The Best School Readiness Programs for Children With Autism

Starting school is an exciting milestone. As a parent of a child with autism, this journey can come with some anxiety and questions. You want to do everything to ensure your kid feels confident and comfortable in school. Explore the best school readiness programs for autism to discover which one will best fit your child’s needs.

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Stride Autism Centers

Stride Autism Centers offers a premier applied behavior analysis (ABA) program — a highly recommended approach by major American medical associations. It uses core learning principles to help kids with autism build skills for learning and independence.

The clinic’s ABA therapy is highly personalized, making it one of the best school readiness programs for autism in the country. Your child will receive a plan that includes strengths assessment, goal setting, family involvement expectations and techniques to achieve the goals. Each day consists of one-on-one therapy and group activities that focus on play and social interaction. Visit the website for a free consultation.

Key features

  • Full-day ABA programs for preschool-aged kids
  • Learning environments include individualized instruction space, natural environment area, playgrounds and circle time areas
  • Insurance support
  • Free consultation
  • Comprehensive assessments by board-certified clinicians

Acquired skills

  • Improved communication skills
  • Enhanced social skills
  • Better behavior management
  • Greater independence
  • Better emotional regulation

Parent Reviews

  • “Stride has been nothing but great since my son has started attending over a year ago. He has done speech therapy since he was 1, but ever since he started ABA Therapy at Stride, there has been a night and day difference! My son has continuously grown and has hit all of his goals and is so, so smart and has learned so many things.” – Taylor C.
  • “This ABA center has been a life changer for my girls and me. My daughter has been there for a year now and we have seen her improve drastically. She loves going to Stride and the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable.” – Pakou R.

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Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers

Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers is dedicated to providing compassionate care to children with autism and their families. It helps address behavioral, physical, social, communication, and sensory challenges through early intensive behavioral intervention and ABA. The institution accepts children from 15 months to 10 years old.

Clinicians use APA, occupational and speech therapies to hone the skills your child needs to thrive in school. They conduct activities in preschool-like environments to improve intellectual and adaptive functioning skills. Contact the team online to learn more.

Key features

  • Personalized plan of care
  • Insurance support
  • Multiple coordinated therapies
  • Natural environmental options
  • Flexible and comprehensive therapy schedules

Acquired skills

  • Self-care skills, like using the restroom and independent feeding
  • Staying seated in a chair
  • Following instructions and completing tasks
  • Lining up
  • Eating lunch around others
  • Cooperative play
  • Leaving home to attend a new environment with new people

Parent Reviews

  • “They are amazing! I never once had to question if they really care because it shows in everything they do. The communication is amazing and the staff is just as wonderful. But most importantly, the progress my son has made is phenomenal!” – Nikia K.
  • “Absolutely love this place. I couldn’t be anymore happy with the progress that my little one has shown and how welcoming the staff is. 100% would always recommend!” – Alyscia G.

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Super Kids Center

Super Kids Center offers ABA services to help children with autism and their families become more confident at school. The school readiness programs for autism come from board-certified behavioral analysts and include one-on-one sessions and parent training. It offers personalized ABA therapy to address challenges before equipping your child with the skills required for a successful school experience.

This center acknowledges that you are an essential part of your child’s journey, so they offer you tools to help you in everyday life. Message the team online to enroll your kid.

Key features

  • Assessment services
  • Telehealth ABA
  • Comprehensive and focused school ABA therapies
  • One-on-one therapy with a registered behavior technician 

Acquired skills

  • Self-care skills, like using the restroom and independent feeding
  • Staying seated in a chair
  • Following instructions and completing tasks
  • Lining up
  • Eating lunch around others
  • Cooperative play
  • Leaving home to attend a new environment with new people

Parent Reviews

  • “Everyone there is really amazing and friendly every time we’re there. They’ve gone above and beyond to make sure my son gets the help he needs. During the evaluation, I told Innia that I needed to find my son additional therapists for Speech and Occupational and she helped me get that squared away too.” – Charmaine H.
  • “Super Kids Center has made Khaleel’s world accessible to us by giving him the tools to let us in. We are so grateful for their patient, purposeful and playful pushes for Khaleel to be the best HIM!” – Ruby P.

