At Cambian, we know the return to school can be overwhelming, especially for neurodiverse children and their families. That’s why we’re sharing some practical strategies, real-world advice, and emotional support to ease transitions and reduce stress and start the school year with confidence. 

Why Transitions Are Tough

Transitions are often tough for neurodiverse children because they involve unpredictability, change, and a loss of routine - all of which can trigger anxiety, confusion, or sensory overload. Here are a few key reasons:

• Change in routine: Many neurodiverse children rely on predictable routines to feel safe. A new school year disrupts these patterns.

• Uncertainty: Not knowing what to expect - new teachers, classmates, environments - can cause distress.

• Sensory challenges: New uniforms, noises, smells, or classroom settings may overwhelm the senses.

• Communication stress: Some children may struggle to express their feelings about the transition or understand what’s expected.

• Executive function difficulties: Planning, organising, and adapting to new structures (like timetables or homework) can be harder for neurodiverse children.

Back-to-School Support

Starting school or returning after a break can bring big feelings for both children and their families. That’s why we’ve created the following guides to help make the transition smoother, calmer and more predictable - one step at a time.  

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