative for helping ADHD children transition to school or new routines.
Top Strategies for Parents Navigating ADHD in Kids
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7. Gradual Exposure
Easing separation anxiety doesn’t happen overnight. Start small, like taking a tour of the school together before the first day. Gradually increase the time apart using sensory-friendly strategies for separation anxiety, paired with rewards or positive reinforcement.
Separation Anxiety in Children with Special Needs
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8. Leverage Communication Tools
For kids who are nonverbal or with speech delays, transitioning can feel extra frustrating. Equip your child with tools like PECs (Picture Exchange Communication System) or speech therapy apps to enhance their understanding and express their emotions.
9. Offer Calming Sensory Activities
Keep your child engaged in fun, calming sensory activities. Activities like playing with kinetic sand, practicing yoga, or using fidget toys can help regulate their system. Sensory tools for autism and sensory diets can also work wonders for relaxation.
A Guide to Understanding Sensory Diets for Children with SPD
The Benefits of Sensory Toys for Calming and Sensory Seeking Behavior
Insights into Choosing the Right Sensory Toys for ADHD
10. Seek Professional Support
Sometimes, the best way to help is to get expert insights. Sensory integration therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy can provide tailored support to ease your child’s anxiety. At DrSensory.com’s Therapist Database, you can find the right professional nearby to guide you.
Speech Therapy
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
