Preparing for School with ABA Therapy: Helping Your Child Transition with Confidence
Starting preschool, kindergarten, or any new school can be overwhelming — especially for children with autism. New routines, new people, unfamiliar expectations. At Sunny Skies ABA, we use therapy to prepare children for this big leap, giving them the tools to adjust, succeed, and feel confident in a classroom setting.
Why School Transitions Can Be Tough
Many kids thrive on routine. School introduces:
New rules and schedules
Group activities and noise
Transitions between tasks
Teachers who may not know your child’s needs
Without preparation, these changes can lead to anxiety, meltdowns, or shutdowns.
How ABA Helps with the Transition to School
ABA therapy builds foundational skills that make the school experience smoother. These include:
Following Directions — from one-step to multi-step tasks
Sitting in a Group — learning how to stay engaged during circle time
Waiting and Taking Turns — in line, during play, or when speaking
Responding to Adults — such as following instructions from a teacher
Independence Skills — like putting on a backpack, using the bathroom, or feeding themselves
Every child’s school-readiness plan is tailored to their strengths and challenges.
We Use Role-Play and Real-World Practice
Your child doesn’t just hear about school — we practice it. In our sessions, we may:
Pretend to have “circle time” and model raising hands
Use toy lunchboxes or backpacks to practice routines
Rehearse classroom transitions like lining up or cleaning up
Read social stories about what to expect on the first day
This type of exposure reduces fear and builds confidence.
Support for Parents and Teachers, Too
We don’t just prepare your child — we also prepare the people around them.
Parent Training: You’ll learn how to reinforce school-ready behaviors at home
Teacher Collaboration: If needed, we can help educators understand your child’s strengths, triggers, and strategies
IEP Support: Our BCBAs can help with behavior goals, accommodations, and communication with schools
The result? A smoother start and a stronger support system.
Success Isn’t Perfect — It’s Progress
School will have ups and downs — that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s giving your child the tools to:
Communicate their needs
Adapt to change
Feel proud of themselves for trying
With a solid ABA foundation, those big transitions become manageable steps.
Final Thoughts: Big Steps, Bright Futures
Every child deserves to walk into school feeling capable and understood. At Sunny Skies ABA, we help make that happen — one goal, one routine, and one confident step at a time.
