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Neurodiversity & Supporting Routines For School Success

16 JULY 2024

Explore strategies to help families support SEN children with morning routines and school days, including setting clear goals, creating organized study spaces, and maintaining communication with teachers.

Establish a clear morning routine

As a family, discuss what time everyone needs to be out the door for school and work. Consider each person’s needs and agree on a plan. Then, do a dry run to see if the routine works smoothly and make adjustments if needed.

Buy an alarm clock

Neurodivergent children can often face challenges with time blindness on top of morning motivation. Investing in a reliable, fun alarm clock can help ensure they wake up on time and start their day in the most effective way.

Set goals and offer rewards

Discuss your child’s goals for the school day and set up a reward system to encourage being ready on time. Make the rewards meaningful by tailoring them to your child’s interests for the best results.

Utilise calendars

Fill the calendar with essential tasks like finishing homework and packing the school bag the night before. This helps your child stay organised, reduces stress, and builds a consistent routine.

Keep in regular contact with your child’s teacher

The more informed you are about your child’s progress in school, the more effective your support can be in preparing your child for school on a daily basis. Regular communication with teachers allows you to address any challenges early, celebrate successes, and tailor your approach to best meet your child’s needs.

Involve your child in decisions

To help build your child’s engagement in school, encourage them to choose their own stationery and accessories. Giving them this choice allows them to express their personality and feel a sense of ownership over their school supplies.

Create a clutter-free study area

To help encourage your child to engage with learning at home, clear a space for them to study in, as too much clutter in their field of vision can contribute to a child becoming disengaged and shut down.

Plan an after-school activity

Most neurodivergent children and young people need a post-school activity that they enjoy to help them transition to home life. This can help with any ‘homework wars’ when your child may feel that they have to be on-task and ready to learn at all times.

Set up a homework routine with your child

Decide whether your child will have some free time before starting homework, agree on how long homework should take, and include short breaks to help them stay focused.

Looking for more SEN advice and support?

Explore our library of free resources.