Transitioning to Secondary School (for Neurodivergent Students)

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Transitioning to Secondary School (for Neurodivergent Students)

The transition from primary school to high school is an exciting yet challenging milestone for students. This period marks significant changes in academic expectations, social dynamics, and personal growth and independence. High school brings a change in structure, responsibility, and social expectations. Students are expected to follow a timetable, transition between multiple classrooms and teachers, be around more people and develop new friendships, and complete more difficult classes, as well as homework. The additional load on executive function skills is significant. There is also an increased expectation in regard to independence.

Navigating a new school location and the above changes can sometimes feel overwhelming for neurodivergent students, specifically those who are autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic, or other neurotypes. The challenges this uncertainty brings can add to already high feelings of anxiety. Fortunately, there are many things that parents and students in collaboration with schools can do to prepare. Note, that these strategies can be helpful regardless of a student’s individual strengths and needs.

Preparing for your first day:

  • Plan to meet up with someone just before school if there is another student you already feel comfortable with.
  • Type up a few things that you want your teachers to know about you that might make you more comfortable in class.
  • Nearly every school will have designated quiet spaces for students to use who are feeling overwhelmed. A parent or trusted teacher can work with you and your school to make sure you know where these are and how to get help.
  • Keep your timetable in a visible place – like your device’s lockscreen, the door of your locker, or inside your pencil case.
  • Consider taking photos or even a video of the school entry and the walk to your locker. This will help reduce the cognitive load of things you need to remember.
  • Colour code your workbooks for each subject. This will make it easier for you to find what you need without having to think too much about it
  • Create a plan for recess and lunchtimes. Its okay if this doesn’t involve social contact as spending time with others is not always a preferred break time activity for autistic or ADHD kids.
  • Resist the expectation to develop friendships until you feel ready and comfortable to do so.
  • Consider activities that are available to students at lunch time.
  • Talk with your head of house, or year level coordinator to discuss any adjustments or accommodations.

Meeting new people:

  • You don’t have to find your best friends straight away. It is okay to take some time to find people you feel safe with and connect to. There are many different places where you’ll meet people who might become your friends – like classes, lunch, clubs or events.
  • Shared interests are a great way to meet people. Carry something that displays your interests (like a pencil case that shows a game you play, music you like, or a sport you play).
  • Join a school club to find people with shared interests.

Feeling comfortable:

  • If you think you might need breaks during class, there are some things you might need to find out from a teacher (a parent can help with this!). Find out, how to communicate you need a break (e.g., raising your hand, giving a break card to your teacher), and where you are allowed to go during your break (e.g., bathroom, wellbeing area, yard).
  • If you think you will need breaks, it can be good to sit on the side (near an aisle) so you can leave and return from your break easily.
  • If you are easily distracted or find it hard to focus, sitting in the front row can be helpful.

Ideas for lunchtime:

  • If you enjoy games or sport, there are lots of activities that are open for people to join.
  • Clubs often happen during lunch time and is a great way to find people with the same interests.
  • Libraries are a quiet environment to relax and participate in quiet activities.
  • Designated quiet spaces are a good option if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Further information and ways to help with starting high school can be found below: