top of page

SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM (AGES 5–6)

Starting in September 2026, ABA Kids International will launch a small-group School Readiness Program designed for children with autism aged 5–6 years who would benefit from additional support before transitioning into a Year 1 classroom within a mainstream, bilingual, or international school setting.

​

The program is specifically designed for children with strong learning potential who may not require a traditional special education placement but would benefit from an additional year of targeted support to strengthen the academic, social, communication, and self-regulation skills necessary for successful participation in school.

 

Our goal is to provide children with the foundations they need to become confident, independent learners who are ready to access and thrive within a Year 1 classroom environment.

Program Goals

Image by Element5 Digital

​

1. Academic Readiness

​

Academic instruction is individualized and adapted to each child's developmental profile, learning style, and readiness level.

 

Areas of instruction include:

  • Early literacy and phonics

  • Reading readiness and reading development

  • Letter formation and handwriting skills

  • Numeracy and mathematical thinking

  • Number recognition and early calculation skills

  • Listening and comprehension

  • Following multi-step instructions

  • Problem-solving and reasoning skills​

​

2. Social Communication

​

Many children with autism entering school possess strong academic potential but require additional support to navigate the social demands of a classroom environment.

 

Teaching targets include:

  • Reciprocal conversation skills

  • Asking and answering questions

  • Group participation

  • Collaborative learning

  • Understanding social expectations

  • Perspective-taking

  • Friendship skills

  • Conflict resolution

  • Emotional understanding and expression

3. Learning Behaviours and Executive Functioning

​

A major focus of the program is developing the skills that support successful learning in a classroom setting.

​

Areas of development include:

  • Sustained attention

  • Task persistence

  • Independent work skills

  • Organisational skills

  • Flexible thinking

  • Planning and sequencing

  • Transitioning between activities

  • Coping with changes in routine

  • Following classroom expectations

​

4. Self-Regulation and Emotional Development

​

Children are supported in developing strategies to manage emotions, frustration, anxiety, and everyday challenges that arise within school environments.

​

Teaching includes:

  • Emotional identification

  • Emotional regulation strategies

  • Self-monitoring skills

  • Managing frustration

  • Coping with mistakes

  • Developing resilience

  • Asking for help appropriately

  • Building confidence and independence

​

5. Independence and School Participation

​

Children are encouraged to become increasingly independent across daily routines and classroom activities.

 

Areas of focus include:

  • Personal organization

  • Managing belongings

  • Following schedules and routines

  • Independent task completion

  • Classroom responsibility

  • Self-advocacy skills

  • Participation in group activities

  • Increasing independence from adult support

Student With Book

Ideal for Children Who

This program may be suitable for children who:

  • Are diagnosed with autism and would benefit from an additional preparatory year before entering Year 1

  • Have emerging academic skills but require support with social communication, emotional regulation, or classroom participation

  • Experience difficulties with flexibility, transitions, executive functioning, or peer relationships

  • Would benefit from a highly individualized, low-ratio educational environment

  • Are preparing for mainstream, bilingual, or international school placement

  • Have the academic potential to access a Year 1 curriculum but require additional support developing readiness skills

Teaching Approach

The program is delivered entirely in English and combines evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), naturalistic developmental teaching strategies, social communication interventions, and individualized academic instruction.

​

Teaching takes place within a highly structured, predictable environment while providing frequent opportunities for social interaction, collaborative learning, problem-solving, and independent work.

Children receive individualized goals and ongoing progress monitoring to ensure that instruction is tailored to their unique strengths and needs.

Additional Services

Where appropriate, children may also access:

  • Individual ABA therapy

  • Speech and language therapy

  • Occupational therapy consultation

  • TSMT movement therapy

  • Individual transition planning and school consultation

📞 Contact ABA Kids Learning Center to learn more about our School Readiness Program for Children with autism!

bottom of page