Back to School Routines for Kids with ADHD and Disabilities: Tools That Work

As the school year begins (I know, I know we are all soaking in the last bits of summer) families of children with ADHD, autism, moderate to severe disabilities and other learning disabilities often face more than just a few challenges. New teachers, classrooms, and other new staff- they face transitions that can be overwhelming without the right structure in place. Structure can be down right make it or break it as well as beneficial for families. That’s where routines come in.

 Why Are Routines So Important?

Routines provide:

• Predictability – They help reduce anxiety by letting your child know what comes next.

• Independence – Structured steps allow children to complete tasks with less help.

• Emotional Regulation – Children feel safer and more in control when the day follows a familiar rhythm.

• Better Transitions – Going from play to school, or home to therapy, becomes easier.

Whether your child is neurodivergent, has ADHD, or requires a more individualized education plan (IEP), the right tools can help you build routines that stick. In this post, I’ll explain why routines are crucial for your child’s success and share Amazon tools (affiliate links) that help make back-to-school smoother and more manageable for your family.

Picture Schedules

Picture-based schedules give non-readers and visual learners a step-by-step roadmap of the day. Many special education classes utilize picture-based schedules in their classrooms. We have used both versions of schedules is our house and have had success with both. Starting the morning with snuggles or hugs and progressing to a schedule doesn't always feel natural. After using them for a time it becomes more seamless and not as robotic.

• Smaller schedules that have sliders or checks that can be manipulated work well for many younger children through teenage years. This type of schedule has been utilized for our youngest for her daily routine especially on mornings for school. By children feeling in control and having autonomy over their schedule it provides ownership and positive reinforcement goes far as well! This schedule has pre cut strips and also blank strips to write in customized tasks. These schedules we have found also help with multi step low interest activities like cleaning up the playroom.

  
  

• Aleric 4 Pieces Chores Chart for Kids Chore Chart, Sliding Routine Chart to Do List, My Chores RV Checklist Task Planning Board for Kids and Adults, ADHD Tools Routine Visual Schedule Reminder : https://amzn.to/3TO1XAX

  

  Checklist task schedule

  
  

• We have not used this schedule but having a timer with the schedule itself maybe helpful because if you use a schedule... chances are you are utilizing a timer.

  5-in-1 Visual Timer and Schedule Planner for Kids with ADHD & Autism – Learning Materials Bundle, Task Timer with Chore Chart Board for Kids, Sensory Products Toys for Home, School (100+ Cards) : https://amzn.to/44WsalY

  

• This schedule or smaller picture schedule has been utilized in our home and is perfect for older children that still depend on pictures or younger preschool aged kids. These pre cut picture schedules are great and words are already printed for you.

  Godery Large Visual Schedule for Kids Chore Reward Chart,Bedtime Routine Chart for Toddlers,Double Side Weekly Planner Board with 109 Cards for Home School Planner,Autism Learning Materials. : https://amzn.to/3GTPpFg

  

• Visual Schedule and chore chart/ Daily responsibility planner with schedule and responsibility planner has finished pictures, first / then outline and Morning and Night differentiated pictures for supports to carry throughout the day.

  Visual Schedule & Chore Chart –Daily Responsibility Planner with 73 Picture Cards to Support Routines and Learning Structure at Home Morning and Bedtime -Great for ADHD and Autism Behavior Rewards . : https://amzn.to/40rzkgR

  

Visual Timers

Visual timers are fantastic for helping children see how much time is left for tasks, breaks, or transitions. Timers help everyone in our home to stay on task, remind one another how long before we have to transition ( eat breakfast/ get dressed) and how long to spend on a task. Positive behavior supports also encourage children when meeting or " beating" the timers for getting ready for school.

• Larger timers I have found are better for larger family areas or outside. Though some children and adults may benefit from larger timers.

  TIME TIMER 8 inch Visual Timer - 60 Minute Desk Countdown Clock with Dry Erase Activity Card, Also Magnetic - for Kids Classroom, Homeschooling Study Tool, Task Reminder, Home and Kitchen Timer:https://amzn.to/451iLd1

  

• Smaller visual timers are a must around our house and this is our favorite! We have a few, well several of these timers. When school is in session these timers, we have found, provide structure for transitioning from activities and getting ready for school , through our routine and out the door a more independent accomplishment. Timers also assist with ownership of children's day and takes the " nagging" or " now it is time to " off of parents.

  Yunbaoit Visual Timer with Protective Case, Rainbow Disk 60 Minute Countdown Timer for Kids and Adults, Silent Time Management Tool(Blue Rainbow): https://amzn.to/44VL4t8

  

First/Then Boards

First/Then charts are a game-changer for redirecting behavior and increasing motivation.

• First Then Reward Token Board for Autism with 8 Colorful Pictures Plus 2 Blank Cards on an 8" x 11" Board: https://amzn.to/3GAn5rA

  

Calming Tools for Transitions

These help manage overstimulation and ease anxious moments during transitions.

• ZOHAN Kids Ear Protection 2 Pack,Kids Noise Canceling Headphone for Concerts, Monster Truck, Fireworks : https://amzn.to/46OTkxB

  

• Fidget Toys Sensory Stone for Kids: 6 Pack Textured Soft Worry Stone for Autism Kids Calming - Fidget Stress Toys for Students Anxiety Relief - Small Prizes Fidget Toys : https://amzn.to/46S0ilv

  

Tips for Getting Started with Routines

1. Keep it simple – Start with 3–4 key routines (morning, bedtime, homework).

2. Be consistent – Same order, same visual supports.

3. Use visuals – Print icons, use timers, point to the schedule.

4. Involve your child – Let them help choose or check off items.

5. Review daily – Talk through what’s working or not after school.

Starting school with clear routines and visual supports helps your child thrive and feel confident. Whether you're managing sensory needs, ADHD, or developmental challenges, the right tools empower both parents and kids.

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What routine tools have worked for your family? Let me know in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work! MB