Back to School and an Increase in Autism Symptoms: What Changed? [Podcast Episode #255]

School has started again, and this is a time of year when I often hear from parents who say something like:

“My child was doing so well over the summer, and suddenly things have changed.”

Maybe you’re noticing more tics. Sleep has become disrupted. Your child seems more irritable, anxious, hyperactive, unfocused, or dysregulated. Perhaps digestive issues have returned, or behaviors you thought had improved are suddenly showing up again.

When this happens, I encourage parents to ask a very important question:

What changed?

Going back to school can change a lot more in your child’s environment than we sometimes realize.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that one particular thing at school is responsible. But looking at what has changed can give you important clues.

1. A New Environment Means New Exposures

When children return to school, they suddenly spend many hours each day in a different building surrounded by many more people.

That can mean increased exposure to circulating viruses and bacteria. It can also mean exposure to different cleaning products, fragrances, dust, indoor air pollutants, and other environmental factors.

For a child who is particularly sensitive, the cumulative load may be worth considering when you notice a significant change after returning to school.

And there is another environmental factor I especially want parents to be aware of: