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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Culver City, CA – Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), an agency providing behavior therapy and other autism services, offers practical back-to-school tips for children with autism and their parents.
“Getting ready for the new school year can be a hectic and exciting time for families,” notes Ronit M. Molko, Ph.D., a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and co-founder of AST. “However, for children with autism, all this change can feel overwhelming. Many parents have turned to us for suggestions on how to help ease their child’s back-to-school anxieties.”
Some of these anxiety-alleviating suggestions include:
Scope out the school and classroom in advance. If a child is going into a new classroom, visit it at least once before the first day of school. If transition has been a struggle in the past, consider taking as much time as her or she needs to explore the classroom. Make it as fun as possible, playing in each of the new areas.
Check out seat assignments. For older children, ask the teacher if a seat assignment has been made. Do some enjoyable activities in that seat. If familiar classmates will be in the room, show where they will be sitting, too.
Rehearse new activities. Find out from the teacher what new activities are planned. Then, prepare the child by performing, practicing, and talking about them. This rehearsal will reduce anxiety when the new activities come up in the first week of school.
Anticipate sensory overload. The noise and chaos of a typical classroom can sometimes be a bit much to handle. Establish a plan for what to do in this situation – perhaps there is a quiet room where the child can “take a break” for a short time.
Volunteer in the classroom. Most teachers welcome assistance from parents. A mother or father’s presence may be a source of comfort to a child during those challenging first weeks.
“Going to school can pose many challenges for children with autism, as well as countless opportunities for building crucial social, language, and academic skills,” says Dr. Molko. “If parents stay positive and encouraging, their child will be off to a great year.”
AST’s family-focused programs incorporate natural home routines to foster an environment that supports a child’s therapeutic goals. The agency’s play-based therapy and other treatment programs are grounded in scientifically-validated teaching methods and are supervised by a highly qualified clinical staff.
Interested families are welcome to contact AST about programs and services available in their area. Please call (866) AST-1520 or visit www.autismtherapies.com.
About Autism Spectrum Therapies:
Founded by respected experts in the field of autism, Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) provides individuals with autism with a range of services from infancy through adulthood, as well as comprehensive training and support for parents and families in their homes and communities. AST’s highly trained clinical staff uses scientifically-validated methods grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with customized services ranging from play-based early intervention programs, to classroom support, to building practical skills for independent living. AST’s intensive family-focused approach facilitates measurable, sustainable progress and helps individuals with autism achieve their full potential. The agency provides services through Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and Riverside San Diego counties. More information at www.autismtherapies.com.
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