Starting School for Neurodiverse Students Key Tips

Starting school for neurodiverse STUDENTS Top Tips for teachers & Carers

Starting School for Neurodiverse Students also includes changing teachers, changing year levels, changing primary to high school and more

Discussed in this Episode:

✅ Preparing neurodiverse children for the transition from early childhood to primary school

✅ Teaching essential practical and social skills for school readiness

✅ Addressing sensory and motor skill challenges in the school environment

✅ Importance of explicit instruction for social interactions and school routines

✅ Strategies for managing separation anxiety and new school experiences

by Sue Larkey, B Spec Ed, Ma Spec Ed

A key role at Western Autistic School in Melbourne, facilitated the integration of students with autism into mainstream primary schools. Her responsibilities included initial planning and ongoing support to ensure smooth transitions and successful inclusion.
The podcast ‘Sue Larkey’ has over 1.3 million downloads
Sue Podcast is #1 Apple Podcast Ranked (Australia: Course Category)
Podcast Resources used by Leading Universities to train teachers such as Monash University, Canberra University
Over 135,000 subscribers to her weekly E-Newsletter in over 30 countries

DOWNLOAD THE FREE STARTING SCHOOL FOR NEURODIVERSE STUDENTS – PDF FOR THIS WEEK

Click Here to Download!

10 TOP TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL

1. Opening and closing lunchboxes, unwrapping food items, and using drink bottles
2. Desensitize children to new school uniforms and shoes by wearing them before school starts
3. Teach children how to put jumpers in their school bags independently
4. Use backward chaining to teach skills like tying shoelaces
5. Create a personalized “I’m Going to School” book with photos of the school, teacher, and routines
6. Implement daily motor skill activities to improve core strength and fine motor skills
7. Practice raising hands and sitting on the mat to build core strength
8. Teach basic drawing skills (face, house, tree) to prepare for school activities
9. Use social scripts to teach school communication skills (e.g., asking to play, interrupting politely)
10. Practice packing and unpacking school bags to familiarize children with the routine

Other great insights and strategies:

Episode 93: Resources, Gift Ideas & End of Year Tips

Fantastic Cheat Sheet for Starting School for Neurodiverse Students

Episode 130: Cheat Sheets for Transition – How to Use Sue Larkey’s Cheat Sheets

Getting Ready for School Top Resources

I’m Going to School

$30.00

10 in stock

How to Stop Your Words Bumping into Someone Else’s

| by Anna Tullemans & Rhonda Dixon | This book has 18 great A4 clear pages with an excellent picture to explain so many of the common challenges students with an ASD face in social and school situations. They include: Getting Someone’s Attention, Starting a Conversation, Interrupting, Asking Someone to Play, What if a Person Says ‘No’?, Asking for Help, How loud or soft your voice should be, Waiting in Line, Waiting on the Mat and Waiting at your Desk.

$29.95

13 in stock

The Early Years: The Foundations For All Learning

Teaching Strategies for children and kids with neurodiversity in the Early Years School for Parents and Teachers

The Early Years: The Foundations For All Learning | by Sue Larkey & Gay von Ess | code: B04 | This book is full of practical ideas to give children with an ASD and other developmental delays the KEYS to learning. Teaching to play, write, draw, imitate etc. Toilet training, community access, etc. To sit, ask for help, wait, play, attention to task, sign songs, etc. Great easy to photocopy programmes.

$39.95

39 in stock

The Motor Skill Flip-Book Program

| by Sally McNamara – An easy-to-use resource for therapists, teachers, aides and parents. Developed by a paediatric occupational therapist in response to demand for quick and easy motor skill programs for children. Five colour-coded areas of motor development incorporating the whole body; including core strength, shoulder stability, gross motor coordination, fine motor coordination, and pencil control skills. 100 mix and match activities of varying degrees of difficulty that can be tailored to each child, or group of children, quickly and easily. Beneficial for children who experience handwriting difficulties as well as general coordination and motor development issues. Star system allows for evaluation of skill level and the ability to track progress and set goals.

$59.95

3 in stock

Visual Learning

Visual Learning | by Jodi Lee | code: B03 | Academic activities for the Visual Learner. Has over 100 pages of activities made with Boardmaker. Will save you hours of preparation. Encourages independent work. Easy to photocopy, laminate. Under all curriculum areas.

$39.95

65 in stock

Time Timer MOD – Charcoal Colour

Portable and quiet with a protective cover, the Time Timer MOD is a great way to promote efficient time management at work, school and home. The Time Timer MOD is approximately 9.5 cm by 9.5 cm and suits the more ‘destructible’ child. Comes with a charcoal cover – optional coloured covers (blue, berry or green) sold separately.

$60.00

57 in stock

Portable Schedule with Digital Timer

Portable Schedule with Digital Timer | code: O 02 | Links visual schedules with a time frame. Great for routines, concept of time, pre-warns how long until finish, self monitoring and more!

$20.00

colour

Clear

Liquid Timers

The Magic of Using Liquid Timers. Using liquid timers can be a game-changer for children with autism. Learn about their calming effects, use as a reward, and role in teaching patience and aiding transitions.

I am beyond excited to announce that, after a long search for the perfect supplier, we’ve finally restocked these magical devices!

$15.95

14 in stock

Liquid Key Ring Sensory Tool

Liquid Sensory Keychains Tool for Autism, Kids. Children Parents, Educators

$5.00

85 in stock

Porcupine Ball

It is ideal for sensory play, as a fidget toy, supporting fine and gross motor skills. The balls are highly tactile while still being light and easy for kids to catch and throw. They have a keyring so you can attach visuals to support communication too. Useful for all ages.

$4.50

82 in stock