School transitions for neurodivergent kids

Transitions are where neurodivergent kids do their hardest work. Even a school holiday counts.

Two weeks before

• Walk past the school or new classroom (if possible).
• Look at photos of the teachers and key spaces.
• Talk about what stays the same, not just what changes.

One week before

• Practise the morning routine, including transport.
• Pack the school bag together and leave it by the door.
• Send a one-page handover to the teacher (use Blumi's handover template if you'd like).

The night before

• Lay out clothes.
• Choose a comforting breakfast.
• Plan a low-key evening — not the night for a new movie.

The first day

• A short drop-off — long goodbyes are harder.
• A photo of you in their lunchbox.
• A calm, food-and-quiet afternoon.

The first week

Expect more meltdowns at home. They've been holding it together all day. Your job that week is to be soft.