Supporting Neurodivergent Teens Through High School Transitions in Cincinnati Public Schools

Transitioning to high school is a big step for any teen — and for neurodivergent teens, it can feel especially overwhelming. New routines, social dynamics, and academic expectations all come together at once, making this milestone a mix of excitement and uncertainty. If you're a parent navigating this journey within Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), you're not alone. CPS offers specialized programs and resources designed to support neurodivergent students through these changes, aiming to make the transition smoother for both teens and their families. Think of this post as your calm, capable buddy guiding you through the twists and turns of high school transitions.

Moving into high school is a huge milestone, but for neurodivergent teens, it often comes with unique challenges that touch on social, academic, and emotional areas.

High school brings a bigger, more complex social world. There are new peer groups, larger student bodies, and more social expectations. For teens with autism, ADHD, or similar neurodivergences, this can feel overwhelming. They might struggle with social communication, sensory sensitivities, or reading social cues, which can make making friends and feeling included harder.

One program that’s been a game-changer for many families is the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. It offers hands-on social skills training, helping teens learn how to make and keep friends, handle conflicts, and understand social cues in a supportive setting. This kind of targeted support can really boost confidence and ease social challenges (PEERS Program).

High school also means more independence and responsibility. Teens need to juggle multiple teachers, classes, and assignments. This requires strong executive functioning skills — like planning, organizing, and managing time.

If your teen struggles with executive functioning, you might notice they have trouble keeping track of assignments or managing their schedule. This can lead to frustration or falling behind. CPS understands these challenges and offers supports like individualized education programs (IEPs) that include accommodations for executive functioning and sensory needs.

The emotional side of this transition is just as important. New routines, social pressures, and academic demands can increase anxiety and stress.

CPS partners with MindPeace to provide school-based mental health support. This means your teen can access counseling and mental health resources right at school, helping them manage stress and build emotional resilience during this big change (MindPeace and CPS Mental Health Supports).

One of the best ways to ease this transition is to start early and build strong communication between your family and the school.

The CPS Parent Mentor Program is a fantastic resource. Parent mentors are experienced guides who help families understand special education services, prepare for IEP meetings, and advocate for their child's needs. They’re especially helpful if you’re new to the system or feeling overwhelmed.

Tip: Reach out to the Parent Mentor Program early — they can help you prepare questions for meetings and understand what supports your teen might need (Parent Mentor Program).

If your teen is on the autism spectrum, the Autism Support Team at CPS offers school-based consultation and assessment to tailor supports specifically for your child. They can help the school implement strategies around executive functioning, sensory processing, and behavior supports.

Tip: Ask your school's special education coordinator to connect you with the Autism Support Team early in the transition planning process (Autism Support Team).

IEP meetings can feel intimidating, but preparation is key. Bring notes about what’s working and what’s challenging at home and school. Don’t hesitate to ask for accommodations that support executive functioning, sensory needs, or social skills.

Example script: "I've noticed my teen struggles with organizing homework and keeping track of assignments. Could we discuss supports like a planner or check-ins with a counselor?"

Supporting your teen at home can make a big difference.

• Break tasks into smaller steps: Help your teen tackle assignments one piece at a time.
• Use visual schedules: These can help with planning and reduce anxiety about what’s coming next.
• Create sensory-friendly spaces: A quiet, comfortable area for homework or downtime can help manage sensory overload.
• Practice social skills: Use role-playing to rehearse conversations or social scenarios.

Take Sarah, a mom in Cincinnati, whose son, Jake, has ADHD. When Jake started high school, Sarah felt overwhelmed by the new routines and increased workload. She connected with the Parent Mentor Program, which helped her prepare for Jake’s IEP meeting. Together with the Autism Support Team, they set up executive functioning supports and sensory breaks. Jake also joined the PEERS program, which boosted his confidence in making friends. With these supports and Sarah’s home strategies, Jake’s transition became smoother, and Sarah felt empowered advocating for him.

Managing all this information, meetings, and communication can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where NeuroMule comes in. It’s designed to help you keep track of important documents, log meetings and progress, and uncover insights that guide your advocacy.

Here’s how NeuroMule can help:

• Organize IEP documents and notes in one place.
• Set reminders for meetings and deadlines.
• Track your teen’s progress and challenges over time.
• Share updates easily with family members or caregivers.

Think of NeuroMule as your calm, capable buddy, helping you stay organized and confident every step of the way.

Navigating the high school transition can feel like a big mountain to climb, especially when your teen is neurodivergent. But you’re not walking this path alone. Cincinnati Public Schools offers a strong network of programs designed to support both students and families. By tapping into these resources, planning early, and using practical strategies at home, you can help your teen thrive.

Remember, tools like NeuroMule are here to lighten your load, making advocacy and support more manageable. You’ve got this — and with the right support, your teen’s high school years can be a time of growth, discovery, and success. Explore NeuroMule today and see how it can help empower your family’s journey.