Early Kindergarten Prep is Key for Kids with Autism

Starting kindergarten is a childhood milestone. For those with autism, it can feel like an especially big transition. Melissa Schlotterer, MA, BCBA, COBA, director of autism programs and services at ProMedica, shares tips to help children with autism and their families make the transition into elementary school as positive and successful as possible.

Start the Process Early

“Our perspective is that it’s never too early to start thinking about what that transition into kindergarten might look like,” says Schlotterer.

At the Autism Early Learning Program, she and her colleagues help parents understand school options and federal and state laws to protect children with disabilities, including autism. They also help them understand the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process and how it’s implemented, as well as the overall timeline and process to prepare for school.

Schlotterer recommends that parents start the transition process at least a year ahead of time. This gives parents enough time to learn their school setting options, identify the best placement for their child and help the child transition to the new environment.  

Work Together with Current and Future Support Teams

“Once we know where the child is going, we can really start to work on that transition. We can attend transition meetings and IEP meetings with the parents to make sure their child’s plan has all the needed components that will help them,” says Schlotterer.

Future teachers and therapists are able to come visit the Autism Early Learning Program to see the child in their current environment.

“We’ve had the most success when multiple visits can happen, but if that isn’t possible, at least one visit can really help in terms of seeing the child in a familiar environment so they can prepare for them,” says Schlotterer.

Staff at the Autism Early Learning Program also try to observe the child’s future environment so they can help adapt what they do in the last few months of the program. This may look like using certain activities or phrases that they will see in kindergarten.

Evaluate Your Child’s Prerequisite Skills

School is traditionally a group learning environment, so there are skills that a child would have to demonstrate to effectively learn in a group setting. Following directions, being able to imitate what the teacher or peers are doing, being able to sit and remain on task for a short period of time, having basic play and independent skills, and even allowing others to be in their space are all important in a group setting.

“If your child isn’t demonstrating those skills, that’s OK,” assures Schlotterer. “But they might need a more individualized setting in school.”

Share Knowledge of What Works

In an unfamiliar setting with unfamiliar staff, children with autism may not engage in the same skills that they have shown in other settings, such as at home or in therapy. They may have a difficult time asking for what they need or sharing information about themselves, especially in the beginning.

“If a child has been in therapy or intervention services prior to school, sometimes being able to generalize the skills they’ve learned into a more traditional school setting can be difficult,” explains Schlotterer.

Share known interventions and strategies that show success for your child. Try to make those things available in the school to help your child adjust. For example, sensory needs like movement breaks, lighting and noises should be taken into consideration.

Lean on Your Support Network

It’s normal for parents and children to feel anxiety about entering kindergarten. When the child has autism, there are other unique challenges that may add to anxiety.

“It’s scary for all parents when something is unknown,” says Schlotterer. “Imagine how much more difficult that can be if your child may not be able to come home and tell you what’s happening or give you an update on the day.”

Lean on your support network to help you with the transition. Your child’s teachers, therapists and support network want your child to succeed.

Schlotterer says, “Overall, change for children with autism can be difficult, but it can be successful if there’s preexposure practice and everyone’s more prepared. Preparing well in advance can really ease some of those worries and lead to more success.”

Melissa Schlotterer, MA, BCBA, COBA
Melissa is the director of autism programs and services at ProMedica.