Tips for Helping Your Child Transition Back to School This October

Tips for Helping Your Child Transition Back to School This October

by | Oct 28, 2025 | Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism

The start of the school year can be both exciting and challenging for children on the autism spectrum. For children receiving ABA therapy, transitions can sometimes cause anxiety or behavioral challenges. At Autism Centers of Utah in Sandy, we understand how important it is to provide strategies and support to make the back-to-school transition smoother and more successful.

With the right preparation and guidance, families can help their children adapt to new schedules, social situations, and classroom routines while continuing to reinforce ABA therapy goals.

Why Back-to-School Transitions Can Be Difficult

Changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, and new social demands can make the beginning of the school year stressful for children with autism. These challenges may manifest as:

  • Increased anxiety or meltdowns
  • Difficulty following instructions or adapting to changes
  • Struggles with social interactions and peer engagement
  • Resistance to new routines or classroom expectations

Structured support and proactive strategies can help children adjust more easily.

Strategies to Support a Smooth Transition

1. Establish a Consistent Routine

Before school starts, gradually adjust wake-up times, meal schedules, and bedtime routines to match the school schedule. Consistency helps children feel secure and prepared for the change.

2. Use Visual Schedules and Social Stories

Visual supports, including schedules, charts, or social stories, help children understand daily routines, classroom expectations, and new activities.

3. Practice School Skills at Home

Encourage skills such as following directions, completing tasks, and social interactions through short, structured practice sessions that mirror the school environment.

4. Communicate with Teachers and Staff

Share information about your child’s strengths, challenges, and ABA therapy goals with teachers and staff. Collaboration ensures a supportive environment for learning and social engagement.

5. Prepare for Sensory Needs

Identify potential triggers in the classroom and plan strategies to help your child regulate sensory input, such as providing fidget tools, quiet breaks, or sensory-friendly materials.

FAQs

Q: How can ABA therapy support school transitions?

A: ABA therapy can reinforce social, behavioral, and academic skills needed for school. Therapists can provide strategies for managing anxiety, following routines, and interacting with peers.

Q: What should I do if my child resists going to school?

A: Gradual exposure, positive reinforcement, and visual supports can help. Communicate with teachers and therapists to create a supportive plan.

Q: How long does it take for a child to adjust to a new school routine?

A: Adjustment times vary. Some children adapt in days, while others may need several weeks. Consistency, support, and reinforcement help facilitate the transition.

Q: Can these strategies be used for children of all ages?

A: Yes! Visual supports, structured routines, and practice activities can be adapted for children of different ages and developmental levels.

Make Back-to-School Transitions Easier

With proactive planning, consistent routines, and collaboration with teachers and therapists, October can be a smooth and successful start to the school year for children on the autism spectrum. Supporting your child through transitions ensures they can focus on learning, socializing, and thriving in the classroom.

Contact Autism Centers of Utah today to learn more about our individualized ABA therapy programs in Sandy and how we help children succeed both at school and in everyday life!

Exploring the Benefits of Feeding Therapy for Children with Autism

Exploring the Benefits of Feeding Therapy for Children with Autism

by | Jul 27, 2025 | Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism

Feeding challenges are common among children with autism, and they can affect everything from nutrition and health to mealtimes at home and school. At Autism Centers of Utah, we understand how stressful feeding difficulties can be for both children and their families—which is why our specialized feeding therapy programs are designed to make mealtimes easier, more enjoyable, and more successful for everyone involved.

Whether your child struggles with a limited diet, sensory aversions, or behavioral feeding concerns, our expert therapists offer compassionate and evidence-based support in a state-of-the-art, child-friendly environment.

What Is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy is a structured, therapeutic approach to improving a child’s relationship with food. It goes beyond simply encouraging a child to eat more—it focuses on building positive experiences with food, improving oral-motor skills, addressing sensory sensitivities, and fostering independence at mealtimes.

