BLOG Back to School Routines: ABA Strategies for Smooth Mornings/Nights

Arion Care Blog | August 2023

As summer ends and the 2023-2024 school year begins, Arion Care steps forward to provide an array of at-home and center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services, catering to families throughout Arizona.

With the school year being around the corner, transitioning from relaxed summer days to structured school mornings can be challenging for families and caregivers. However, with the help of ABA strategies, parents and caregivers can create a smooth and stress-free morning/Night routine that encourages independence, reduces stress, and promotes a successful positive start to the school day. 

1. Visual cues promote predictability and ease transitions: Create a visual schedule outlines the Morning/Night routine step by step. Use pictures or drawings to represent each activity, such as getting dressed, having breakfast, brushing teeth, and packing a backpack. Visual schedules provide a clear roadmap for the tasks, reducing anxiety and helping members understand what to expect. 
2. Break Tasks into Manageable Steps: break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Apply this principle to your Morning/Night routine by dividing tasks into simple steps. For instance, getting dressed can be broken down into finding clothes, putting on a shirt, pants, socks, and shoes. Breaking tasks into smaller steps helps members feel a sense of accomplishment as they complete each part of the routine, boosting their confidence and motivation. 
3. Making Nutritious Choices and Providing Supportive Meals: Beyond the orchestration of tasks, it is equally important to promote a healthy routine with mindful dietary choices. Nurturing a stress-free routine involves providing members with healthy balanced meals and beverages that align with their dietary requirements or food sensitivities. Simplify meal preparation with straightforward recipes such as celery and peanut butter or enhance convenience by acquiring a user-friendly fruit cutter. 

Arion Care Blog offers support for families and caregivers across Arizona and as the school year commences creating a structured schedule can be a difficult transition. Use these strategies or contact our ABA center for more information about how we can assist. We provide ABA home-based services and center-based therapy. Arion Care provides translation and interpretation services. With our dedicated bilingual staff, we stand ready to provide guidance aligned with your family’s preferences. 

Arion Care ABA Therapy Center
3200 N Dobson Rd, F-1, Chandler, AZ 85224

Arion Care ABA Therapy Center
18001 N 79th Ave, E76, Glendale, AZ 85308

Call Us at 480-440-7167