Starting school is a big step for any child. For many families, the idea of school can feel both exciting and overwhelming. When one young learner began ABA therapy at our Roswell center, school readiness was one of the family’s biggest hopes. They wanted mornings to feel calmer. They wanted their child to communicate more. Most of all, they wanted their child to feel confident walking into a classroom one day.
This is their Real Steps story.
Please note: Therapy is a highly personal experience, and, like any other treatment, results are not uniform. Several factors determine whether a child will benefit from therapy, including individual characteristics, the nature of their needs, and the quality of support they receive at home and/or school.
Building Early School Readiness Through Simple Daily Routines
When this child arrived at the Roswell center, daily routines felt unpredictable. Mornings often led to tears. Transitions were difficult. Limited communication made it hard for the child to ask for help or share needs.
ABA therapy added structure in a gentle, practical way. Therapists used small, repeatable steps to help the child know what to expect. For example, a picture schedule showed the order of activities. The child pointed to the next step and prepared for what came next.
This routine-building became the foundation for school readiness. In school, routines matter. Children move from one activity to the next all day. By practicing these shifts in therapy, the child learned to handle changes with confidence. Tears became less frequent, mornings calmer, and the child took pride in each step.
Growing Communication Skills That Support Classroom Success
Before therapy, communication was a barrier. The child wanted to express needs but lacked the words, gestures, or tools to do so. This caused frustration and made social moments, like playing with peers, harder.
In therapy, the team focused on making communication feel natural and easy. This included using gestures, a simple word, or a sound. Over time, these small wins added up. The child asked for help, requested favorite items, and showed when something was too hard.
These communication wins support for school readiness. In classrooms, students need to ask for breaks, interact with others, and share ideas. As communication improved, the child felt more in control and connected to others.
Parents said the biggest change was the confidence that came from being understood. This turned frustration into connection.
Practicing Classroom Behaviors in a Supportive Environment
Many families wonder what school skills their child should practice before kindergarten. Basic classroom behaviors can make a major difference. Sitting for short periods. Following a simple direction. Participating in a group activity. Waiting for a turn. These skills help children feel more comfortable and successful when they enter a classroom.
At the Roswell center, the therapy team introduced these skills gradually, beginning with brief, structured activities. In each session, therapists modeled skills and encouraged participation in short seated tasks, such as reading a favorite book or completing a simple puzzle. They consistently increased the length and complexity of these tasks over time, celebrating each new success and discussing progress with the family to reinforce skills at home.
The child also practiced turn-taking games with therapists. These games made learning social skills feel fun and relaxed. Over time, the child began waiting longer, sharing space more easily, and staying engaged in group moments.
These early experiences built a strong foundation. They showed the child that classrooms are joyful, safe, and full of learning.
Watching Confidence Grow Through Real Steps
One of the most meaningful changes came from the child’s growing confidence. Walking into therapy started to look different. Instead of hesitation, the child walked in with excitement. Instead of feeling unsure about transitions, the child pointed to the picture schedule with a smile.
Parents noticed that everyday life at home was improving. Mealtime was calmer. Playtime was more interactive. The family felt hope and relief.
These are the real steps that lead to real transformations. Each small success created momentum. Each moment of growth laid the foundation for strong school-readiness skills.
How to Start ABA Therapy at Circle City ABA
If your family is ready to begin its own Real Steps journey, Circle City ABA is here to help. Our Roswell team provides support that feels personal, practical, and aligned with your child’s needs. We focus on skills that matter in daily life and help prepare children for bright futures in school.
Contact Circle City ABA to get started today.
Our team will guide you every step of the way. Your child’s progress begins with one small moment. We are here to walk with you through every step of the journey.
Disclaimer: Every child is different. This story reflects the progress of one individual. Outcomes may vary based on several factors, including the child’s unique needs and the level of support they receive.