Early Autism Services

Early Autism Services offers in-home and center-based ABA therapy for children with autism, helping boost their school readiness. The team consists of dedicated behavior technicians, a board-certified behavior analyst and ABA therapists who will meet your child’s needs. Its programs prioritize play-based learning so kids can meet new friends and learn social skills.

A designated therapist will help your child develop valuable skills like making eye contact, clear communication and lining up. They also offer activities that promote motor and cognitive development, allowing your kid to achieve academic success. Contact the team online.

Key features

  • In-home, telehealth or center-based ABA therapy
  • Personalized one-on-one ABA therapy
  • Play-based learning that involves interactive activities
  • Insurance support

Acquired skills

  • Social skills, such as meeting new peers and engaging in group play
  • Learning new routines
  • Turn-taking
  • Self-help skills
  • Appropriate play
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Language and communication

Parent Reviews

  • “My son has been attending ABA for 2 months and we are so thankful for the staff at EAS. They truly care about my child’s needs and show that each session.” – Kristin L.
  • “Our experience has been nothing short of amazing. My son requires a lot of special accommodations, and EAS went above and beyond for him. Each and every staff member is amazing and loves my son.” – Samantha E.

Lighthouse Autism Center

Lighthouse Autism Center provides children with autism the support to meet their school readiness goals. Its center-based ABA therapy program will help them improve their social, self-help, and independence skills in a controlled, comfortable and supportive environment.

The company’s school readiness program follows a tailored plan to help your kid hone their strengths and address areas of improvement. It teaches them basic reading, math, peer play and how to behave in group classes. Fill out the form online to learn more about its services.

Key features

  • One-on-one sessions with a dedicated registered behavior technician
  • Highly trained clinicians
  • Caregiver involvement and family support
  • Natural, play-based approach

Acquired skills

  • Social skills like understanding social cues and building relationships
  • Nonverbal communication
  • Motor abilities like holding a pencil
  • Gross motor skills like jumping
  • Following instructions
  • Completing taste
  • Engaging in classroom activities
  • Proper transition between various environments or activities

Parent Reviews

  • I’m so grateful for all the staff at LAC because they are a big part of why he is ready for school. My son is not just autistic but very energetic and they always had great energy and patience even on tough days.” – Taylor W.
  • “We have had nothing but great success from them!! Our boy has been going for almost 5 years and I honestly could not imagine where he would be without their help, patience, and wonderful guide. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!” – Lynn G.

Autism Therapy Solutions

Autism Therapy Solutions offers in-home and center-based ABA programs, and recommends combining both approaches to increase the likelihood of skills transfer. It has over 15 years of experience and more than 30 certified therapists to support children with autism.

The ABA Preschool Program aims to prepare kids to transition to elementary school with confidence. This school readiness program offers activities like play, arts and crafts, reading, and other school-appropriate activities. The Skills Targeted program supports language abilities, reading, writing and other skills required to thrive in school settings. Fill out the online form to learn more about the clinic’s services.

Key features

  • ABA, speech, occupational and school readiness services
  • Each child gets a dedicated team with a board-certified behavioral analyst
  • Highly trained staff

Acquired skills

  • Social skills
  • Eating a variety of foods
  • Concentration and retention skills
  • Reading and writing
  • Expressive and receptive language
  • Arts and crafts
  • Cooperative play

Parent Reviews

  • “We heard about Autism Therapy Solutions from a friend who said his son started talking after he took him there, so we decided to try it with our 3-year-old son. From day one, everyone there was nice, friendly and professional. We already see a big improvement after about 4 months now.” – Ferjani Z.
  • “Our experience with ABA therapy has been nothing short of life-changing for our child and our family. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were met with warmth, professionalism, and genuine care.” – Loredana A.

Choose the Best School Readiness Program

Every child deserves to love learning and connecting in school. Now that you know which centers provide high-quality school readiness programs for autism, it’s time to take action. Remember that every kid is unique, and the perfect program must hone their strengths and address their challenges so they can truly shine the brightest.