The holidays are a wonderful time for freedom and fun, but let’s be honest: they can also be chaos for our routines. As we settle into January, many parents and carers start to feel that familiar twinge of anxiety about the upcoming transition back to school, therapy, and structured days.
For NDIS participants — especially those with Autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences — shifting from "holiday mode" to "school mode" can be jarring if it happens overnight.
The secret to a successful start to 2026 isn't a sudden change; it’s a soft landing. By introducing small, supportive strategies now, weeks before the first bell rings, you can reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Here are 3 NDIS-friendly strategies to start this week.
1. Reset the Body Clock (Gently)
Late nights and lazy mornings are the best part of holidays, but they wreak havoc on school mornings. Instead of waiting until the night before school starts, begin shifting bedtime back by 15 minutes every few days starting now.
The Assistive Tech Solution:
Use sensory cues to signal "wind down" time. A Sensory Galaxy Projector can become a positive part of the bedtime ritual, signaling to the brain that it’s time to rest without the battle.
2. Make Time Tangible Again
During the break, time is fluid. In the classroom, time is rigid. This shift is often the cause of "transition meltdowns." Start re-introducing structure now by using a timer for non-school activities, like gaming sessions or reading time.
The Assistive Tech Solution:
A 60-Minute Visual Timer is essential here. It doesn't just beep; it shows time vanishing. This visual input helps reduce the anxiety of "how long is left?" and prepares the brain for the structured blocks of the school day.
3. Visualise the New Routine
Anxiety often stems from the unknown. Even if your child has been to school before, a new year means a new rhythm. Start mapping out what a "school morning" looks like now.
The Assistive Tech Solution:
Set up your Visual Schedule or Digital Calendar this week. You don't need to fill it with school tasks yet. Start by scheduling "Wake Up," "Breakfast," and "Bag Packing" practice. Seeing the routine makes it predictable and safe.
Get Your Toolkit Ready
Now is the perfect time to audit your sensory toolkit. Do the ear muffs still fit? Is the chew necklace worn out? Do you have enough fidgets for the school bag?
Good News: Our warehouse is fully open and dispatching daily. If you order your supports this week, you’ll have plenty of time to practice using them before the term begins.
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