By Lynne Adkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The first day of school means change and for students on the autistic spectrum, change can be scary. But you can help your autistic child get ready.

Cheryl Wise, supervisor of special education at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, suggests parents take their child to the school before day one to look around, meet and take pictures of the teacher, principal and key aides — then practice.

“Each day as you’re doing your countdown, I would review the bus driver’s name, the bus aide’s the teacher, the teacher’s assistant and the principal.”

Make a calendar counting down to the start of school and work out a new daily school routine and review both each day so your child is ready and excited for what’s coming in September.

And Wise says it would be a good idea to sent an e-mail the teacher about your child’s likes and dislikes and anything that your student may find frightening.