Preparing for Back to School with Anxiety, SPD, or Focus Struggles
Back-to-school season brings excitement for some kids—but for others, it brings stress, fear, and overwhelm.
For children living with anxiety, sensory processing disorder (SPD), ADHD, or trauma-related challenges, the shift to school can be a lot to manage. New teachers, loud environments, social uncertainty, and rigid routines can quickly throw off their nervous systems and leave families feeling unprepared.
At Same Stars Wellness, we help families step into the school year with more ease, confidence, and support.
🎒 Common Back-to-School Challenges in Neurodivergent or Sensitive Kids
Morning meltdowns or refusal to go
Difficulty transitioning between home and school
Heightened anxiety about routines or expectations
Sensory overload in loud or chaotic classrooms
Trouble sitting still or focusing
We see you. And we’ve got tools that can help.
🌿 Supportive Therapies to Ease the Transition
Our integrative approach means we tailor care to your child’s needs—not a one-size-fits-all plan. Some of the most supportive options this time of year include:
✔️ Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT)
Helps children build routines, manage transitions, regulate attention, and use sensory strategies to stay calm and engaged.
✔️ Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Gentle hands-on therapy that calms the nervous system, improves sleep, and helps kids feel grounded. Great for pre-school jitters or post-school decompressing.
✔️ Pediatric Acupuncture
Needle-free or low-sensation tools to reduce anxiety, support regulation, and ease physical symptoms of stress like tummy aches or sleep troubles.
✔️ Sensory Room Visits
Sometimes a calm space is the best start. Our clinic’s sensory-friendly rooms are ideal for easing into care or supporting children who need breaks and safety.
🧠 Tips for Parents Supporting Anxious or Overwhelmed Kids
Preview the routine with visual schedules or school tours
Use sensory tools like compression clothing or fidget items
Create calm morning rituals with music, movement, or cuddles
Reinforce co-regulation: your calm helps them feel safe
Our team can work with you on these strategies so your child feels more prepared—and you feel less alone.
👩⚕️ Meet Your Back-to-School Support Team
Jennifer Strukoff brings deep expertise in pediatric massage and gentle craniosacral therapy, supporting kids with regulation, sensory needs, and anxiety.
Sam, one of our complex care specialists, works with families navigating ADHD, sensory needs, and medical complexities with compassion and practical strategies.
Together, we’re here to help your child thrive.
✅ Let’s Make This Year Smoother
You don’t have to wait for burnout or a full-on school refusal before getting help. Whether your child needs nervous system support, routine planning, or just a place to exhale—our team is ready.
👉 Book a back-to-school support appointment or reach out to learn more.
📚 Further Reading & Resources
Back-to-School Toolkit for Kids with Anxiety – Child Mind Institute
Sleep, Anxiety, and School Transitions – The Sleep Foundation
💛 Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to stress. With the right tools and team, your child can step into September with confidence.