At Autism Centers of Utah, our feeding therapy team includes occupational therapists, behavior analysts, and feeding specialists who work together to tailor each session to your child’s unique needs.

Common Feeding Challenges We Address:

  • Extreme food selectivity or “picky eating”
  • Refusing entire food groups
  • Gagging, choking, or difficulty chewing/swallowing
  • Avoidance of certain textures, temperatures, or smells
  • Difficulty transitioning to table foods
  • Anxiety around mealtimes or new foods
  • Reliance on specific brands or food presentations

Feeding challenges can stem from a combination of behavioral, sensory, and motor factors—which is why our collaborative team approach is so effective.

Why Feeding Therapy Is Important

Many parents are told “they’ll grow out of it,” but the truth is, without targeted support, feeding difficulties can persist—and even worsen—over time. Children who struggle with eating may face:

  • Poor nutrition or growth delays
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Mealtime battles and anxiety
  • Social challenges during shared meals at school or events

By addressing these issues early, we can help prevent long-term consequences and make food a positive part of your child’s life.

What to Expect at Autism Centers of Utah

Our feeding therapy takes place in a supportive, sensory-aware setting designed to help children feel safe and empowered. Here’s what you can expect from our program:

  • Individualized treatment plans based on a thorough evaluation
  • Family involvement in sessions and at-home strategies for success
  • Collaboration between BCBAs, OTs, and feeding specialists
  • Gentle exposure techniques that never force or pressure children
  • Focus on skill-building, like utensil use, chewing, and food exploration

Feeding therapy is often integrated with other services, such as ABA therapy and occupational therapy, for a more holistic approach to your child’s development.

Helping Your Child Build a Healthy Relationship with Food

At Autism Centers of Utah, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy food, grow strong, and participate in family meals with confidence. If mealtimes have become a source of stress in your home, our feeding therapy program may be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Let’s make mealtimes better—together.

Contact Autism Centers of Utah to learn more about our personalized feeding therapy services and schedule an initial consultation. We’re here to support your child’s journey to a happier, healthier life—one bite at a time.

Autism Centers of Utah: A Trusted Resource for Autism Spectrum Disorder Services

Autism Centers of Utah: A Trusted Resource for Autism Spectrum Disorder Services

by | May 2, 2025 | Autism

When families receive an autism diagnosis for their child, they often face a wave of questions, worries, and decisions. What comes next? Where can they find trustworthy, expert care? At Autism Centers of Utah, families find not only answers but hope. As a leading provider of Autism Spectrum Disorder services, the center has earned its reputation as a trusted partner in helping children with autism grow, thrive, and reach their potential.

Located at 8851 South Sandy Parkway, Suite 100, Sandy, UT 84070, Autism Centers of Utah offers compassionate, evidence-based care that meets the needs of each child and family. With a team of dedicated professionals and a commitment to early intervention for autism, the center provides a wide range of specialized therapies designed to make a real difference.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Impact

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, behave, and interact with the world around them. It typically appears in early childhood and presents in a wide range of symptoms and abilities, making each child’s journey unique. Early diagnosis and access to professional Autism Spectrum Disorder services are critical to improving long-term outcomes.

At Autism Centers of Utah, the focus is on understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and offering personalized care that helps children overcome challenges in communication, social interaction, and learning. Parents are not alone in this journey—the center becomes an essential partner in providing the support and tools families need.

Comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder Services We Offer

Autism Centers of Utah is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive selections of Autism Spectrum Disorder services in the state. Their goal is to provide tailored therapies that help each child develop the skills needed for success at home, at school, and in the community. Here’s a deeper look at the four primary services provided:

1. ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is considered the gold standard in autism treatment. This evidence-based approach focuses on improving meaningful behaviors such as communication, social skills, play, academics, and daily living. ABA therapy uses positive reinforcement to help children learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.

At Autism Centers of Utah, ABA therapy is customized to meet the individual needs of each child. Whether it’s improving eye contact, enhancing language, or increasing independence in daily routines, ABA therapy forms the foundation of their autism intervention programs.

