Helping Neurodivergent Learners Navigate Transitions:End-of-Year Tips for a Smooth Summer and Beyond

As the school year winds down, most students are dreaming of summer. But for many neurodivergent learners, particularly those with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, this time of year can be full of uncertainty, anxiety, and stress. Transitions even positive ones can feel overwhelming.

In this week’s SEND Awareness Blog, we’re diving into why transitions matter, how they uniquely impact students with SEND, and what simple strategies parents and educators can use to make the end of term a positive, empowering experience.

Why Are Transitions Difficult for Neurodivergent Students?

Transitions mean change,and change can be hard, especially when it disrupts familiar routines. Neurodivergent students often rely on structure, predictability, and clarity to feel safe and successful.

Common challenges include:

• Anxiety about new environments or teachers

• Difficulty processing time and future events

• Emotional attachment to current staff or routines

• Fear of the unknown or loss of control

If your child or student is suddenly more tired, irritable, or withdrawn, it may be a response to upcoming changes.

5 Practical End-of-Year Strategies for Educators

Whether you're teaching in-person or online, these ideas help prepare students in gentle, inclusive ways:

1. Create a Visual Countdown

Use calendars, timers, or visual schedules to show how many days are left and what’s coming next.

2. Host a "Look Ahead" Session

Give students a sneak peek into next year: introduce new teachers via short videos, or share photos of virtual classrooms and routines.

3. Reflect & Celebrate

Help students say goodbye to the current year with memory books, goodbye messages, or personal achievements charts.

4. Answer Their Questions

Create a Q&A space, virtual or written, where students can safely ask what they want to know about the transition.

5. Provide a Transition Toolkit

Share a downloadable PDF or slides with what to expect, coping tips, and who to contact if they need support over summer.

Tips for Parents: Supporting Smooth Summer Transitions at Home

Parents, you are your child’s anchor. Here’s how you can ease anxiety and build confidence:

• Start talking early about summer and next year

• Use stories, drawings, or role play to explain what’s changing

• Preview new routines or environments virtually, if available

• Build mini-structures during summer: daily visual plans, checklists, and calm

• zones

• Reinforce their strengths: praise flexibility, problem-solving, and courage

Remember: repetition is key. The more often you rehearse the change, the less scary it becomes.

Free Resource: Eton Academy’s “My Transition Plan” Template

We’ve created a simple, printable worksheet that students can fill out independently, or with the support of a parent or caregiver. It’s designed to help them process upcoming changes and open meaningful conversations at home. This is a great way for families to build stronger communication and better understand how their child is feeling.

Parents are encouraged to download the worksheet and discuss it together with their child, a potentially stressful transition into an opportunity for connection, confidence, and shared planning.

Access It Here

Transitions don’t have to be turbulent. With the right tools and support, neurodivergent students can thrive during change, and even grow from it.

Let’s make this summer the bridge to confidence, not confusion.