fbpx

Is your child ready to transition to school?

Starting school is a big step and could be stressful for many parents and children. For children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) this transition could be even more challenging. Having to face a new environment, people, and schedule is often problematic for first-time students.

How do we prepare them?

It is important to focus on two major areas when it comes to the transitioning process: skills that a child needs to have to be successful in school and techniques we can use to smooth that transition. Family members and ABA therapists should begin the transitioning process at pre-school age by evaluating a child’s strengths and weaknesses in areas of emotional, behavioral, social, academic and independent skills. Is your child ready to sit and attend for 15 minutes or answer questions, follow group directions and greet their peers? Can he go to the bathroom and eat independently? Other crucial skills to functioning in a group setting include: responding to name, understanding and following multistep group directions, attending to an activity and the ability to work independently or in a small group.

So what techniques can be used to ease the process and prepare your child? You can start with establishing and teaching a new routine and schedule. Introduce a calendar and start to count down the days until beginning of school. You can visit the new school and take pictures. Introduce new materials that are seen and used in the school setting. If possible, meet some of the kids prior to school starting in order to make friends and get more comfortable in a new social environment. Create a social story “Going to School” and read it few times a day. You can also teach new rules and start practicing them at home.

You May Also Like

Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Periodontist

Mark McCawley, DMD, MS, FACD Tom McCawley, DDS, FACD McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics, Implants and Breath Treatment 800 E. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-522-3228 Mccawley.com 1. Are you a pioneer in laser treatment with several published research studies? We had the first Nd:YAG laser in the country in 1990. We have been

Dr Tom McCawley
For the Love Of Food

Lenore Nolan Ryan Catering & Cooking School Galt Ocean Plaza 3311 North Ocean Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.491.2340 lenorenolanryan.com Are you a Foodie? Are you an Epicurista? Are you a Culinarian? Are you a Gourmand, a Gourmet? What does it all mean? Are you one? Are you one and don’t know it? Do you

Lose Weight Fast

Carolyn Zaumeyer Nurse Practitioner LowTE Florida 4540 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.791.4498 lowteflorida.com That sounds too good to be true! However, I have seen it time after time. Do you have 3 weeks that you can focus on YOU and on YOUR weight loss? Most of my patients have lost 10-20 pounds

Carolyn z
Why It’s Crucial to Address Gum Disease for Overall Health

Mark McCawley, DMD, MS, FACD Tom McCawley, DDS, FACD McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics, Implants and Breath Treatment 800 E. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-522-3228 mccawley.com It’s vital to tackle gum disease promptly, as it’s not just about keeping a healthy smile but also about safeguarding your overall health. The issue begins with

Dr Tom McCawley

Other Posts

Give the Gift Of Health

Carolyn Zaumeyer Nurse Practitioner LowTE Florida 4540 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.791.4498 lowteflorida.com Do you or someone you know not feel or look their best? A simple hormone, vitamin and or thyroid correction could make all the difference! A blood testis the first step in getting you back to your old self

Carolyn z
Thanksgiving ABC’s

Lenore Nolan-Ryan Lenore Nolan Ryan Catering & Cooking School Galt Ocean Plaza 3311 North Ocean Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.491.2340 lenorenolanryan.com The key to pulling off the biggest meal of the year, and enjoying it is to call me! I’m here to help! Scenario: You’ve picked up the packaged dinner and it’s ready for

Laser Treatment Of Gum Disease

Mark McCawley, DMD, MS, FACD Tom McCawley, DDS, FACD McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics, Implants and Breath Treatment 800 E. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-522-3228 mccawley.com Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that causes the gums to detach from the teeth and the surrounding bone to be progressively

Dr Tom McCawley
How to Eliminate Bad Breath

Mark McCawley, DMD, MS, FACD Tom McCawley, DDS, FACD McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics, Implants and Breath Treatment 800 E. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-522-3228 mccawley.com Welcome to our new column, we are Drs. Tom and Mark McCawley. We specialize in laser periodontics, dental implants, and bad breath treatment. For 50 years we

Dr Tom McCawley