A new school year brings new teachers, new classmates, new routines, and plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. For children with autism, these changes can sometimes feel overwhelming! The good news? Many of the everyday skills children use at school can be practiced and strengthened before the first bell rings.
At Little Spurs Autism Centers, we believe therapy should be meaningful, engaging, and centered around the child. Through play-based ABA therapy, children can practice important skills in ways that feel natural, motivating, and fun.
Skills That ABA Therapy Can Help Build
ABA therapy can support children in developing skills that may help them feel more confident and independent at school, including:
- Following routines: Practicing familiar steps and responding to daily expectations.
- Transitioning: Moving from one activity to another with greater flexibility.
- Communication: Learning to appropriately express wants, needs, questions, and when they need help.
- Waiting and taking turns: Building patience and practicing social skills during games and activities.
- Participating in group activities: Increasing comfort with sitting, listening, and engaging during group instruction.
- Managing frustration: Developing strategies for communicating feelings and navigating challenging moments.
- Building social skills: Practicing interactions, sharing, turn-taking, and other skills that can support friendships.
- Increasing independence: Learning to complete age-appropriate tasks with less support.
Learning Through Play
At Little Spurs Autism Centers, we believe children learn best when they are engaged in what they are doing. That’s why our approach incorporates play-based learning into therapy whenever appropriate.
Play gives children opportunities to practice communication, social interaction, problem-solving, following directions, flexibility, and independence in a setting that feels motivating and enjoyable.
Rather than simply preparing a child to sit still and follow instructions, therapy can focus on building skills that support participation in everyday life—at school, at home, and in the community.
Preparing for a Successful School Year
Back-to-school preparation doesn’t have to happen all at once. Practicing routines, transitions, communication, and independence in small ways can help children become more comfortable with the changes a new school year brings.
Every child is different, and ABA therapy should be individualized to their strengths, needs, and goals.
At Little Spurs Autism Centers, we’re here to help children build meaningful skills, grow their confidence, and celebrate progress along the way.
Ready to learn more about ABA therapy? Connect with Little Spurs Autism Centers to explore how we can support your child.
