Starting school is a significant event in any child’s life. While for children with disabilities, this transition can be challenging, this is particularly significant for children with autism spectrum disorder. The unique social, communication, and behavioral difficulties children with autism experience may present additional barriers when starting school.
ABA therapy is vital in helping children maximize their learning in the school environment and reduce disruptive behaviors. These behaviors may impact learning and cause the child to miss out on the many social opportunities at school. Let’s go over how ABA therapy can prepare your child for classroom success.
Improves Focus and Attention
Traditional schooling requires children to sit in one place for long periods and pay attention to a flood of new information. Children with autism often struggle with this aspect of school, finding it hard to stay focused and ignore the distractions around them. ABA therapy helps them deal with these issues by giving children the tools to focus and absorb more information. Children learn how to succeed in school by following instructions, tuning out distractions, working independently, and following routines. Over time, the behavior translates into consistent school results.
Develop Social Skills
There is much more to school than academics. Children are introduced to a wide range of social situations in school that they’ve never experienced before. These can be especially difficult to navigate for a child with autism who may not fully understand social cues or how to react in certain situations. ABA therapy can help a child with autism become more comfortable in new social situations and allow them to connect with their peers on a deeper level. Another skill ABA therapy can provide is working together on group projects or sports teams.
Helps Communication Skills
At ABA therapy, children with autism learn to interpret body language, ask meaningful and polite questions, and use language and appropriate responses for specific situations.
Many parents also find it beneficial to continue ABA therapy after their child starts formal school. The ABA therapist can stay in touch with a child’s teacher, help them understand the child, and incorporate their therapy goals into classroom learning.
Fosters Independence
Young children going to school for the first time, or older kids who want to develop away from their parents, tend to create a sense of independence through things they take part in at school. This independence can be difficult to find for children with autism, but it is something that they can overcome. Through help with communication skills, motivational assistance, and goal setting, ABA therapy can set your child up for more success in school as they become more independent.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (301) 577-4333. Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.