Supporting Neurodivergent Teens Through Middle School Transitions in Round Rock ISD

Transitioning to middle school is a big milestone for any teen — a time filled with new routines, social circles, and academic expectations. For neurodivergent students, this change can feel especially overwhelming. If you're a parent or caregiver navigating this transition within Round Rock ISD, know that you're not alone. This post is your friendly guide to understanding how the district supports neurodivergent teens and their families during this pivotal phase. We'll walk through practical resources and strategies designed to ease the journey, empower your teen, and help you feel confident every step of the way.

Round Rock ISD uses a system called Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to help every student succeed. Think of MTSS as a safety net with three layers, catching kids at different support levels depending on their needs.

• Tier 1 (Universal Support): This is the base layer where every student gets quality teaching and a welcoming classroom environment. For neurodivergent teens, this means classrooms with flexible seating, clear visual schedules, and consistent expectations.

• Tier 2 (Targeted Support): If your teen needs a bit more help, they might get small group sessions focusing on skills like organization, emotional regulation, or social interaction.

• Tier 3 (Intensive Support): For students needing personalized, one-on-one help, this tier offers tailored interventions, often involving special education professionals.

Quick takeaway: MTSS isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s designed to adjust and grow with your teen’s needs, making sure they get just the right support.

Imagine your teen has ADHD and sometimes struggles with executive functioning—like keeping track of assignments or managing time. Under MTSS, they might get coaching on these skills or scheduled sensory breaks to help stay focused. Or if your teen is on the autism spectrum, they might join a social skills group or have structured routines to ease transitions between classes.

• Tier 1: Your teen’s teacher uses clear instructions and visual aids that help everyone understand what’s expected.
• Tier 2: Your teen attends a small group to boost organizational skills or meets regularly with a counselor to manage stress.
• Tier 3: They receive one-on-one tutoring or follow a personalized behavior plan. Programs like Round Rock ISD’s GOALS Learning Center offer a supportive space for students with more significant behavioral challenges.

Middle school can stir up big feelings and behaviors that need extra care. Round Rock ISD’s Behavioral Health Services team, including 11 Master’s level Social Workers, is here to support your teen’s emotional and behavioral well-being. They work closely with families and schools to create plans that fit your teen’s unique needs, often aligning with their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

If you’re wondering when to reach out, a good rule is to connect if you notice changes in mood, behavior, or if your teen seems overwhelmed. These social workers can offer strategies for executive functioning, sensory processing, and emotional regulation that make a real difference.

Navigating middle school can feel like a maze, but you don’t have to do it alone. Round Rock ISD’s Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) is a welcoming community where parents share experiences and learn about resources. Joining SEPAC meetings can give you insider knowledge on IEP tips, executive function strategies, and sensory supports tailored for middle school.

Alongside SEPAC, the Family Connections program offers easy-to-understand guides, videos, and handouts that break down the transition process into manageable steps. They cover everything from preparing for IEP meetings to setting up home routines that support learning.

Here’s a simple way to get started:

1. Attend a SEPAC meeting or event to connect with other parents and learn about new resources.
2. Explore Family Connections materials online to prepare for upcoming school meetings.
3. Keep notes during meetings and ask questions—remember, you’re your teen’s best advocate.

Supporting your teen at home can boost their success at school. Try creating consistent routines that mirror school schedules, like regular homework times and sensory breaks. Use visual schedules or checklists to help your teen track tasks. Celebrate small wins to build confidence.

One parent shared how joining SEPAC helped her feel less isolated and more empowered. Through SEPAC, she learned strategies to support her son’s executive function challenges and connected with the GOALS Learning Center for additional support. Her son’s confidence grew, and so did her peace of mind.

Middle school transitions can be tricky, but Round Rock ISD offers a strong team and resources to support your family. By understanding MTSS, tapping into Behavioral Health Services, and engaging with parent groups like SEPAC, you’re setting your teen up for success.

And to make your advocacy journey smoother, consider using NeuroMule. Our tools help you manage appointments, track interventions, and keep notes organized—lightening your load so you can focus on what matters most: your teen’s growth and well-being.

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Helpful Links:

• Round Rock ISD MTSS
• GOALS Learning Center
• Behavioral Health Services
• SEPAC
• Family Connections

Remember, every step you take is a step forward. You’ve got this, and NeuroMule is here to help you along the way.