How to Prepare an Autistic Child for School?

Preparing an autistic child for school begins with a comprehensive medical examination to assess the child’s developmental abilities. The child should be examined by the following specialists:

• Pediatrician: Addresses general health issues, age-appropriate vaccinations (if there are no contraindications), necessary tests, and medical history related to past illnesses.
• Neurologist: Confirms the existing diagnosis and, if not done previously, recommends necessary tests such as an electroencephalogram (EEG), Doppler ultrasound of the brain vessels, possibly an MRI of the brain, and genetic tests.
• Speech Therapist: Discusses the scope of work and the form of education suitable for the child, taking into account their speech abilities, and develops a speech development plan.
• Psychiatrist: The consultation with a psychiatrist is crucial in the decision-making process about whether the child can attend a regular school.

Stages of Preparing a Child with Autism for School

One of the most important skills for an autistic child before starting school is socialization. The list of essential social skills for a 7-8-year-old child includes:

• Self-care skills, such as washing hands, eating independently, using cutlery, and maintaining personal hygiene.
• Play activities and organizing personal space, which include the ability to put toys away, water plants, tidy up, and place items in their correct places.
• Following social norms of behavior. The child should know how to behave appropriately at a playground, sandbox, on public transport, visiting friends, etc.

In preparation for attending a general education school, the child should also possess basic academic skills, including:

• Writing simple letters, print letters (cursive), and numbers.
• Basic arithmetic skills, such as addition and subtraction of simple numbers.
• Knowledge of the alphabet and the ability to read syllables and simple words by syllables.
• Knowing personal details, such as their name, date of birth, city, address, and the names of parents, siblings, etc.

This is the minimum set of requirements when preparing an autistic child for school. For non-verbal children with autism, it is essential to develop a communication system with a tutor (using a tablet or flashcards). Communication skills will be the most important in determining how well the child adapts to the school environment and how successful their learning will be.

Specialists Who Help Prepare an Autistic Child for School

The process of preparing a child for school should be approached comprehensively, as physical and intellectual development are interconnected. In children with autism, all areas of development tend to lag behind the typical developmental norms to some degree. There are specialists who work on each area of development:

• Psychologist: Works on the emotional-volitional sphere and helps the child assess situations.
• Speech Therapist: Focuses on speech development, expanding vocabulary, and forming the structure of speech.
• Rehabilitation Specialist: Works on body coordination, gross and fine motor skills.
• Massage Therapist: Helps relax the body and develop muscle strength.
• Social Pedagogue: Teaches the child how to address everyday problems.

Each specialist is responsible for preparing a specific area of development, and with targeted work, good results can be achieved.

Stem Cell Transplantation: A Chance for Full Development of a Child with Autism

Currently, stem cell transplantation is considered one of the modern and effective methods of correcting autism in children. This procedure significantly improves the child’s quality of life, providing a powerful boost to intellectual development. Over a 12-month period following the procedure, there is a cumulative effect: speech improves, emotional regulation is enhanced, and sleep, memory, and attention also improve. At the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, hundreds of patients undergo this therapy annually. Feedback from families indicates that autism does not have to be a life sentence.

Learn more about the stem cell transplantation procedure.