# data[].attributes.headline
Back-to-School Tips for Autistic (and Non-Autistic) Kids

# data[].attributes.subject
Back-to-School Tips for Autistic (and Non-Autistic) Kids

# data[].attributes.body
H.U.G provides parents (and children) with tips to make your lives easier. Get autistic and non-autistic children back to school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
School was out for summer, but now the new school semester is swinging around.

This time of transition can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent children who struggle with changes in their routine.

Here at H.U.G., a Haven for Understanding Growth, we provide parents (and children) with tips to make your lives easier. This article focuses on getting autistic and non-autistic children back to school.

Let's get started.

1. Approach With Adaptability

When your child refuses to go to school, it can feel like you're between a rock and a hard place. These high-stress situations may lead parents to snap, adding more frustration to fuel the back-to-school fire.

Unfortunately, when parents demonstrate dysregulation, this could worsen children's worries and frustrations, as they sometimes rely on us to provide reassurance. Try to approachyour child's resistance with adaptability when the return to school swings back around.

Although it would make life much easier, you can't anticipate every potential hurdle. Dr. Hanley's perspective on Applied Behavior Analysis does, however, provide some key pointers to bear in mind:

Listen: When your child struggles to return to school, remember to ask questions and listen to their concerns. Sometimes, validation of their worries, reassurance, and comfort may be all your child needs. Insight to action: "When I was 5, meeting a new teacher and new friends made me anxious too, I hear you buddy."

Empower: Remember to empower your child as they tackle this challenge. It's important to remind them of their strengths and resilience and to regularly praise their hard work (if they respond well to praise). Insight to action: "Going back to school feels tricky for you, I get it, but you can do hard things."

Reduce Anxiety, Then Teach: Children can't process and learn information effectively when dysregulated. They must return to a calm state before you provide them with any critical information about returning to school. Insight to action: I wonder how you can make yourself feel better right now. I am here if you need help. Once you are calmer, we can talk more about school."

2. Prepare With Visual Aids

Visual schedules and social stories are visual aids that can be used by parents to assist with back-to-school transition.

Visual Schedules

Visual schedules break tasks into manageable steps, typically using ordered picture cards. Evidence shows that this technique can help autistic children to transition more independently.

Visual schedules are an excellent tool for children who experience rigid thinking and anxiety around change, as they can move the cards around themselves and take control of their visual schedule, allowing them to feel more at ease.

You can also structure visual timetables to include breaks and rewarding activities. This makes it easier for children to manage unpreferred and anxiety-provoking activities, such as returning to school.

Social Stories

Social stories are a visual way to guide children through various situations they're about to face by presenting them with a similar scenario of another child their age. They are most often used for social situations, helping children to understand how to behave at these times.

Suppose your child is meeting their teacher for the first time. In that case, you may create a social story about a little boy their age meeting their teacher for the first time. This can help them to process this situation so that it's less anxiety-provoking.

You can also adapt social stories for a range of scenarios, including:

Returning to school (including leaving home, traveling to school, registration, lessons, etc.)

Socializing with classmates

The school day (lesson times, break times, etc.)

3. Get Those Sensory Items Ready

This tip is particularly crucial for children who experience sensory overload. Going into a new environment can be highly stressful and even traumatic for some children. Not only this, but school can sometimes be a confusing and demanding environment for children, making comforting items that remind them of home ever more vital.

Winnicott (1953) recognized the importance of "transitional objects." These items help children psychologically separate themselves from their primary caregiver, using their transitional objects as a substitute.

We can say the same for autistic children with sensory items - they use these to transition from one setting to another, from their home where their caregiver is present to school where their caregiver is absent.

As a result, these items are essential for establishing their sense of self. Not to mention, they help children keep calm in stressful situations like returning to school.

4. Try Therapy

If you are trying tirelessly to get your child back to school, but they continue to refuse, you're not the only one. Around 5 - 28% of school-aged children refuse to attend school at some point.

If you feel you have tried everything, it may be time to speak to a mental health professional such as an Applied Behavior Analyst.

Autism Therapy Services

One of the most effective and widely-used behavioral treatment programs for children with autism and other neurodivergent conditions is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). A behavior analyst works with children to identify the behaviors that present challenges in their daily life, examining the causes of problem behaviors as well as their consequences.

ABA therapy programs can help:

Increase language and communication skills

Improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics

Decrease problem behaviors

Autism Home Care Services

Perhaps your child is highly anxious about going to school, triggering their refusal to go back. Anxiety and depression are typical conditions significantly associated with autism - these can have debilitating effects and render children unable to leave the house, let alone get back to school.

If this is the situation you currently face, home-based ABA services for autism may be very helpful. At H.U.G., we offer progressive and child-centred in-home autism care. To find out more, click here.

