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 beyond the classroom. 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? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that can affect how a person communicates, interacts socially, processes sensory information and experiences the world. It 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. Characteristics may include: 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 interests. Sensory differences heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, smells, tastes or other sensory experiences. Autism 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 Schools play an essential role, but parents cannot turn over complete responsibility for their childs education to teachers, administrators or specialists. Dr. Gusby 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. The conversation 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 experience. Preparing an Autistic Child for a New School Year For some autistic children, sudden changes in schedules and environments can be particularly challenging. Parents can make 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. Parents and 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 Do you understand your childs Individualized Education Program (IEP)? Parents should 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. This episode 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. The conversation also examines the changing federal education environment and what those changes could mean for families receiving special education services. The 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 Nutrition can be an important concern for some autistic children, particularly those who experience food selectivity, sensory sensitivities, restricted diets or feeding difficulties. Rather than 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 necessary. Overcoming Autism Stigma and Shame Fear of labels, embarrassment or denial should never prevent a child from receiving an appropriate evaluation or needed services. An autism diagnosis does not determine a childs worth or eliminate his or her potential. Parents can help their children thrive by learning about autism, accepting their childs individual needs, celebrating strengths and allowing qualified professionals to provide appropriate support. Advocacy begins with 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 Employment Independent or supported living Transportation Financial skills 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 1. Adjust the sleep schedule. Begin transitioning from summer bedtime and wake-up habits before the first day of school. 2. 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. 3. 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 supplies. 4. 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 familiar. 5. 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 Parents are the childrens first teachers. Allow professionals to provide necessary services. Parents need to become more informed advocates. Meet Dr. Terita Gusby Dr. Terita 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. Education 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 other academic skills. Continue the Conversation: Dr. Gusbys First Emunah Episode This conversation is a follow-up to Dr. Gusbys June 5, 2025 appearance on Emunah: Unlocking the Gifts Embedded in Autism with Dr. Terita Gusby Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oRERBr2aq0iicLQgkZBvY?si=RqRKXjynQK2BuIHLUnC6ug Resources from Dr. Gusby Autism Support Tools for Parents and Caregivers Dr. Gusbys book addresses topics including signs of autism, nutrition and picky eating, developmental stages, travel tips, lesson plans and options for older autistic children. 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. Education Prescriptions: https://Educationprescriptions.org Contact Dr. Gusby: teritamcc168@gmail.com Connect with Emunah Emunah explores faith, everyday life and the practical challenges families and communities face while encouraging listeners to live God-honoring lives. Email: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com Women of the Word: https://wordconsultingllc.com
