Posted by Bama Hager, PhD on July 8, 2010

A countdown calendar to first school day is often a great help.  Any calendar with blank squares for days can be used to count down 10 more days until school, 9 more days until school, 8 more days, etc.  Older students often benefit from organized and planned supplies for each class.  So notebooks, books and folders might be color coded or coded with a picture so that the student can effectively and efficiently find materials for class and home.  

These are some of the steps that I take to prepare for the imminent school year.  No two students with ASD are exactly alike.  So, some of the information may be helpful and some may not.  There is further information on this topic at the ASA website at www.autism-alabama.org.

Helpful websites and resources:

Social Story example:
http://wwww.examiner.com

Coloring pages for students who prefer pictures:
http://www.associatedcontent.com

The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program publishes an annual book for parents of children with developmental disabilities.  The manual is a resource regarding special education in Alabama.  The book Special Education in Alabama A Right Not a Favor can be ordered free of charge by any parent by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling 1-800-826-1675