The Six-week Itch

We're approaching the end of the fourth week for most schools in my area. I can remember during my training in psychology in schools saying to my boss that things were going really well. She would reply, "Just give it time." Other times, four weeks in, I would express exasperation that kids weren't settling in. "Just give it time," was her reply.

I was taught that for many neurodiverse students, six weeks was the standard period of adjustment. After six weeks, 80% of the crises would have happened and resolved. 80% of the students would have settled in. 80% of the students who started out strong would start to falter.

Regardless, I fall into this same trap every year. Prematurely I report:

• Everything is going great

• Everything keeps falling apart

• Everyone acts like it's still day 1

Since I work with a number of school-aged kids, and have my own school-aged kids, my emotions run the gambit during this season, but it helps to remember that most neurodiverse kids take about six weeks to settle into the school routine.

As a professional it is still relevant, after all of these years, to encourage parents, kids, and schools that it takes about six weeks to settle in. I stay alert and hopeful and check my calendar.