2. Speech Therapy

For many children with ASD, communication can be one of the biggest challenges. Some may have limited verbal skills, while others struggle with understanding social cues or expressing themselves effectively. Speech therapy at Autism Centers of Utah addresses these issues through personalized treatment plans.

The center’s ASD therapy services focus on improving articulation, expanding vocabulary, enhancing conversational skills, and developing nonverbal communication. Speech therapy empowers children to connect with their families, peers, and teachers, opening up a world of opportunity.

3. Feeding Therapy

Feeding difficulties are often overlooked but are a significant concern for many families. Children with autism may face challenges like food aversion, texture sensitivities, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or highly selective eating habits. Feeding therapy at Autism Centers of Utah helps children develop healthier eating patterns, improve nutrition, and create more positive mealtime experiences.

By offering this specialized service, the center demonstrates its commitment to providing autism care and therapy that addresses the whole child, including their physical health and well-being.

4. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in helping children with autism improve their fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care abilities. From improving handwriting and buttoning a shirt to managing sensory sensitivities, occupational therapy empowers children to navigate their world with greater confidence.

Autism Centers of Utah’s occupational therapy program focuses on practical life skills, helping children become more independent in their daily lives. This essential service complements the center’s other Autism Spectrum Disorder services, ensuring children receive holistic, well-rounded care.

Why Families Trust Autism Centers of Utah

Specialized Services for Children with ASD

At Autism Centers of Utah, every child’s journey is unique. That’s why the center offers specialized services for children with ASD, ensuring each therapy plan is as individual as the child it serves. Whether a child needs behavioral therapy for autism, speech and language support, or sensory integration through occupational therapy, the center’s team is ready to help.

Experienced and Compassionate Team

The success of any treatment program depends on the people who deliver it. Autism Centers of Utah is proud of its team of highly trained therapists, behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and support staff. Their passion, expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional autism support services make all the difference in children’s lives.

Commitment to Early Intervention and Evidence-Based Treatment

Research shows that early intervention for autism leads to the best possible outcomes. Autism Centers of Utah is dedicated to using evidence-based autism treatment approaches that are backed by science and tailored to the unique needs of each child. Families can feel confident knowing their child is receiving the highest standard of care.

The Benefits of Comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder Services

By offering a wide range of services under one roof, Autism Centers of Utah delivers several important benefits:

  • Improved communication and social skills through speech and ABA therapy
  • Better behavior management with ABA and behavioral interventions
  • Enhanced sensory and motor skills with occupational therapy
  • Healthier eating habits and improved nutrition through feeding therapy
  • Greater family support with education, resources, and parent training

These outcomes create meaningful change not only for the child but for the entire family. Families report feeling more hopeful, supported, and empowered to help their child thrive.

Resources for Families with Autism

In addition to clinical services, Autism Centers of Utah provides resources for families with autism. Parent training sessions, support groups, and educational workshops help families gain a deeper understanding of ASD and equip them with tools to support their child at home and in the community.

Local Autism Support Services You Can Count On

If you’re searching for autism centers in Utah or Autism Spectrum Disorder centers near me, look no further than Autism Centers of Utah. As a provider of trusted autism services in Utah, the center serves families across the state, offering local autism support services that are accessible and family-centered.

Families are encouraged to contact the center for more information:

📍 8851 South Sandy Parkway, Suite 100, Sandy, UT 84070
 📞 (801) 464-4077
 🌐 autismcentersofutah.com

Take the First Step Toward Progress

Choosing the right provider for Autism Spectrum Disorder services can feel overwhelming, but Autism Centers of Utah is here to make that decision easier. With comprehensive services, expert staff, and a deep commitment to children and families, the center has become a trusted leader in the Utah autism community.

If you’re ready to explore autism diagnosis and treatment, access autism support for families, or get started with one of the center’s specialized therapy programs, reach out today. Together, we can help your child achieve brighter outcomes and a more fulfilling future.