Back-to-School Readiness for Children with Special Needs in Phnom Penh

The start of a new school year is an exciting time for many children—but for children with special needs, it can also bring stress, sensory overwhelm, and emotional challenges. A successful back-to-school transition requires more than just new school supplies. It demands thoughtful preparation, structure, and support tailored to each child’s needs.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we work closely with families to ensure every child feels safe, understood, and ready to return to school—whether they attend mainstream or special education settings.

Why the Back-to-School Period Matters

The transition back to school can be difficult for children with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, learning disabilities, or sensory processing disorders. Without support, they may experience:

• Anxiety or meltdowns

• Difficulty adjusting to routines

• Sleep disturbances

• Regressive behaviors

• Social withdrawal

Proactive strategies can ease this transition and set a positive tone for the entire academic year.

Key Strategies for a Smooth Return to School

Here are some evidence-based practices recommended by therapists and educators at OrbRom Center to help your child get ready for school confidently and calmly:

1. Create a Visual Countdown Calendar

Mark the first day of school and count down the days together. Use pictures to show what the child can expect each day (shopping, visiting school, packing the bag). Visual timelines reduce uncertainty.

2. Re-establish School Routines Early

Start waking up, eating meals, and going to bed at the same times you expect during the school week. Use a visual schedule to make transitions easier, especially for children with executive functioning challenges.

3. Prepare a “Back-to-School” Social Story

Social stories describe what will happen in a situation using pictures and simple language. They can explain things like: “When I go to school, I will see my teacher. I will sit in my seat. If I feel nervous, I can ask for a break.”

4. Involve Your Child in Preparation

Let them choose school supplies, pack their bag, or pick out their clothes. This fosters independence and gives them a sense of control over the change.

5. Visit the School Ahead of Time

If possible, take a short visit to the school before the first day. Walk around, meet teachers, and practice drop-off and pick-up routines. Familiarity reduces stress for many special needs children.

6. Use Sensory Tools to Regulate Anxiety

Tools like Noise Cancelling Headphones or fidget items can help children feel more in control of their environment during the school day.

How OrbRom Center Supports Back-to-School Readiness

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we provide individualized back-to-school support for children with a wide range of developmental needs. Through our Special Needs Intensive Intervention and Occupational Therapy Services, we help children build school-readiness skills such as:

• Transitioning between tasks

• Following routines

• Sitting for focused work

• Managing emotions in group settings

• Socializing with peers

We also offer Assessments to identify learning or developmental needs before the school year begins, allowing for better advocacy and support within the classroom.

Sensory and Support Tools for the School Year

Having the right tools in your child’s backpack can make a big difference. Explore OrbRom’s sensory product recommendations to help your child feel calm and focused during school:

• Weighted Sensory Blanket – for use before bed or after school to reduce stress

• Sleep Sound Machine – promotes healthy sleep routines for school readiness

• Noise Cancelling Headphones – ideal for noisy hallways or classrooms

These tools are trusted by therapists and teachers around the world—and they’re available locally in Phnom Penh at the OrbRom Sensory Shop.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to stress. With the right strategies, tools, and support, children with special needs can start the school year feeling confident and prepared. Whether your child needs help managing transitions, adapting to new environments, or building academic and social readiness, OrbRom Center is here to help.

We believe every child deserves a joyful and successful school experience—and we’re ready to walk alongside you to make that happen.