Families Celebrate Summer Graduations from ABA Therapy at Hopebridge

Children with Autism Head to School with Newfound Communication, Social and Life Skills

It’s been an incredible – albeit emotional – couple of months. That’s because some of our happiest moments often bring about a few tears, but they may not be for reasons you’d expect … 

We have prideful tears for our kids who have accomplished so much.
Joyous tears for their future possibilities.
Life-affirming tears while reflecting on the memories made.
And bittersweet tears for the families we’ll miss seeing each day.

What’s the cause, you ask? Graduations!

This summer, more than 700 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) graduated from Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers and prepared to head to school. Children, their families and our Hopebridge Heroes celebrated the amazing achievements together at graduation ceremonies at more than 100 centers across the nation.

The commencement events were filled with smiles, high fives, dance parties and cheer tunnels through the centers. Families were present as their kids basked in their accomplishments, surrounded by balloons, bounce house and cupcakes that featured their shining faces, among other festivities to celebrate their progress.

Transitioning to school from interdisciplinary therapy programs that may include applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy), occupational therapy and/or speech therapy, these kids are entering the next part of their lives with newfound communication, social and foundational life skills. Their time at Hopebridge set them up for success in the classroom, and we can’t wait to see what else they can accomplish!

School Preparation for Children with Autism

For many autism parents, seeing their child in school is an uncertainty, so when children leave the centers, Hopebridge is sure to send them off with a worthy celebration.

“This is always such a bittersweet time for us, as we will miss these children dearly, but we are equally excited for them to have the opportunity to realize their true potential and learn how they can impact the world around them,” said Hopebridge Founder and Chief Clinical Officer Kim Strunk. “Each child will carve their own path, and we are grateful Hopebridge was able to play a role in helping each one of them reach their future successes.”

The kids are moving onto developmental preschools, pre-kindergarten (pre-K) classes, kindergarten or older grade levels in elementary school. Some are entering school for the first time, whereas others are headed back to the classroom now that they have received the extra care, attention and support they needed to build their skills. 

No matter the grade level or format, Hopebridge works to individualize programs to help its patients overcome challenges associated with autism, while also developing new skills and building off their strengths.

Some of the necessary school-ready skills these children worked on at Hopebridge include:

• Paying attention and responding to teachers
• Following instructions and completing tasks
• Learning in a group setting
• Being mindful of personal space and body awareness
• Playing cooperatively and interacting with peers
• Staying seated in a chair and/or at circle time
• Lining up
• Self-care (e.g. using the restroom, washing hands, eating independently)
• Eating lunch around others
• Leaving home to attend a new place with new people

In addition to school-specific skills, ABA therapy and other complementary services at Hopebridge aid children in diminishing challenging behaviors that could make attending school difficult, as well as assist them in discovering effective ways to communicate, if needed. Hopebridge is also experienced in bridging the gap between therapy and school and can guide caregivers during the transition process. 

Give Your Children the Chance to Thrive

As proud as we are of all our children moving onto new experiences, it’s ok If your child is not yet ready for school. We have experience helping them find their independence in everyday tasks, as well as helping them discover and build onto their strengths. If attending school is one of the goals for your child, reach out to us now to take the next steps through autism testing or an ABA evaluation.

*Informed consent was obtained from the participants in this article. This information should not be captured and reused without express permission from Hopebridge, LLC.