Back-to-School Tips for FOXG1 Families
Back-to-school season always brings a mix of emotions for parents—excitement, nerves, and a little bit of exhaustion. For FOXG1 families, that mix is often amplified. New teachers, new classrooms, new routines, and new challenges can feel overwhelming when your child requires extra care and accommodations.
But you’re not alone in this. With a little planning, a lot of communication, and plenty of grace, you can help your child—and yourself—transition into the school year with more confidence. Here are seven tips designed especially for FOXG1 families navigating the school routine.
1. Create an “All About My Child” Sheet
Even though your child’s teachers and aides have their IEP or 504 Plan, nothing replaces a quick, parent-made reference sheet. Think of it as a snapshot that helps staff get to know your child as a whole person, not just a file.
Include:
A photo, full name, birthday, and nickname
Communication style (nonverbal, uses AAC, gestures, or facial expressions)
Medical needs and feeding information
Strengths and favorite activities
Comfort items or sensory supports
A note about your child’s personality—what makes them smile
Whenever possible, use positive language like “working on head control” instead of “cannot sit up.” This keeps the tone encouraging while still honest about your child’s needs.
2. Build in After-School Decompression Time
The school day can be a lot—bright lights, new faces, therapies, noise, and transitions. By the time your child comes home, they may be completely spent. Instead of diving straight into appointments, meals, or family activities, try creating a predictable decompression window.
This might look like:
Quiet cuddle time
Gentle music or a story
A soothing bath
Swinging, rocking, or another favorite sensory activity
Simply resting in a calm, low-stimulation space
These rituals send a clear signal: you are home, safe, and it’s okay to relax. Over time, this helps your child transition more smoothly from school to home.
3. Establish Predictable Routines at Home
Kids with FOXG1 Syndrome thrive on consistency. Creating a clear routine around mornings, evenings, and transitions can reduce stress for everyone.
A few ideas:
Start bedtime and wake-up schedules that align with school needs.
Use simple cues like songs, alarms, or picture cards to prepare for transitions.
Build in buffer time to prevent rushing, which can escalate stress.
Stick to familiar rituals—like reading the same book before bed or singing the same song before school.
Predictability at home helps balance the unpredictability of the school day!
4. Partner With Your Child’s School Team
When it comes to IEPs and accommodations, communication is everything. Take time to connect with your child’s teacher, aides, therapists, and bus staff during those early weeks.
Double-check that IEP supports are in place (equipment, AAC devices, feeding accommodations).
Keep a communication notebook or digital log that travels back and forth with your child.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or flag issues early—small adjustments can make a big difference.
Remember: you are the expert on your child. Your insights are essential for the school team to succeed.
5. Organize Your Paperwork
Back-to-school often means stacks of forms, reports, and updates. Stay ahead of the chaos by keeping everything in one place:
A binder or digital folder with IEPs, progress reports, and medical notes
Contact information for doctors, therapists, and specialists
Notes from meetings and conversations with school staff
Having everything organized means you’re ready if questions come up or if staff turnover happens mid-year. It also makes it easier to advocate when needed.
6. Plan for Challenges Before They Happen
It’s not fun to think about, but planning ahead can prevent stress later.
Talk to staff and make sure your child knows (or has a system to show) who their safe adults are.
Review bus routines, feeding protocols, and emergency plans.
Ask about Positive Behavior Supports (PBIS) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) if behavior challenges have been an issue.
Send a comfort object or photo to school—a tangible reminder of home that can help when your child feels overwhelmed.
These proactive steps create more peace of mind for you and your child.
7. Give Yourself (and Your Child) Grace
Some mornings will go smoothly. Others will feel impossible. That’s okay. Back-to-school transitions take time for every family—especially when your child has complex needs.
Celebrate small wins: a smile at drop-off, a calm ride home, a therapy session that goes well. Those moments matter. And when the day feels heavy, remember that you’re doing something incredibly hard—and you’re not doing it alone.
Leaning on the FOXG1 community, other special needs parents, or even supportive friends can make all the difference.
Starting the School Year With Strength
Back-to-school will never be “one size fits all,” especially for FOXG1 families. But every schedule you set, every note you send, and every small victory you celebrate is building a foundation of support for your child.
Remember—you are your child’s strongest advocate, their safe place, and their greatest cheerleader. And in those moments when it feels overwhelming, know that this community stands with you. Together, we’re making each school year not just possible, but meaningful.💜
FOXG1 Research Center is dedicated to understanding and finding treatments for FOXG1 syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Our Team
Drs. Soo-Kyung Lee, PhD. and Jae W. Lee, PhD. are the principal investigators of FOXG1 Research Center. Our team is full of dedicated individuals with the common goal of studying FOXG1 Syndrome to find treatment options and further understand the condition.
Our Publications
To learn more details about our research, please refer to our publications.
