How can I ease the transition to kinder? = (

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My little guy is so scared to start kindergarten, and I am scared too. All things considered he normally does very well and his diagnosis is hardly apparent to most people. At the beginning of the summer when we started talking about the coming school year, he was excited about it. Now he keeps saying, "I don't want to go!"

In the past few weeks his rigidities have gone way up and I've seen a lot of behaviors that we haven't seen in a long time. Even his sensory issues have intensified (as if to illustrate the point he just shouted from across the room, "MOM! You are clicking the computer WAY too loud!"

Last night was "back to school night"...we went to school to see his classroom, meet his teacher, etc. Right outside of his classroom he crumpled onto the floor, started crying and said, "Please don't make me go in there. I don't like going to school!" We affirmed that it was normal to feel worried, gave him time to pull it back together and had him go in.

Any ideas on how to make this a little less scary? We've already been pointing out positives, prepared his teacher with lots of good information, been careful to prepare him the best we can by talking thoroughly about what it will be like, etc. I would be greatful for any additional ideas you might have! Thanks in advance!

First always stay postive about school but never lie. Take him back to the school first to the playground and just let him explore it talk about how much fun it's going to be when he gets to use this playground every schoolday but don't push. Then go back inside the school and look around were the bathrooms are when he'll be eating lunch if it's a all day school and then the class room, when he's not in the big back to school night crowd he will feel safer. Then if he still seems worried ask him whats bothering him and tell him if he lets you know you might beable to help him fix it before he goes to school. Stay calm keep a even tone when slowly working on this. School is a big change for everyone let him know it's ok to feel a little unsure and stressed. Maybe telling him about how you felt your first day or about a older child he knows and likes might help as well. Best of luck

Thanks! I was frustrated with myself last night because I forgot the big bag of supplies we were supposed to bring in. But it might have been a good thing in the end, because the teacher said she'll be there all day today and I could drop them by. This gives me the perfect excuse to do as you suggested.