Transitions and New Routines: Helping Your Child Navigate the End of the School Year

As the school year winds down and summer approaches, many children look forward to a break from the classroom. However, for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the end-of-school transition can be a source of uncertainty and anxiety. Changes in routine, saying goodbye to teachers, and preparing for summer activities may disrupt the structure and predictability many children with ASD rely on.

The good news is that with thoughtful planning, communication, and consistent strategies, families can help ease this transition and create a smooth path toward summer.

1. Start Preparing Early

Children with ASD often benefit from advanced notice and repetition. Begin talking about the end of the school year weeks in advance. Use visual countdowns, calendars, or “last day of school” trackers so your child can see and understand when changes are coming.

Introduce the concept of summer gradually. If your child will be attending summer camp, staying home, or going on vacation, describe these new routines early on to reduce surprise and build familiarity.

2. Use Visual Schedules and Social Stories

Visual schedules can help children understand the order of daily events. For example, if your child’s summer days will look different from school days, create a new daily routine using pictures or icons. Include meals, playtime, screen time, and outings.

Social stories—short, personalized narratives with supportive visuals—can explain what to expect during transitions. For example:

“School is ending soon. I will say goodbye to my teacher. Then I will have summer break. Summer will be fun and different.”

This strategy helps build predictability and emotional preparedness.

3. Communicate with Teachers and Support Staff

Collaborate with your child’s teacher and school-based therapists to understand what routines may be changing, what progress your child has made, and what supports may carry over into the summer. Request a transition plan or summary of strategies that worked well, including behavioral supports, sensory tools, and preferred reinforcers.

Ask for a “goodbye” activity like a memory book, class photo, or personalized message from staff. This can help children process the change and feel closure.

4. Prepare for New Summer Routines

Summer often brings unstructured time. Structure is helpful for children with ASD, so try to maintain a consistent wake-up time, meal schedule, and bedtime. Even if activities differ from school, keeping a predictable rhythm can reduce anxiety.

Plan daily or weekly activities—walks, crafts, quiet time—that offer both stimulation and rest. If your child thrives on interaction, try structured playdates or inclusive community events with sensory-friendly accommodations.

5. Focus on Flexibility, Not Perfection

Transitions are rarely flawless, but the goal is to create a foundation your child can rely on. Expect that some days will go smoothly while others may require patience. Celebrate the little successes and continue to adjust as you learn what works best.

By preparing early, using visuals and social stories, staying in communication with educators, and creating new routines, you can help your child feel supported and confident as the school year ends and summer begins.

Reference

Gray, C. (2015). The New Social Story Book. Future Horizons.Hume, K., Steinbrenner, J. R., & Odom, S. L. (2021). Supporting Individuals with Autism in Transition Settings. Autism Research and Treatment. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5514163