I’d like to offer three types of activities you can do with your special needs child during the remaining days of summer to help prepare them for the new school year, regardless of grade or individual disability.  Hopefully these activities will help alleviate some of your (and your child’s) anxiety about the upcoming school year:    

EDUCATIONAL:  These websites will either assist your child in retaining already-learned materials or help teach your child to read, learn numbers and ABC’s, math skills, and language arts.  Some websites also offer picture games, songs, and activities.

Starfall

Time4Learning

Do2Learn


SOCIAL STORIES:  Social Stories are used to teach children, especially those with special needs, appropriate social skills in any given situation.  Some social stories are already established, however, there are ways to create your own social stories tailored to your child’s specific needs.

5 Minutes for Special Needs

One Place For Special Needs

BOOKS:  With the help from Lois, the most amazing librarian in Hoboken, here is a list of books that will help parents and enable special needs children to feel more comfortable in school.

The Incredible 5 Point Scale

Playing It Right! Social Skills Activities for Parents and Teachers of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

When My Worries Get Too Big! A Relaxation Book For Children Who Live With Anxiety

Let's Talk About Needing Attention

The Survival Guide for Kids With LD (Learning Differences)

Dustin's Big School Day

Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? Dealing With Sensory Overload