Encourage inviting someone new, someone who is neurodivergent, if known, to an outside school activity such as going to the movies, grabbing ice cream or merely staying after school for an hour and reading next to one another or listening to music. If it’s an autistic peer, they most likely have a special interest, something they love to study and talk about. Is it Elvis? Ask questions about Elvis. Is it nuclear pasta? I’m certain there are questions to be asked.
Other ways to be inclusive include adding new friends to the birthday party or friend’s party list. Surely not all neurodivergent peers are going to want to attend, but to be invited and the possibility of being included and welcomed send a strong message of acceptance. Who is sitting by themselves or pacing the lunch room? Have the child grab their friends and see if the peer would like to eat together.
Provide praise when authentic inclusion is happening and consider modeling inclusion in the home, neighborhood and other places frequented. Neurodivergent folks are everywhere and children are watching their parents, taking mental notes on what their parents value and how they live their life.
The new school year brings routine and schedule, but it also brings change and new expectations. Patience, listening, and kindness go a long way in easing the transition. Thank you for this great article! AutismAwareness