What Should I Tell My Child's Teacher About Autism?
As a new school year approaches, many parents wonder:
“What should I tell my child’s teacher?”
The answer is simple: share the information that will help your child feel understood, supported, and successful from day one.
Teachers want to help their students thrive, but they may not yet know your child’s unique strengths, challenges, preferences, and support needs. You are the expert on your child, and your insights can make a tremendous difference.
Here are a few important things to consider sharing with your child’s educational team.
Start with Your Child's Strengths
Begin by sharing what your child enjoys and does well.
Examples may include:
- Special interests or favorite activities
- Academic strengths
- Social strengths
- Motivators and reinforcers
- Personality traits
Starting with strengths helps teachers get to know your child as a whole person, not simply through the lens of a diagnosis.
Explain Communication Preferences
Communication looks different for every child.
Helpful information might include:
- How your child communicates wants and needs
- Whether they use AAC, visuals, gestures, or verbal communication
- How they request help
- Processing time needs
- Strategies that support communication success
Discuss Sensory Needs
School environments can be busy and stimulating.
Consider sharing:
- Sensory sensitivities (noise, lights, clothing, crowds)
- Sensory supports that help
- Signs your child may be becoming overwhelmed
- Calming strategies that are effective
Share Triggers and Warning Signs
Parents often recognize subtle signs that indicate their child is becoming dysregulated.
Examples may include:
- Changes in body language
- Repetitive questioning
- Increased scripting
- Withdrawal
- Changes in communication
Helping teachers identify these early signs can allow them to provide support before a child becomes overwhelmed.
Explain What Helps During Difficult Moments
Every child responds differently when upset or anxious.
Share strategies that work well at home or in therapy, such as:
- Visual supports
- Breaks
- Movement opportunities
- Access to preferred items
- Quiet spaces
- Specific calming techniques
Keep Communication Open
A strong partnership between home and school benefits everyone.
Consider scheduling a brief meeting or sending a short introductory email before school begins. Ongoing communication throughout the school year can help ensure consistency across environments.
You Don't Need to Share Everything at Once
Starting a new school year can feel overwhelming for families, too.
Focus on the information that will have the biggest impact on your child’s daily success. Additional information can always be shared as the year progresses.
A Simple Question to Ask Yourself
“If my child could tell their teacher three things about themselves, what would they want their teacher to know?”
Your answer is often the perfect place to start.
Related Resources
Our blog is full of great resources just for you. Check out ones related to this topic or see all of our articles here.
If you have concerns that your child has autism, contact your primary care physician. If you are looking for Applied Behavior Therapy, complete the Epicenter ABA Therapy intake form.