Getting prepared for going back to school

We are starting to prepare the children for school. Bought new stationary, bottles, and whatever they need. 2 out of 3 are excited to go back and can't wait. My autistic daughter on the other hand, isn't ready and doesn't want to. I want to make it as easy as possible for her. 

Unfortunately, the last few weeks before school broke up was absolutely horrible for her and the school have lost her trust. She isn't one to hold grudges but this time, she hates them a lot for what they've done. She's had nightmares EVERY night, and I mean every night about school. And months before they broke up, she was constantly saying she doesn't want to go back. We have agreed to give it another go but she has such a negative frame of mind towards the school, I don't know how it will turn out. She struggles daily in school and she masks everything, and is good at it, so they don't realise some of the issues so her needs aren't getting met either. 

How can I make it easier. We have a calendar counting down the days, her normal schedule for going back to school, a list of staff who will still be working there. Honestly, I want her to do well and do her GCSEs soon and start visiting colleges with the school. The quicker the better. 

  • The issue is that she doesn't want to go back but she knows that if she doesn't she will miss and regret it. Whenever she goes through a bad time there thats her though process but when things have calmed down she happy she didn't follow through with it. She is a fighter and will want to stay, its her thoughts for her. She says she's been through too much her whole school life only to have 1 good year and give up now, so she still wants to carry on. 

  • To be honest, at 16, her mind is made up. My brother withdrew from school at that age, but ended up doing an employability course at Tech; which was much better for him.

    The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.