From P6 to Sec 1 — Helping Your Neurodiverse Child Make the Leap

PSLE is over. It’s tempting to relax. But for many children with ADHD, autism, dyslexia or anxiety, the bigger challenge comes next: secondary school changes almost everything at once.

What changes

These changes lean heavily on planning, organisation, flexibility and social skills — the very areas many neurodiverse children find hardest.

During the holidays

1. Visit the school and find the canteen and general office together.
2. Practise the journey at the real school time.
3. Set up a planner and colour-code files by subject.
4. Shift bedtime earlier in the last two weeks.
5. Ask about feelings: what they’re excited about, and what worries them.

Tell the new school

Don’t assume information is passed on. Share your child’s latest report and a short note of what helps, such as “She works best with written instructions.” Ask who the SEN support contact is.

The first term

Give more support than you think is needed, then slowly step back.

• A relaxed daily check-in: “One good thing, one hard thing?”
• A Sunday look at the week’s homework and tests
• Pack the bag the night before, using the timetable
• Real downtime — holding it together all day is tiring

Signs they need more help

Tummy aches on school mornings, refusing school, meltdowns after school, hidden homework, or withdrawing from friends for more than a few weeks. The earlier these are addressed, the easier they are to turn around.

We can help

Our executive functioning training builds planning and organisation skills, and our counsellors support anxiety and big transitions. Starting Sec 1 soon? Book a consultation or WhatsApp us.