Transición de la terapia ABA a la escuela pública: Buenas prácticas

Applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, is considered the gold standard of treatment plans for children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The science- and evidence-based approach to learning and behavior helps children with autism build the social, communication and daily life skills with which they typically struggle.

One of the major end goals of ABA therapy is to help children with autism live more independently. This is done in a number of ways, using a variety of strategies based on each individual child’s unique challenges, needs and situation.

While ABA therapy is very successful at helping children learn new skills and modify their behavior, it isn’t meant to be administered forever. A major milestone that ABA therapy seeks to help children accomplish is transitioning into a public school setting.

Doing so requires the child to do many things they might not be used to, and that they may struggle with, including navigating new environments, adapting to different and new routines, and consistently engaging with their peers and others in social interactions.

Providing ongoing support to children with autism who are going to face these challenges is essential if they are to be successful in school. Here are some best practices for the transition from ABA therapy to public school.

Learn more about teaching methods of ABA in schools

Índice

Plan the Transitions

Children with autism often thrive on routines and what’s familiar to them. The better they’re able to predict what they are about to encounter, the more likely they are to feel comfortable.

That’s why planning the transitions both in getting to and leaving school, and navigating the day at school, is so important. It’s essential that consistency is established as much as possible, with the child being given the opportunity to maintain routines that are familiar to them.

This plan needs to include the child’s entire day — from morning time routines at home before school, to transportation to school, to what they do at school, to how they get home from school and what they do at home, to bedtime.

Parents obviously play a huge role in setting routines that work for the entire family’s lifestyle, but they’ll also need to work in tandem with teachers and school administrators.

Establish Open Communication

Effective communication will be an essential aspect of a successful transition to public school. Parents, caregivers and family members need to establish open lines of communication with teachers and other support staff at the school.

Parents have to be able to communicate to school personnel what challenges their child faces, what specific needs they have, what their preferences are, what helps them through situations and much more.

It’s not just about sharing this information before the child starts school, though. Many children with autism will need constant attention and support throughout their entire school journey, and regular communication between parents and school staff will help ensure that they are getting what they need.

A successful school experience for children with autism really takes a collaborative effort between the child, parents, teachers and school support staff.

Build Relationships

To emphasize that last point, building relationships will be essential in having a positive transition from ABA therapy to public school. While this also includes a good relationship between the parents and school staff, the most important relationships are those the child will form at school.

Children with autism need to feel safe and that they are with people they can trust. Parents can set their children up for success with various strategies at home, but the parents won’t be there when their children are at school.

Parents and ABA therapists can help the child build these relationships and trust with teachers and other school support staff by meeting them in advance of going to school. The teachers and support staff can be educated on how to use positive reinforcement to motivate the child, and what types of positive reinforcement work best for the child.

It’s also incumbent on the school community to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for children with autism. This will serve to make the child feel included and part of the classroom and motivate them to engage with their peers and do what they need to do so they can learn at school.

Blue Gems ABA Helps Children with Autism Transition to Public School

Transitioning from ABA therapy to public school is a huge milestone for children with autism. There are many challenges that children with ASD will face in doing so, such as adapting to new environments, new people and new routines — all of which necessitates a thought-out plan.

En Blue Gems ABA, our team of BCBAs helps our patients make this transition more smoothly by working directly with parents, teachers and other school support staff when needed. We understand that each individual child is unique in what they need and what challenges they face, and we help craft public school transition plans that address those challenges.

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