A Bit of Planning Goes a Long Way When Preparing Your Child with Autism to Ride the School Bus

Your child with autism is going to take the school bus for the first time. You're probably anxious: the sensory overload, other kids, the unknown! All you wish for is, literally, a smooth ride.

As you know by now, planning is essential for a life on the spectrum, and this rite of passage is no exception. Here are some strategies to help your child manage the bus ride:

1. Get in touch with the bus staff. Just as your teacher knows your child's needs, so should the driver and aid. Let them know of potential challenges and how to handle tricky situations and provide them with your contact information.
2. Prepare for challenges. Visualize a school ride: the noises, traffic, relatively small space, and interactions with other passengers. Now think how those could trigger your child's specific sensitivities and create a plan to counteract strong reactions. For example, you may want to equipt your child with noise-canceling headphones or a fidget toy.
3. Explain the rules. Be very specific regarding the expectations during a bus ride. For example, staying seated and listening to the driver's instructions is a matter of safety. There are also some unwritten rules regarding where and with whom to sit, which will be harder to navigate. Create a social story outlining different situations and ask the bus aid to be aware of possible bullying.
4. Report issues. Report bullying or other problems immediately to your child's teacher, the bus driver, the school admin, or the manager of the transportation company (in the case of special education transportation.)

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Things The School and Bus Staff Should Know About Your Child

• Potential triggers
• A list of things your child likes to play with while traveling
• Sensory issues
• Level of supervision they need
• How to contact parents and healthcare providers
• Safety plan (specifically, measures to avoid wandering)
• Communication preferences. For example, verbal communication, signs, or pictures

These tips should help calm the anxiety you may both feel before the first school bus ride. It is also an important step for your child's independence - a step filled with optimism and significance.