Beginning school for children with Autism and other learning infringements can be a positive experience with careful planning, open communication, and a supportive environment. By preparing your child at home, while working collaboratively with school staff, you can help your child navigate this important milestone with confidence and ease.
The beginning of school for children with autism and other learning differences doesn’t have to be frightening. With careful planning, open communication and a supportive environment, it can actually be incredibly positive. If you can collaborate with school staff and prepare your child in advance, they will be able to navigate school with confidence and ease.
3 Tips to Help the Transition into School
1) Effective communication is key.
All members of the child’s education should be talking regularly. Parents should be actively engaged with teachers and share information about their child’s unique qualities. Make sure to discuss strengths, challenges, and any notable changes in their behavior or needs. Regular meetings, emails, or phone calls can facilitate this exchange of information, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
2.) A well written IEP
This can make a huge difference for the learner as well as the education team. An IEP is a personalized plan that outlines the child’s specific educational goals. It also includes any necessary accommodations, modifications, and support services required to achieve those goals. An IEP is developed collaboratively between parents, teachers, special education professionals, other relevant school personnel, and even your child’s BCBA!
3.) Having the necessary supports
ABA is not just a service that is restricted for in-home or in an ABA clinic. Providers can advocate for services to work 1:1 with clients in the school setting if necessary, as well as in the home to generalize skill acquisition targets and behavior reduction goals. Your child’s ABA provider will often collaborate with all service providers, even outside of a school setting to bridge the gap in treatment delivery and ensure a collaborated treatment for all services.
Ensuring that you are open and transparent about your child’s needs can be difficult for some parents as no two children on the spectrum are the same. Needs vary from day to day. Here are some additional topics to review with your child’s school to ensure it can make the best decisions when educating your child.
4 Things To Inform The School about your Child
1. Academic Challenges
Start by sharing your child’s academic background, along with previous schools attended, specialty programs in which they were enrolled, and their academic strengths and weaknesses. Don’t forget to mention any specific learning challenges or accommodations they may require.
2.Behavioral Challenges
Don’t be hesitant to share if your child faces specific behavioral challenges. Describe triggers, patterns, or strategies that have been effective in managing these behaviors, as well as any previous therapeutic
interventions. Be open to collaborating with the school on behavior support plans if needed.
3. Important Health and Diagnostic Information
Sharing relevant health information and/or special needs your child has can sway decisions for additional
supports offered in the school setting. Some information to share include allergies, medical conditions, and mental or behavioral health diagnosis.
4. Preferred Learning Style:
Explain your child’s preferred learning style. Whether they are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners. Mention any strategies or techniques that have been effective in helping them learn and succeed academically.
Transitioning to school can be a challenge, but the rewards of advocating for the best environment for your child are priceless. Let the board-certified behavior analysts at Empower ABA help your family with the transition to school today! Take a moment to explore our website at https://empoweraba.com/ . Any questions can be directed to info@Empoweraba.com.