5 Steps to Smoother Back-to-School Transitions for Kids with ADHD and SPD

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, we understand the mix of hope and apprehension you might feel, especially if your child has ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), or anxiety. You know your child is creative, caring, and full of potential, but the structured environment, social pressures, and academic challenges of school can be stressful for the entire family.

If you’re lying awake at night worried about your child's sleep difficulties, transitions, focus in class, or emotional regulation, please know you're not alone. More importantly, there is hope, and you have more power than you realize to set your child up for success this school year – without relying solely on medication.

The Changing Landscape of ADHD and SPD

Before we dive into our strategies, it’s important to acknowledge a concerning trend: the rates of ADHD, SPD, and anxiety in children have skyrocketed in recent years. While conventional medicine often points to genetics and neurotransmitter imbalances, it's crucial to consider the bigger picture. Our children are growing up in a faster-paced, more stimulating, and often more stressful world than ever before, with less physical activity, unstructured play, and connection with nature.

We are passionate about offering a holistic, root-cause approach to supporting children with ADHD and SPD. By addressing underlying nervous system imbalances and making strategic lifestyle changes, we can help your child thrive in school and beyond.

Now, let’s explore five game-changing strategies that can help transform your child's school experience!

1. Gradually Reset Sleep Schedules

Quality sleep is crucial for managing ADHD and SPD symptoms. During sleep, the brain consolidates learning, processes emotions, and recharges for the next day. Unfortunately, many children with ADHD and SPD struggle with sleep issues, creating a vicious cycle of fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Here's how to get back on track:

• Start adjusting bedtimes and wake times earlier by 15 minutes every few days for a gradual transition.

• Establish a calming bedtime routine.

• Minimize screen time at least an hour before bed.

• Create a sleep-friendly environment.

2. Create an Organized Home Environment

Children with ADHD and SPD often struggle with organization and executive function skills. By creating structure and predictability at home, you can reduce anxiety and help your child feel more in control.

Here's how:

• Set up a central command center with a large wall calendar or whiteboard to track schedules, assignments, and important events.

• Designate specific spaces for school items to reduce morning stress and teach valuable organizational skills.

• Implement color-coded systems.

• Create checklists for morning and evening routines, breaking them down into simple steps.

3. Set Up a Distraction-Free Study Space

Many children with ADHD and SPD are highly sensitive to their environment. Creating a dedicated, distraction-free space for homework and studying can make a world of difference.

Here's how to set it up:

• Choose a quiet area away from high-traffic parts of the house.

• Ensure the space is well-lit, either with natural light or a good desk lamp.

• Stock the area with all necessary supplies to reduce the need for your child to get up and potentially get distracted.

• If silence is too distracting, try white noise or instrumental music to help with focus.

4. Prioritize Morning Exercise and Physical Activity

The benefits of exercise for children with ADHD and SPD cannot be overstated. Physical activity improves cognitive function, boosts mood, and can help manage anxiety. Dr. John J. Ratey's book "Spark" presents compelling research on how exercise can be as effective as medication for some children with ADHD.

Here are some ways to incorporate more movement into your child's routine:

• Start the day with exercise to improve cognitive function and emotional balance.

• Look for opportunities for movement throughout the day, such as using a stability ball instead of a chair for homework or taking "brain breaks" to do jumping jacks or stretches.

• Remember, the goal is to make movement fun and natural, not a chore.

5. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

This might be new territory for you, but for many families, it's a game-changer. To understand why, let’s briefly explore what's happening in the nervous system of a child with ADHD or SPD.

These conditions are often characterized by an overactive sympathetic "fight or flight" response, leaving children constantly on edge and making it difficult to focus, transition between activities, or regulate emotions. At the same time, their parasympathetic "rest and digest" system, crucial for focus and emotional balance, remains underactive.

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care aims to address these imbalances. Through gentle, specific adjustments, we work to release tension in the sympathetic nervous system while activating the calming parasympathetic system, including the vital vagus nerve.

This approach can lead to a range of benefits:

• Improved focus and memory

• More balanced energy and emotions

• Enhanced sleep quality

• Stronger immune function

• Better digestion and appetite regulation

• Fewer behavioral challenges

• Increased confidence and social skills

At GFC, we use advanced diagnostic tools called INSiGHT Scans to create personalized care plans for each child. These scans allow us to pinpoint areas of nervous system stress and track improvements over time.

Empowering Your Child for the School Year Ahead

By implementing these strategies and addressing the root causes of your child's symptoms, you can set them up for a successful school year. Your child's brilliant mind deserves every opportunity to shine – in the classroom and beyond.

Remember, every child is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient with yourself and your child as you implement these strategies. The journey might have its challenges, but with the right support and approach, your child can thrive. We're here to help you every step of the way.

Here's to a fantastic school year ahead – one where your child's unique gifts are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.