“Today, students with ASD are more frequently seen in the general classroom and it’s important for other kids to learn about Autism and inclusivity.”

– Jeanne Beard

Autism In School.

A new school year is upon us! For many kids, this means their days of summer leisure, comforts of home, and fun in the sun will be replaced by new classrooms, stricter schedules, and unfamiliar routines. These shifts can be stressful for any child, especially a child with Autism (which is now the fastest growing disability in the US.) For children with ASD, the unknown is especially difficult and it requires much more preparation.

Autism rates are increasing among U.S. children and it’s likely your child will encounter someone with ASD this fall at school. According to Jeanne Beard, founder of the National Autism Academy, parents of all kids need to beAutism-savvy for the 2018 school year. Beard is sharing back-to-school strategies and practical parenting tips to help all kids – especially those with Autism – smoothly transition out of summer and into a successful school year.

Autism is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. This presents an exceptional challenge at school as classrooms are social environments that rely heavily on the ability to interact, communicate, and collaborate with others.

“A new school year can be extremely anxiety-provoking for a child with Autism and if it’s not approached in the appropriate way, it can put a serious strain on the parent-child relationship,”

says Beard, who understands first hand, the challenges of parenting a child with Autism. As the mother of two sons, one diagnosed with Asperger’s, one with ADHD, she believes communication and preparation are key to a successful school year. Seasonal shifts, schedule changes, and new routines may seem like minor events to adults but for many kids, these events can be unexpectedly overwhelming.

Beard’s expertise in Autism grew out of necessity. She was determined to help her son find strategies for success despite the limited parenting resources available. Beard created the National Autism Academy to support other parents and equip them with the information and tools for success that were not provided to her. Today the National Autism Academy is a nationally-recognized parent and professional training organization that supports thousands of people who live, love, and work with those on the Autism Spectrum. “Parenting a child with Autism is challenging and it requires flexibility. This platform allows parents to help each other, help themselves, and (most importantly) help their children,” says Beard.

“Children with Autism need time to adjust to new ideas and new situations. They must practice routines and the time to start talking to them about this is now.”

– Jeanne Beard

In An Interview/Article, Jeanne Can Share:

• Strategies to help all kids – especially those with Autism – smoothly transition into a successful school year
• How parents can be Autism Savvy this school year
• 3 ways parents can help their kids cope with change
• How parents can help facilitate successful social interactions between children with ASD and their typical playmates.
• Communication techniques for children with Autism

With Autism on the rise, Beard is on a mission to educate others about ASD. She is sharing advice and information for families and caregivers who encounter others on the Autism Spectrum.