The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily routines for families everywhere, and for autistic children in particular, that loss of structure and predictability can be especially hard to navigate. To help with this, AsIAm — Ireland’s national autism charity — partnered with SuperValu to launch a free autism-friendly learning resource toolkit designed to ease the transition back to school.
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A return to school after any period of disrupted routine is a big adjustment for children with autism, and re-establishing familiar routines in classrooms and settings that may have changed adds an extra layer of challenge. The ‘Bridge Back to School’ resource was created with this in mind.
AsIAm Launches ‘Bridge Back to School’
The Bridge Back to School learning resources, developed by AsIAm and SuperValu in partnership with Mary Immaculate College, were created to help children with high support needs prepare over the summer months for their return to school.
Professor Emer Ring of Mary Immaculate College, who collaborated with AsIAm on the project, said: “Every person around the country has experienced some obstruction to their routine due to the pandemic, however many do not consider how the changes that may seem minor to some can pose serious stress to others in their community. Whilst we welcome the reopening of businesses and society, we must be mindful that this is not a simple transition for many people.”
In developing the resources, the team identified some of the most challenging elements of an ever-changing situation that autistic students might find difficult to navigate. The booklet offers support and guidance across these areas:
- Sensory integration
- Preparing for the new year
- Dealing with worry and anxiety
- Explaining the “new normal”
- Social skills
- Self-regulation
- Use of visuals
- Clear communication
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said: “The summer months present an important opportunity for Summer Provision facilitators and family members to help prepare children for the transition back to education in September, but materials and guidance are needed to do so. The Bridge Back to School resource will support a young person to understand, prepare and manage the return to school.”
Where Can You Get a Booklet?
SuperValu distributed 20,000 copies of the booklet in stores around the country, and the toolkit was also made available to download from AsIAm and SuperValu online. If you’re looking for a copy today, your best starting point is a direct search on AsIAm.ie for their current autism-friendly resources, as some materials from this original campaign may have been folded into their ongoing resource library.
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Have your say! Would a resource like the Bridge Back to School booklet be helpful for your family? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bridge Back to School resource?
It’s a learning toolkit created by AsIAm, SuperValu and Mary Immaculate College to help autistic children and children with high support needs prepare for returning to school after a break in routine.
Who is the resource aimed at?
It was designed primarily for children with autism and additional support needs, though the guidance on routine, anxiety and communication can be useful for any child facing a change in school setting.
Is the resource free?
Yes, the booklet was distributed free of charge through SuperValu stores and made available online at no cost.
What topics does the booklet cover?
It covers sensory integration, preparing for a new school year, managing worry and anxiety, explaining changes to routine, social skills, self-regulation, use of visuals, and clear communication.
Related Articles
- Useful Online Resources For Parents Of Special Needs Children
- Supporting Your Child’s Return to School After the Summer Break
- Simple Ways to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety
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Looking for more support around school transitions and additional needs? Browse our learning hub for more parent-tested advice, or save this article to come back to when you need it.
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