Are you unsure whether to send your ASD child to a regular school? It can be difficult to find the right school for your child. It is natural and reasonable for parents to consider this decision because it will have an impact on their child’s development over the next decade or so.
Autism can cause numerous struggles in a child’s daily life. It can have an impact on how they engage with their learning at school, in particular. Children with ASD may face additional obstacles to a successful start to school due to their unique social, communication, and behavioral challenges.
ABA professionals plays an important role in assisting children in maximizing their learning opportunities in the school setting and reducing problem behaviors that are disruptive and interfering. The child may miss out on the many social opportunities that a school can offer as a result of these behaviors, which may also have an impact on learning.
Developing School Readiness Skills
By increasing or improving the desired behaviors that are necessary to be ready for school, ABA therapy can assist in preparing children for the transition into a traditional classroom setting. The school readiness skills that teachers expect children to have before they enter the classroom are outlined below. Regardless of the age of the child, ABA therapy systematically teaches these skills to prepare them for traditional school and increase their chances of success in a school setting.
- Tolerance for remaining seated while performing academic tasks
- Engaging in group activities such as circle time, music, art, and dance
- Following instructions
- Task completion
- Being attentive
- forming a line with peers
- Responding to peer play requests
- Awareness of personal space
- Ability to play independently and in groups
- Learning in a distraction-filled group setting
- Shifting from preferred (recess) to non-preferred educational tasks
Why ABA Therapy Is Beneficial in the Classroom
ABA therapy works well in schools because it is simple to incorporate into the child’s daily routine. Additionally, ABA therapy allows for direct therapy instruction, which is crucial for autistic children who frequently struggle with learning new concepts. In the classroom, ABA therapists are provided to work one-on-one with children and educators are trained on how to use ABA techniques to help all students. As a result, children with autism can participate in a typical classroom setting while also receiving the specialized attention they require.
School should be a fun place for children to learn and grow alongside their peers and with the support of their teachers. Every child grows at their own pace and on their own path. As a result, it shouldn’t matter whether they take the more or less traveled path, as long as it’s what’s best for them.
As you plan and prepare to make these big decisions, we’re here to help!
Reach out to us if you’re ready to take the first step toward your child’s future success.
Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 3 April 2023
