ABC Academy: ABA therapy for school-age children
ABC Academy is a continuation of care designed for children aged 5–12 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s a great fit for children who are in school part-time or full-time but still need extra support. Our program helps children improve their social, emotional, and executive functioning skills in a fun and exciting environment. Using compassionate applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, therapists work 1:1 with children to help them reach their goals.
How ABA therapy builds school-readiness skills
Our school-based ABA program supports school readiness by focusing on skills essential for classroom success:
- Social flexibility and communication: Learning to navigate peer interactions, participate in group discussions, and express needs.
- Self-regulation and emotional awareness: Developing coping strategies, emotional vocabulary, and attention control.
- Organization and time management: Practicing routines, transitions, and following multi-step instructions.
ABA therapy helps school-age children with autism strengthen the skills they need to succeed academically and socially.
When is ABC Academy a good fit?
ABC Academy bridges the gap between early intervention ABA therapy and attending school full-time. It’s led by our team of licensed Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and is designed for children who:
- Have completed early intervention services but aren’t ready for a full classroom setting
- Are currently in school but still need targeted support
- Benefit from structure, routine, and small-group learning
Our BCBAs work closely with families to set individualized goals that help children make measurable progress in the areas that matter most.
A day in the life at ABC Academy
Every day at ABC Academy is designed to help children on the spectrum learn, connect, and grow in fun and meaningful ways. The daily schedule includes a mix of 1:1 support, group lessons, play, and social-emotional learning. Our goal is to help children build real-world skills they can use at school, at home, and in everyday life.
Here's a look at what your child’s afternoon might include:
Arrival routines
Children are welcomed and review their goals with their care team.
Group meeting
A fun and engaging group kickoff that sets the tone for the afternoon.
Snack/lunch & chores
Time to eat, recharge, and practice life skills like cleaning up.
Reading time
A group activity to promote language development and imagination.
1:1 instruction
Individualized ABA therapy focused on communication, behavior, and daily living.
Group instruction & peer play
Small-group learning, games, and activities that support school readiness and social skills.
Gross motor games
Children get moving with activities designed to support coordination, turn-taking, and following directions.
Social-emotional learning (SEL)
Children learn self-awareness, empathy, and emotion regulation tools through guided lessons.Departure routines | A consistent end-of-day routine helps prepare for the transition home.
Departure routines
A consistent end-of-day routine helps prepare for the transition home.
Is ABA therapy effective in school-like settings?
ABA therapy is backed by decades of research demonstrating its effectiveness for children with autism. ABA therapy in school-like settings can lead to measurable academic improvements in:
- On-task behavior and classroom engagement
- Peer interactions and group learning participation
- Emotion regulation and flexibility
- Improved attention, communication, and learning readiness
At ABC Academy, our evidence-based program helps children build confidence, learn practical skills, and feel more comfortable in both academic and social settings.
ABA therapy during or after school hours
We know every family’s schedule looks different. ABC Academy is open beyond traditional school hours to support families who need after-school ABA therapy. We also accommodate children attending school part-time by providing our autism services during daytime hours.
How to enroll in ABC Academy
Enrolling your child in ABC Academy is a step toward a bright future. Whether you’re already part of the ABC family or joining us for the first time, getting started at ABC Academy is simple:
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1. Confirm eligibility
Children must be ages 5–12 and have an autism diagnosis. If your child already receives ABA therapy at ABC, their current care team must clinically recommend a transition to ABC Academy.
2. Family consultation
You’ll connect with our ABC Academy team to talk about your child’s needs, schedule, and what to expect. We typically require a one-year commitment to help ensure consistent progress as long as ABA therapy remains appropriate for their needs.
3. Verify insurance coverage
For existing Action Behavior families, your child’s current insurance authorization will transfer seamlessly to ABC Academy. No extra paperwork is needed. Authorizations are reviewed every six months to ensure coverage and evaluate if therapy is still appropriate for your child.
Why families choose ABC Academy:
Ready to take the next step?
If your child with autism needs ABA therapy during school hours or after school, ABC Academy is here to help them build the skills they need for long-term success.
Contact us today to learn more or begin enrollment.
(123) 333-4444Frequently asked questions
How do you measure school readiness?
Our team uses a mix of tools to check school readiness. We look at how a child is doing on their individualized goals and use special assessments to help guide our decisions.
What does "school readiness" mean at ABC?
At Action Behavior Centers, we consider school readiness to be a child’s ability to participate in a general education classroom with some independence. This means they can join classroom activities and follow routines with less support.
What’s the difference between Early Intervention and ABC Academy?
Let’s use the metaphor of building a house to look at the differences between Early Intervention and ABC Academy. Early Intervention is like the foundation and framing of the house. We are building strong foundational skills, like using language to ask for help or make choices, that help children get their basic needs met.
ABC Academy is like decorating the inside of the house and adding the final touches. It’s designed for older children to build on the skills taught in Early Intervention by expanding their language and generalizing skills in an environment that resembles school. At the same time, we gradually reduce the support they need to be successful.
What steps do you take to help children get ready for school?
We have a clear process for helping children prepare for school. This includes using tools to track progress, making changes to their ABA therapy schedule, and helping them spend more time in school or group settings as they get closer to transitioning.
Insurance coverage
For existing Action Behavior families, your child’s current insurance authorization will transfer seamlessly to ABC Academy. No additional paperwork is required for insurance approvals. Clinical authorizations will be re-evaluated every six months to ensure continued support.
