A trip to the local discount store for school supplies can be overwhelming for parent and child - especially if the child has special needs.
The entrance to many stores houses racks of pages listing needed school supplies. Many parents find navigating the school supply aisles frustrating. Here are some ideas to make this back-to-school ritual functional instead of defunct.
- Get the List: Although this seems easy enough, the list for a child with special needs may not be the one in the rack at Walmart. Check with the child’s teacher, and consider the child’s IEP. Will he be in more than one classroom for instruction? If so, parents will want to see if duplicates of some items are needed. For example, will he need two boxes of markers instead of one?
- Add to the List: Think about what additional items are needed that are unique to your child. For example, if your child requires diapers, wipes, etc. you will need to add those things to your shopping list.
- Check on Medications: Will your child be taking medication regularly at school? If so, check with the school nurse to see what forms must be signed. Then contact your child’s doctor to get the needed, additional supply of medication.
- Secure Doctor’s Permission for Therapies: Some therapies (such as physical therapy) which may be provided at school require a doctor’s signature.
- Back to the School Supply Store: Look over your newly updated list of supplies. Consider going to purchase some (even most) of the supplies during an off time when the store is not so crowded. You may opt to leave your child with family or friends for this shopping trip. Too many choices can be overwhelming for many children with special needs.
- Do You Want Red or Blue: Leave a few choices to another trip. This time have your child go with you to choose a few of the remaining items. For example, ask your child which color backpack he wants: red or blue. Or you may consider letting him choose a lunch box. Instead of facing the whole aisle of lunch boxes, however, show him one or two choices: a box with a super hero or one with a train.
- Shop Early: Now it sounds like Christmas advice, but the same is true for back-to-school shopping. The sooner you can shop, the less stressful it will be. You will be more likely to have all the needed (including the extra items) supplies for your child’s special needs. Having the supplies also gives children with a disability a chance to get used to the idea of returning to school.
The copyright of the article Special Needs for School in Special Needs Parenting is owned by Lynn Moore. Permission to republish Special Needs for School in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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