ABA Therapy for Autism Near Me

If you search "autism therapy Michigan" or similar, you will likely be inundated with therapist after therapist. To prevent this, look for autism therapy services at an autism center such as H.U.G.

At H.U.G., our skilled clinicians use progressive, play-based, and child-centered behavior therapy to empower each child to write their own story in their home, at school, and in the community.

Let's Get Back to School

Getting back to school can be trickier for some children. However, with the help of adaptability, visual aids, and sensory items, the transition may be much more manageable. If these don't work, it may be time to seek professional support in the form of behavior therapy.

H.U.G. Center is a provider of home-based autism services for children with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. You can book an assessment for behavior therapy with one of Hug Center's ABA therapists here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Back-to-School Tips for Autistic (and Non-Autistic) Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
School was out for summer, but now the new school semester is swinging around. This time of transition can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent children who struggle with changes in their routine. Here at H.U.G., a Haven for Understanding Growth, we provide parents (and children) with tips to make your lives easier.

# data[].attributes.body
H.U.G. provides customized ABA therapy for children, guided by the principles of today’s ABA and a happy, engaged, and relaxed approach.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a well-established practice built on the principles of behavior and learning. ABA as a treatment for children with autism began in the 1960s with the work of Ivar Lovaas and has significantly increased over the decades to be the primary treatment prescribed to children with autism.

The ethical application of behavioral principles has not always been at the forefront of those practicing within the field. Over the years, modifications to the way we practice have emerged to create both effective and humane treatment. Much of this change can be credited to autistic advocates. This is where Dr. Hanley's approach of "today's ABA" or progressive ABA comes in.

Why the Push Toward Today's ABA?

Our application of the science behind ABA is continuously evolving. Nothing is as black and white as we often assume. As we learn new perspectives and gain new insight, the way in which we practice changes to better align. As the old saying goes, when you know better, you do better.

Through the years, progressive behavior analysts have away moved from compliance-based treatment focused on reducing problematic behavior. We have replaced it with an assent-based model with a focus on increasing adaptive behaviors in a calm and nurturing environment.

What are the Features of Today's ABA?

Creating an environment in which the likelihood of challenging behaviors is minimal. The therapy setting should be calm, inviting, and non-threatening. Gone are the days of sitting at a table and rotely responding to targets. Therapy should be fun.

Aiming to achieve HRE. Happy, relaxed, and engaged. Providing non-contingent access to all things good builds trust and reduces the need for challenging behavior.

Allow the child to lead. Let the learner guide the play, following their lead, both physically and conversationally.

Empowering the learner. Challenging tasks are implemented systematically, with the child's protests acknowledged and reinforced. The child is encouraged to self-advocate. Compliance is not the goal in today's ABA.

Skills and behaviors are gradually shaped, with socially significant behaviors targeted. Socially significant refers to the significance to the individual learner first and foremost. In determining social significance, we might consider if the skill is one that the learner wants to work on. Does this skill help them to more effectively communicate with others? Will this skill benefit them, or is it more for the convenience of others?

Learning Requires Peace

It is difficult to acquire and maintain skills when in a frequent state of emotional and behavioral escalation. Rather than trying to push through challenging behaviors, we need to first create an environment where escape is not necessary. However, if and when escape is desired, attempts at self-advocating to escape the aversive situation are honored. We cannot expect our learners to develop meaningful skills in a stressful environment.

Final Words

ABA has both the potential to cause harm and the potential to do incredible good. We have an ethical obligation to do what is in the best interest of our clients. Establishing an environment of trust and understanding before systematically fading in expectations can have a profound impact on the lives of those we support. From socially significant reductions in challenging behaviors to the development of crucial life skills, clinicians in this field can make a true difference by practicing within the boundaries of today's ABA.

At H.U.G., we follow the latest evidence and best practices in behavior therapy. H.U.G. provides customized ABA therapy for children, guided by the principles of today's ABA and a Happy, Engaged, and Relaxed Approach. Ensuring a non-judgmental, engaging, and fun learning environment is at the heart of what we do.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a well-established practice built on the principles of behavior and learning. ABA as a treatment for children with autism began in the 1960s with the work of Ivar Lovaas and has significantly increased over the decades to be the primary treatment prescribed to children with autism.

# data[].attributes.headline
H.U.G - Back-to-School Tips for Autistic (and Non-Autistic) Kids

# data[].attributes.subject
H.U.G - Back-to-School Tips for Autistic (and Non-Autistic) Kids

# data[].attributes.body
H.U.G provides parents (and children) with tips to make your lives easier. Get autistic and non-autistic children back to school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Back-to-School Tips for Autistic (and Non-Autistic) Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
H.U.G provides parents (and children) with tips to make your lives easier. Get autistic and non-autistic children back to school.

