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Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research

August 2025 Newsletter | Start Strong: Tools and Tips for a Great School Year

HomeAugust 2025 Newsletter | Start Strong: Tools and Tips for a Great School Year

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back to school

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Start Strong: Tools and Tips for a Great School Year  

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, it’s the perfect time to set the stage for a smooth and successful transition back to school. Whether you're a teacher preparing your classroom, a caregiver supporting routines at home, or an advocate helping others navigate the process, a little planning now can make a big difference later. This month’s newsletter is packed with practical tips and STAR resources to help you start strong!

Start With Structure  

For students with autism and other developmental disabilities, predictability and routine are key. Easing into school-year routines a few weeks before the first day can help reduce anxiety during transitions for everyone involved.

Educators: Share these ideas with caregivers to help build consistency between home and school!

Try these strategies:

  • Reintroduce morning routines: Practice wake-up times, getting dressed, and breakfast routines.
  • Simulate the school day: Do a “practice run” of the morning routine, including putting on a backpack and traveling to school if possible.
  • Use visual supports: Create simple visual schedules or checklists to guide daily routines. STAR’s free home supports include great tools to get started: Check out our summary of these resources for ideas (English | Español). This chart from Routine Essentials (English | Español) highlights the powerful uses and impacts of visual tools.
  • Plan for flexibility: Life happens! Have a backup plan for when routines are disrupted to help students learn to adapt in a safe, supported way.

classroom strategies

Organize for Success

Teachers and staff are already hard at work preparing classrooms for the new year. A well-organized environment supports both students and staff in building effective routines and maximizing learning time.

Here are a few ways to get started:

  • Design your space with intention: Consider how your classroom layout supports small group instruction, independent work, and transitions.
  • Get to know your students: Use this reinforcement inventory resources (English | Español) with students to learn about their preferences. Having preferred reinforcement items on hand will make it easy to celebrate wins!
  • Plan with purpose: Use the monthly calendars for organizing themed units and “Print All” features to streamline lesson prep, and consider using the STAR E-Scheduler to refine your daily schedule.

communication and collaboration

Communication and Collaboration

Strong communication between school and home is essential for student success. While setting up back-to-school systems, think about how caregivers can stay informed and engaged.

  • Discuss your systems: Talk about how the classroom is organized and how to support routines at home.
  • Share classroom topics: Each Themes First! unit includes a newsletter in the Introducing the Unit section to help others stay connected to what students are learning.
  • Encourage collaboration: Invite caregivers to share insights about their child’s strengths, preferences, and needs.

You’ve Got This!

Starting a new school year can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and a little planning, you can create a supportive, engaging environment where students thrive. STAR Autism Support is here to help every step of the way, with resources, curricula, and tools designed to meet the needs of your diverse learners.

From all of us at STAR, we wish you a joyful, productive, and successful start to the 2025–2026 school year!