Need Help from Teachers / Moms of Kids on Autism Spectrum Who Are Mainstreamed

Does he have an IEP?

If you are having ARD meetings for him, you can also address your concerns with that.

Talk to the teacher ahead of time... if he is a sensory seeker, find acceptable ways for him to fidget... playing with a fidget, using a weighted vest/lap pad, quietly tapping his toe or tapping his hand on his leg.... these will all possibly help him focus without disturbing others. Does he have oral sensory needs? If so, an acceptable "chewie tube" or "chewie necklace" may help with that.

Be sure he gets into a classroom where the teacher DOES understand his sensory needs... some teachers are old-fashioned and want the child to sit still and listen... very difficult for some of the SPD sensory seekers.

Talk to the teacher about allowing him "sensory" breaks.... the chance to get up and move around the room at acceptable times. Maybe you, the teacher, and your son need to work on some signals for him to give her so she understands he needs a break?

It sounds like you are really willing to work with the school to help him be successful in first grade. This is great! Here are some thoughts: Will it help him to meet his teacher before school starts? As far as the sensory needs, I'm sure they can put some sensory breaks in his day, possibly by himself with a para or as a whole class doing wall push ups or stretches. I don't know if k was half day, but if it was, the longer day could be difficult for him and built in breaks would help. Possibly have the teacher give him an "office" area where he can go and clam himself if he feels he is getting overstimulated or distracted. Good luck,I'm sure he will do great in first grade!

You can work with teacher on what you know helps and I am sure teacher is always figuring out ways to work with child. I worked with autistic children, attended several seminars. Some things that helped: a squishy ball, they can squeeze throughout the day...headphones in areas that are too loud (concerts, gym class etc.) They can wear vests (I never liked that one too much, the vests are weighted but supposedly they feel secure), chewing gum, if there are assistants, redirection from all of the distractions help, walks, and an aide at desks-written communication when they need help in the form of a sign or cube, one side for the help question, otherside letting teacher know ok. (Might be too young for that). If he likes to draw he could be provided with paper almost all the time and a pen (although in later years they might challenge this). It is surprising despite being socially challenged that once they are feeling comfortable how aware they do become of portions of their world. God bless you!

Before you make yourself crazy, see how it goes. Then you can zero in on the areas that he may need help,in. He may do just fine.

Get his 504 plan done as soon as possible so the teachers and other staff can be on board to his triggers and needs. We have one in place for this year already.

It's very important he have the support staff educated and ready to support him so he'll succeed. I think it's going to be hard but if you are visiting with the teacher and seeing if she's encountering any issues then you can help her to figure out what to do.

Well assuming he had an Aide w/him in class for Kindergarten?
And per this year, his IEP is reviewed etc., and per that an Aide would be with him in class, since he is mainstreamed and is Autistic etc.
So to me, the Aide or Skills Trainer, and team would know his issues/behavior and it should be fine. And they confer with the parent(s) too.

ALL the SPED kids at my kids' school, are mainstreamed.
And the Aide and per the kid's IEP, they are addressed and needs met, per each child's situation. And each year, the same Aide is typically, the same Aide the child will get next year from last year.
So there is continuity.

Kindergarten versus 1st grade, sure its different. But it is not "tougher."
There is more of a difference, academically and per Teacher expectations, between 1st going to 2nd, or 3rd grade. There is a big difference in 3rd grade, and then 4th grade, then 5th grade.

Don't worry.
Many of the SPED kids, including Autistic kids at my kids' school, are, sensory seeking and socially challenged. Typical. And its fine.
My son, has in his 2nd grade class right now, an Autistic boy, who he also had in class in Kindergarten. And it is FINE.

Don't compare swimming class, with a school classroom.
2 different things.
And at swim school, they are not SPED trained nor educated.

I work at my kids' school.

And yes, it is the SPED department to ask.
Since with SPED mainstreamed kids, it is the SPED trained Aide that is with the child and navigates the child. Not the regular classroom Teacher.
They have 2 different roles.
A regular Teacher, is not the person who decides things for the SPED child.

All the SPED kids I know at my kids' school, is fine and transitioned fine.
And they all typically have the same Aide/Skills Trainer etc.
Your son is at the same school, and you said he generally does pretty well. With all of that in mind, that should help.