Every morning, classrooms come alive with chatter, laughter, and a burst of energy, but somewhere in that same room, a child is sitting quietly, hands over their ears, wishing the noise would stop. The light feels too bright, the voices too loud, and even the teacher’s cheerful instructions feel like they’re coming all at once. For this child, school isn’t just about reading or writing; it’s about surviving the chaos that others don’t even notice.
We often say “all children are equal,” but the truth is, school isn’t equally easy for everyone. Some children, especially those on the autism spectrum, face an invisible storm every single day, one that tests not their intelligence, but their endurance.
That’s exactly what Kalpana Singh’s book, “Unlocking the School Day,” helps us see with clarity, compassion, and hope.
The Struggle No One Talks About
Being in a room where every flicker of the light, every scrape of a chair, and every sudden sound feels magnified ten times. That’s the world many children with autism wake up to. The world feels unpredictable, confusing, and at times overwhelming.
For them, school isn’t just about lessons, it’s about coping. About trying to appear calm while their senses are screaming for a pause. About holding onto familiar routines that bring safety in a world that keeps changing without warning.
And the saddest part? Most of these struggles go unnoticed. Because while some children cry out, others simply go silent, and that silence is mistaken for shyness, disinterest, or defiance.
What “Unlocking the School Day” Teaches Us
Kalpana Singh’s “Unlocking the School Day” is a guide. It helps parents, teachers, and caregivers understand what a typical school day feels like through the eyes of a neurodivergent child.
Instead of heavy medical explanations, the book offers gentle, practical insights that anyone can follow. It’s filled with moments that make you pause and think, “Oh, I never saw it that way before.”
Here’s what the book beautifully highlights:
- How sensory differences affect participation: What feels like a normal classroom to most children might feel like sensory overload to a child with autism, from the buzzing tube light to the constant movement.
- Why structure and predictability matter: Simple routines, like sitting in the same seat or knowing what comes next, give children a sense of safety. Predictability reduces anxiety and helps them engage better.
- Real-life classroom examples: Kalpana shares relatable stories that help adults recognise when a child isn’t being “difficult”, they’re just trying to find their calm.
Her words remind us that inclusion doesn’t start with rules or resources; it starts with empathy.
The Woman Behind the Words
Kalpana Singh has spent more than 17 years working as a pediatric occupational therapist, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other developmental differences thrive both at home and in school.
Through her clinic, Rollick n Frolic, she’s built a space where families and educators learn to see children as whole, not broken, not incomplete, but unique. Her mission is simple: every child deserves to belong, just the way they are.
Her work goes beyond therapy; it’s about rewriting how society views difference. Kalpana’s approach doesn’t ask children to change; it asks adults to understand. And in doing so, she’s helping countless families unlock not just school days, but possibilities.
What We Can Do Right Now
If you’re a parent, teacher, or even a friend, inclusion doesn’t start with big plans. It starts with small, mindful acts.
Here are a few steps we can all take to make school feel safer and kinder for every child:
- Use visuals and routine: charts, pictures, or visual schedules help children prepare for transitions.
- Replace correction with connection: when a child acts out, respond with curiosity, not punishment. Ask why before saying no.
- Look for non-verbal signs of stress: fidgeting, humming, or avoiding eye contact might be signs of discomfort, not misbehaviour.
Small changes can make a big difference, because for some children, kindness is the key that unlocks their courage.
Inclusion isn’t about fixing children. It’s about fixing environments.
When we slow down, listen, and make space for differences, we don’t just make school better for children with autism; we make it better for everyone.
Every child deserves a school day that feels like belonging, not survival. And thanks to voices like Kalpana Singh’s, more people are finally starting to understand that.
