In The News: Behavioral Analyst Offers Families Expert Back-to-school Advice
As the new school year kicks off, Jennifer McConnell, a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst at The Pierce Autism Center at Touro, is offering her expert advice on how to start the year with a positive and effective approach.
In her recent interview with Channel 3, McConnell emphasizes the importance of communication and positive reinforcement in helping students and parents navigate the transition smoothly. She also provides practical tips and relatable activities designed to alleviate stress and set students up for success. Her strategies focus on fostering open dialogue and implementing supportive routines that benefit both students and their families.
Here are some of her expert tips:
- Make sure your kids are at their best, rested and well nourished. Prepare healthy meals and pack nutritious snacks. Create bedtime and other routines that ensure healthy behaviors become habits.
- Address your child’s worries and concerns. Encourage your child to share their fears. Let them know it is normal to have concerns. Avoid giving reassurance such as “Everything will be okay” and “It will all work out.” This is a temporary fix. Instead practice scenarios of what might happen with your child and find solutions. This empowers your child with tools and strategies to solve their own problems.
- Help your child keep a positive perspective. Redirect your child’s thought pattern by asking them what they are most excited about. Positive things can often get buried under worries and concerns.
- Control what you can control. Arrange playdates with friends before school starts, a familiar face at school eases the transition back. Visit the school ahead of time, rehearse drop off, and spend time walking around the school and on the playground.
- Continue fun activities. Just because school has started doesn’t mean the fun has to come to a complete halt. Use weekends to go the movies, water park, or camping.
By incorporating these strategies, parents and caregivers can help children transition back into school mode with greater ease and confidence. With a bit of preparation and support, the shift from summer to school can become a positive and manageable experience.
The Pierce Autism Center at Touro supports the families and children diagnosed with autism and/or a developmental disability by providing the therapy services they need to reach their full potential using an evidence-based, team-centered approach.
