How Can I Help My Autistic Child Prepare For Secondary School? | Rebecca McCullough

Preparing for secondary school can be a real challenge, especially for autistic children. In this episode, expert guest, Rebecca McCullough, shares simple tips to help you get your child ready for the changes ahead.

Rebecca is the founder of Eden Consultancy, a company that equips those supporting or raising neurodivergent children or children with social, emotional and mental health needs. Building on her experience as a special needs teacher, Rebecca wanted to help more people, so she stepped out of the classroom and completed her Master’s degree in Psychological Sciences. Eden Consultancy is based in Northern Ireland but helps people all across the world.

You can find Rebecca on Instagram: @edenconsultancyni
Facebook: @Edenconsultancyni
TikTok: @edenconsultancyni

Rebecca recommends the books, The Red Beast: Helping Children on the Autism Spectrum to Cope with Angry Feelings by Kay Al-Ghani, and The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside.

She also shares three tips during her episode:

1. Use visuals, like pictures and social stories. Rebecca strongly believes that no one is too old for visuals. For example, a written checklist on the back of your child’s door of what they need for that day, or their uniform, can help them prepare for school.
2. Teach your child about their own body sensations when they’re feeling different emotions. For example, with worries, you could talk to them about how you feel in your tummy because you’re a bit nervous. Help them understand they are not sick but feeling a particular way.
3. Remember that whatever behaviour they are showing, it’s communication. You can use the phrase, “I notice… I wonder…” to help talk about it with them.