Back to School Success: How Progressive ABA Supports a Smooth Transition for Learners with Autism

September 2025

By Am Badwall Ph.D. BCBA, RBA (ONT)

Introduction
September is just around the corner, and with it comes the return to school routines, new classrooms, unfamiliar teachers, and evolving social dynamics. For many families with children on the Autism Spectrum, the back-to-school season can be filled with mixed emotions—hope for growth and progress, but also anxiety about change, unpredictability, and new demands.

At Missing Links, we use our Progressive ABA model to support both learners and families during this critical transition. Our approach goes beyond behavior management; it focuses on preparing the whole child—emotionally, functionally, socially, and academically—so they can walk into school feeling confident, safe, and ready to learn.

Why Back-to-School Transitions Can Be Challenging

Children with Autism often rely on consistency and predictability. Over the summer, many routines become more flexible, and while that break can be restorative, the sudden shift back to early mornings, structured classrooms, and new social expectations can be overwhelming.

Progressive ABA helps bridge that gap by providing compassionate, individualized strategies that support the learner in a way that honors their emotions, learning profile, and developmental readiness.

What Families Can Do: Parent & Guardian Support at Home

As September approaches, your role as a parent or caregiver is more important than ever. Here are practical, Progressive ABA-aligned steps to take in the weeks leading up to school:

1. Reintroduce Predictability
Start reinstating school-like routines two to three weeks before school starts. Wake up and go to bed at “school time,” practice getting dressed, packing a backpack, and eating breakfast within a time limit. Use visual schedules to help your child see and anticipate the flow of the day.

2. Practice Transitions Gently
Use mini-transitions to help your child practice shifting between tasks (e.g., from iPad to dinner, from outdoor play to inside chores). Reinforce flexible thinking with reinforcement and regulation strategies like countdowns, choice-making, and first/then visuals.

3. Revisit the School Environment
If possible, visit the school before it begins. Walk through the hallways, visit the playground, and take photos of areas your child will spend time in. Then, use those photos at home to create social stories about what the first day might look like.

4. Support Emotional Expression
Talk about school using open-ended and validating language:

• “How are you feeling about school starting?”

• “It’s okay to feel nervous or excited—let’s talk about it.”
  Use visuals or emotion charts to help your child identify and name feelings, and then work together to choose appropriate coping strategies.

5. Reinforce Communication
Help your child practice how to ask for help, request breaks, or tell a teacher how they’re feeling. Whether your child is verbal or uses AAC, having a few core communication phrases rehearsed ahead of time builds independence and reduces frustration.

Progressive ABA Strategies to Prepare for School

1. Functional Learning Over Rote Practice
Focus on practical, meaningful skills instead of academic drills. Teach how to open lunch containers, use zippers, organize school supplies, and follow instructions using natural environment teaching and reinforcement-based prompting.

2. Teach the Hidden Curriculum
The “unspoken” rules of the classroom can be the most confusing. Practice skills like:

• Waiting in line

• Raising a hand

• Taking turns in conversation

• Knowing when to ask for help

These are taught using role-play, modeling, and video examples, ensuring learners are prepared for real-life classroom expectations.

3. Strengthen Executive Functioning
Executive functioning is essential for classroom success. Practice:

• Following multi-step instructions

• Staying on task

• Managing transitions
  Use tools like visual task lists, timers, and checklists to help build these skills in a structured, supportive way.

4. Use Reinforcement Thoughtfully
Back-to-school can be hard, so reinforce small wins. Whether it’s walking into school calmly or unpacking a backpack independently, celebrating effort increases confidence and builds momentum.

What to Focus on During the First Few Weeks of School

1. Monitor Emotional Regulation Closely
The novelty of a new classroom may wear off quickly, leading to increased dysregulation. Prepare a daily regulation routine at home—this could be time for movement, deep breathing, or a sensory activity before and after school.

2. Keep Communication Open with Educators
Share your child’s strengths, regulation strategies, and preferred reinforcers with teachers early on. Collaboration leads to consistency and success across environments.

3. Expect and Normalize an Adjustment Period
Even with the best preparation, it’s normal for learners to struggle a bit during the first few weeks. Use positive behavior supports and avoid punishment or pressure when behaviors escalate. Stay steady, supportive, and consistent.

4. Use Reflection and Reinforcement Daily
Create time each day to reflect with your child. Use visuals or sentence starters like:

• “Today at school I liked…”

• “Something hard today was…”

• “Next time I can try…”

Reinforce this reflection with praise, preferred activities, or a calm routine.

Conclusion: Setting the Stage for a Strong Year Ahead

Back-to-school season is more than just a transition—it’s an opportunity. With the support of Progressive ABA, we can give learners the tools they need to enter the classroom feeling prepared, regulated, and confident.

At Missing Links, we don’t just aim for school readiness—we aim for life readiness, and we do it through programming that respects, empowers, and grows with the child.

As September begins, know that you don’t have to do this alone. We are here to support families every step of the way—with compassion, insight, and the proven power of Progressive ABA.

If you're ready to help your child transition into school with greater ease, contact Missing Links to learn more about our individualized, compassionate, and effective back-to-school support programs.