Heading back to school can be stressful for parents. According to a new survey from Understood.org,  a leading nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and support for children with learning and thinking differences (LTD), this time of year can be even more difficult for parents of children with education challenges. 

According to new data, from the 2024 Back-to-School Survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, 9 in 10 parents with school-aged children are stressed about the back-to-school season. Among parents with children who have LTD, this number is 96 percent. 

The survey found that parents agree that their children are misunderstood by classmates and teachers, noting however, that 53 percent of respondents agree that they are less worried about stigmas this year as compared with previous years.

"More and more kids and adults are being evaluated and identified as neurodivergent, which is a good thing," said Dr. Andrew Kahn, Understood.org's associate director of behavior change and expertise. "Social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, have amplified the voices of neurodivergent individuals and their advocates, fostering greater understanding and support."

Kahn noted that a greater acceptance and openness to discuss LTDs has improved attitudes toward returning to school. According to the survey, 81 percent of parents agree that not all parents are excited to send their kids back to school. Meanwhile, Kahn noted, that parents who have a child with LTDs are more likely than parents who do not have children with LTDs to feel stressed, at a rate of 36 percent, compared with 19 percent of parents without a child who has LTDs. 

Approximately 78 percent of parents agree that when their child doesn't get the support they need in school, it impacts other aspects of their lives, going beyond their progress in school. The result is an increase in reports of feeling stressed among parents at a rate of nearly 50 percent, compared with 31 percent of parents of children without LTDs. 

Parents of children with LTDs, according to the survey, also reported feeling more stressed about whether their child's school will be able to meet their needs and have adequate access to resources.

"Back to school continues to be one of the most stressful times of the year,” said Kahn.  “However, we know that when children have the right support in school, there is a positive ripple effect that extends from childhood into adulthood. Our goal is to equip parents with resources and confidence to start the school year strong and help their child thrive."