# data[].attributes.headline
H.U.G - Today’s ABA: Happy, Relaxed, Engaged

# data[].attributes.subject
H.U.G - Today’s ABA: Happy, Relaxed, Engaged

# data[].attributes.body
H.U.G provides customized ABA therapy for children, guided by the principles of today’s ABA and a happy, engaged, and relaxed approach.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
H.U.G. provides customized ABA therapy for children, guided by the principles of today's ABA and a happy, engaged, and relaxed approach.

# data[].attributes.body
Caring for a young, neurodivergent child comes with challenges and rewards. HUG CENTER LLC helps to Empower each child to write their own story. Its mission is to create a safe and compassionate environment for learning and discovery across all areas of a child’s natural environment. For more information, visit https://hugcenter.com/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to content

Exceptional in-home care for Autism and neurodivergent diagnoses. Empowering each child to write their own story.

Discover More

Our mission

Caring for a young, neurodivergent child comes with challenges and rewards. We believe all children and their families can thrive with a H.U.G., Haven for Understanding the Growth of children. H.U.G. supports children with autism by helping them to embrace their learning differences and focus on their strengths through behavior therapy. The end goal is to provide the children we serve with the keys to unlock their highest potential.

Our mission is to create a safe and compassionate environment for learning and discovery across all areas of a child's natural environments. We are dedicated to using a progressive approach to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) along with unique neurodiversity-affirming and strength-based practices to teach each child coping strategies and the skills necessary to navigate the world as best they can.

CORE VALUES

H.U.G. uses the most scientifically proven and progressive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy approaches to enhance the lives of neurodivergent children. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Autism Center Michigan - Autism Therapy Services - HUG CENTER LLC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to content Exceptional in-home care for Autism and neurodivergent diagnoses. Empowering each child to write their own story. Discover More Caring for a young, neurodivergent child comes with challenges and rewards. We believe all children and their families can thrive with a H.U.G., Haven for Understanding the Growth of children.

# data[].attributes.headline
Behavioral & ABA Therapy for Autism - HUG CENTER LLC

# data[].attributes.subject
Behavioral & ABA Therapy for Autism - HUG CENTER LLC

# data[].attributes.body
Get the autism care & support your child needs from HUG CENTER LLC’s seasoned experts & therapists. They offer home-based behavioral therapy for children & young adults ages 0-21. For more information, visit https://hugcenter.com/  today!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to content

Our Services

IN-HOME COLLABORATIVE ABA

Parent and caregiver support

School consultation services

Our highly trained behavior therapists work 1:1 with your child in your home, their school, and the community to implement their customized behavior plan developed by a licensed BCBA. Throughout each session, a behavior therapist will target skills as teaching opportunities arise in your child's daily routines and activities. Although skills addressed in each ABA therapy session may vary, the overarching goals will always revolve around fostering independence and reducing barriers that may hinder your child from reaching their highest potential.

Research proves that parent training can offer a host of benefits when integrated with a comprehensive behavior plan for children with Autism. At H.U.G., we understand how important the continued guidance from professionals is in helping navigate the daily challenges of caring for a neurodivergent child. Our BCBAs work alongside parents and caregivers to handpick the goals that will drive their ABA therapy sessions and provide them with effective tools to tackle the challenges they may encounter along the way.

Our BCBAs are ready to work hand-in-hand with your child's school. Services often include the BCBA consulting with school staff members to offer advice related to your child's performance on specific goals as well as any challenges they may be facing in the classroom. In some cases, our behavior therapist can also be assigned to support your child in their school, with ongoing supervision provided by a BCBA. This can provide your child with an ally to assist with their IEP goals and provide consistent application of ABA therapy exercises specific to their treatment plan.

Book an appointment to get started.

together, we can help your child thrive.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to content Our Services IN-HOME COLLABORATIVE ABA Parent and caregiver support School consultation services Our highly trained behavior therapists work 1:1 with your child in your home, their school, and the community to implement their customized behavior plan developed by a licensed BCBA.

# data[].attributes.headline
Children's Center for Autism  - Autism Therapy Michigan - HUG CENTER LLC

# data[].attributes.subject
Children's Center for Autism  - Autism Therapy Michigan - HUG CENTER LLC

# data[].attributes.body
Children's Center for Autism (CCA) is an intensive behavioral therapy program providing both individual and group therapy. HUG CENTER LLC provides the best autism care & support to your child from their seasoned experts & therapists. For more details, contact 2483129535 or visit https://hugcenter.com/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We work with a wide range of health insurance plans, ensuring you have access to exceptional in-home ABA care. We accept a variety of PPO, POS, and EPO plans. In the absence of in-network coverage, please reach out to us for more information and alternative payment options.