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As the academic year comes to a close, children are eager to spend quality time with their loved ones and parents. For parents, it’s during the summer that they begin to plan for the new academic session. This is where parents and caregivers scramble to find back-to-school items for their special needs children.

However, it’s not just about picking up any item you assume will fit on the shelf - it’s about selecting the right school item your child needs. Now, that can be a difficult choice, especially if you’ve never been in such a situation before. The list can be lengthier than you could ever imagine. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about that. This blog covers all the essentials and must-have school supplies you should get for your special needs child before they return to school.

Why Shopping for the Right School Supplies is Necessary

When creating a back-to-school shopping list for children with mental and physical disabilities, you must consider the child’s unique sensory and organizational needs. For example, some students may benefit from adaptive school supplies, and others from an IEP.

Selecting the right school supplies can make a huge difference in the child’s learning experience. You wouldn’t want your child to be unfocused or uncomfortable in school. That's why they need the right adaptive resources and tools to support their learning and diverse needs simultaneously.

Must-Have School Supplies for Special Needs Children

Below are essential back-to-school items that would benefit your special needs child.

1. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Headphones are ideal for students with sensitivity to auditory stimuli. They can minimize distractions and aid the child’s focus. Furthermore, they create a more conducive learning environment.

2. Adaptive Writing Tools

Special needs children sometimes struggle with writing. This is where adaptive writing tools, such as ergonomic pencils and weighted pens, come in handy. Not only do they enhance handwriting, but they also reduce writing fatigue. The child feels less pain writing for a long time with these tools.

3. Adaptive Eyewear

This is an essential tool for children with poor eyesight. If you discover your child struggles to see the board clearly, get them adaptive eyewear from companies that specialize in glasses for special needs children. You must ensure the glass is well-fitting and adjusted to sit comfortably on the nasal bridge and temple.

4. Fidget Backpacks

Sensor-friendly backpacks, like fidget bags, cater to the sensory needs of special needs students. This kind of backpack has adjustable straps, padded straps, and fidget tools that can help maintain a child’s focus. It includes snaps, stress balls, and bouncy coils that the kids can play with to strengthen their fine motor skills. Traditional backpacks don’t provide those. However, it’s imperative to choose classroom-appropriate fidgets so as not to disturb the environment.

5. Food Allergy Bracelet Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) revealed that approximately 32 million Americans suffer from food allergies, with 5.6 million under 18. By providing your special child with a silicone alert bracelet, it serves as a visual reminder to teachers and staff to avoid giving them allergens. This bracelet usually comes with an EpiPen tag that you can attach to a backpack.

6. Weighted Lap Pads

Weighted lap pads provide a cushioning effect and help special needs children stay calm while in a learning environment. They provide deep pressure stimulation that enhances attention and decreases restlessness. Simply place the pad on the child’s lap, back, or shoulders during class, and you’ll notice how calm they feel.

7. Customized Communication Aids

Children with speech disabilities can benefit from communication aids, such as boards or cards. They can facilitate interactions and encourage active class participation. As a parent, you could get this for your child in preparation for the upcoming academic session and even inform the teaching staff to take into consideration your child’s unique needs.

8. Chewable Jewelry

Children with autism or ADHD are fond of chewing their clothing or other items that could be toxic to their health. Moreover, they could cause a distraction. Wearing stylish chewable necklaces or jewelry from non-toxic materials as accessories can be a safe alternative to chewing on clothing.

9. Timers and Visual Schedules

Adhering to schedules can be challenging for special needs children. It gets worse when parents try to coerce their children into doing their homework. Visual tools like schedules and timers can help your children understand routines and manage time. Timers can set time limits for specific activities, such as chores or reading. These tools can help manage expectations and reduce anxiety.

10. Flexible Seating Options

Providing adaptive seating arrangements, like therapy balls, can help with retention and focus. If it has a chair fidget for the feet, that's better. It can help students fidget discreetly without causing a disruption in class.

Final Thoughts

These must-have school supplies can significantly improve your child’s learning experience. Furthermore, you can foster an environment that promotes learning and independence with these items. When the new academic session begins, your special needs child won’t have problems with learning or adjusting to schedules.

 

More importantly, consult with the school educator to discuss these items and their appropriateness for a school setting. Safe Place Bedding wishes all families with special needs children a successful start to the new academic session!