Getting ready for a new school year involves more than
buying backpacks, notebooks, uniforms and school suppliesespecially when you
are the parent or caregiver of an autistic child.
In this episode of Emunah, host Dr. Tamara
Henry welcomes back educator and autism specialist Dr. Terita Gusby
for an important conversation about autism, back-to-school preparation,
parent advocacy, special education and preparing autistic children for life
Their message to parents is clear: Parents are their
childrens first teachersand their most consistent advocates.
Dr. Gusby explains practical steps families can take
before the first day of school, including reviewing evaluations and
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), establishing routines, communicating
with teachers, addressing sensory and nutritional needs, and helping children
develop self-regulation skills.
But preparation shouldnt stop with the new school year.
Parents also need to ask a much bigger question: What are we doing now to
prepare our children for life after high school?
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that can
affect how a person communicates, interacts socially, processes sensory
information and experiences the world.
is called a spectrum because autism does not look the same in every
person. Abilities, characteristics and support needs can vary significantly.
Some autistic people live independently, attend college and build careers,
while others may require substantial lifelong support.
Differences in social communication
difficulty interpreting social cues, communicating in expected ways or
navigating social interactions.
Repetitive behaviors and focused interests
a strong preference for routines, repetitive movements or highly focused
Sensory differences heightened or
reduced sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, smells, tastes or other
is a form of neurodivergence, not an infection or contagious disease.
Understanding a childs individual strengths, challenges and support needs can
help parents make better educational decisions and advocate more effectively.
Key Topics in This Episode
Parents Are Their Childrens
First Teachers
essential role, but parents cannot turn over complete responsibility for their
childs education to teachers, administrators or specialists.
discusses why parents need to understand their childs diagnosis, evaluations,
educational goals and support needsand why effective education requires a partnership
between parents, teachers and other professionals.
also addresses challenges facing special education classrooms, including
teacher shortages, staffing changes and the possibility that some students may
encounter educators or substitutes without extensive special education
Preparing an Autistic Child for a
New School Year
children, sudden changes in schedules and environments can be particularly
the transition easier by reestablishing sleep schedules, practicing morning
routines, preparing necessary personal supplies and helping children become
familiar with what the school day will look like.
teachers should also communicate early about the childs strengths, challenges,
communication style, sensory needs, triggers and strategies that help the child
regulate emotions and behavior.
Understanding Evaluations, IEPs
and Special Education
your childs
Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
know what services their child is supposed to receive, what educational goals
have been established and how progress will be measured. An IEP should not
simply be paperwork that gets signed and forgotten.
encourages parents to ask questions, participate actively in meetings, review
evaluations and speak up when they believe their childs educational needs are
not being adequately addressed.
also examines the changing federal education environment and what those changes
could mean for families receiving special education services.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) remains in effect, and
eligible children with disabilities continue to have important federal
educational protections. Parents should stay informed about changes in special
education policy, funding, administration and enforcement rather than assuming
that someone else will do it for them.
Autism, Nutrition and Feeding
Challenges
an important concern for some autistic children, particularly those who
experience food selectivity, sensory sensitivities, restricted diets or
assuming that particular foods cause or treat autism, parents should pay
attention to their individual childs nutritional health and seek appropriate
guidance from qualified medical, nutrition or feeding professionals when
Overcoming Autism Stigma and Shame
embarrassment or denial should never prevent a child from receiving an
appropriate evaluation or needed services.
does not determine a childs worth or eliminate his or her potential.
children thrive by learning about autism, accepting their childs individual
needs, celebrating strengths and allowing qualified professionals to provide
understanding and acceptance.
What Happens After High School?
Preparing an autistic child
for adulthood should begin
before graduation.
Families should think ahead
about possibilities such as:
College or continuing education
Vocational and job training
Independent or supported living
Social and communication skills
Adult services and community resources
The goal is not simply to
help a child successfully complete school. It is to help that child develop the
skills and support system needed to build the fullest possible adult life.
5 Key Actions for Autism
Back-to-School Readiness
Adjust the sleep schedule.
Begin transitioning from summer bedtime and wake-up habits before the first day
Establish a predictable daily routine.
Structure and consistency can make transitions easier for many autistic
children. Begin practicing the school-year schedule before classes start.
Prepare personal and school supplies.
In addition to traditional school supplies, pack any personal items your child
may need, such as a change of clothes, hygiene products or other appropriate
Role-play the school morning.
Practice waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, leaving home and getting
to the bus or school. Rehearsal can make the actual first day feel more
Contact the teacher proactively.
Introduce yourself before school begins when possible. Share information the
teacher needs to understand your child, and follow up after the first
weekparticularly when your child is non-speaking or has difficulty
communicating what happened during the school day.
Sound Bites
the childrens first teachers.
professionals to provide necessary services.
to become more informed advocates.
Meet Dr. Terita Gusby
Gusby is CEO of Education Prescriptions, a minority woman-owned
certified virtual education company serving students in grades K12 and
specializing in education for children with autism.
Prescriptions brings together trained professionals to help students strengthen
academic skills, build self-confidence and improve educational outcomes. The
company uses specialized learning approaches designed to help autistic students
at different levels of the spectrum develop reading, writing, comprehension and
Continue the Conversation:
Dr. Gusbys First Emunah Episode
conversation is a follow-up to Dr. Gusbys June 5, 2025 appearance on
Emunah:
the Gifts Embedded in Autism with Dr. Terita Gusby
on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oRERBr2aq0iicLQgkZBvY?si=RqRKXjynQK2BuIHLUnC6ug
Resources from Dr. Gusby
Autism Support Tools for
Parents and Caregivers
book addresses topics including signs of autism, nutrition and picky eating,
developmental stages, travel tips, lesson plans and options for older autistic
Autism Activity Kit
The activity kit includes learning
tools and manipulatives for math, reading, language arts and social skills. It
is designed to support families with children who are homeschooled, homebound
or participating in virtual learning and tutorials.
https://Educationprescriptions.org
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communities face while encouraging listeners to live God-honoring lives.
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