This special FAQ edition will cover some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding School Readiness, including a guide on choosing the right program. We also address some parents’ concerns about enrolling in a School Readiness Group Program, such as how a good School Readiness Group Program would benefit your child and know if your child is ready for a School Readiness Group.
FAQ: What are some skills I should teach my child with ASD to prepare him for school? Why is it important to prepare my child with autism for school?
One of the most important factors determining a child’s success and growth in school is their School Readiness Skills. School Readiness Skills go beyond academic skills and cognitive development, which are essential, but they also include emotional, social, and physical development. If these areas are very intact for children who do not face any particular learning challenges, their academic journey will likely be smoother.
The same skills also apply to children with autism. However, due to their abilities and challenges, most children with autism will need to work on other critical areas to prepare for school. Some critical school readiness areas include:
- Managing Behaviors
- Self-help Skills
- Learning-how-to-learn Skills
- Social Skills
In this article, we explore these critical areas in which we should address and equip our children with ASD in preparing them for school.
FAQ: What are the steps to take to get my child with ASD ready for school?
If your child is not ready for school, your child must receive help developing the areas in which they are facing challenges. Selecting which program you should send your child to prepare your child with school readiness skills can be challenging and confusing as you sieve through all the different options.
Here are some guidelines for choosing an effective school readiness program:
- Research on treatments and choose a treatment that is scientifically proven and widely recognized.
Begin by researching what are proven treatments and choose a treatment that is widely recognized and scientifically proven. In this way, you are making informed decisions. - Visit the centre and meet with clinicians to have a better understanding of programs and the environment. The next step is to make an appointment to visit the centres that provide this proven treatment. Just having proven treatment does not make it the best place to send your child. Visiting the centre will provide you with a better understanding of how the programs are run, how the challenges your child is facing can be addressed, and allow you to see if that is an environment you would like your child to be in.
- Ensure that programs are individualized to ensure your child’s learning needs are met.
An effective program ensures every child has different and specific learning objectives designed to meet his or her individual needs. - Enroll your child in the program and work closely with the center to get your child ready for school.
As parents, you play a vital role in your child’s journey. Work with your child’s team of therapists to learn the necessary skills so that you can help your child get ready for school!
FAQ: Should I enroll my child in a School Readiness Group Program?
For your child to benefit from a school readiness group program, your child should possess certain pivotal foundational skills needed to learn in a group setting. These areas will encompass the following, not in order of importance:
- Learning-How-To-Learn Skills e.g., attending and sustaining attention in a distracting environment, being able to persist and not give up easily
- Behaviors Management e.g., able to manage and deal with triggers that occur, such as denials, waiting
- Language Skills e.g., receptive and expressive, language is required to understand the lessons, communicate, and respond (to name a few reasons why language is needed for school)
- Social Skills e.g., social interest, social awareness, social communication skills
- Independence / Self-Help Skills e.g., toileting, eating independently, & other critical self-help skills