Should I Delay Kindergarten? What Parents Need to Know

As summer approaches, many parents of children with autism start thinking about a big milestone: starting kindergarten. It’s a decision that can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially if your child has been making great progress in ABA therapy. You might be asking yourself, “Should I delay kindergarten?” or wondering whether more time in therapy would be helpful. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. Your child’s care team can offer guidance and support to help you feel confident about what comes next.

Every child develops on their own timeline. When considering whether to start kindergarten or explore kindergarten deferral, it’s important to look at the full picture of your child’s development. Key questions to explore include:

• How does my child do in group settings?
• Are they able to follow everyday routines and expectations?
• Do they have ways to cope with challenges, big emotions, or sensory needs?
• Are they building the skills that will help them feel successful and confident at school?

ABA therapy has likely been a cornerstone of your child’s growth, helping them develop communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and independence. Deciding when to step back from therapy can feel daunting. Some children may benefit from continued ABA therapy to strengthen certain skills, while others are ready to apply what they’ve learned in a classroom setting.

Some signs your child may be ready to transition out of ABA include:

• Communicating needs, wants, and feelings effectively
• Following routines and schedules
• Showing curiosity and participation in group activities
• Managing transitions and new routines with minimal stress
• Staying focused and engaged in tasks or group activities
• Consistently using skills learned in ABA in everyday settings (e.g., home or community)

If your child would benefit from continuing ABA therapy, an extra year can provide valuable time to strengthen key skills. ABA during this time might focus on building social skills and cooperative play, improving communication and self-advocacy skills, and emotional regulation strategies. ABA therapy often involves activities that mirror a classroom setting, such as lining up and circle time.

Parents don’t have to make this decision alone. Your child’s BCBA, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and pediatricians all bring valuable insights. These professionals can help you:

• Understand your child’s current developmental profile through observations and ongoing assessments
• Identify which school-readiness skills have been achieved and which may benefit from continued support
• Clarify the expectations of a kindergarten classroom and how your child’s skills align with those demands
• Collaborate with your school district to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Your child’s care team can also work with the school to ensure your child transitions with strong supports already in place. This might include sharing progress reports and providing strategies for teachers.

Choosing whether to start kindergarten is about making sure your child has the skills, confidence, and support to succeed. Some children may be ready sooner than expected, while others benefit from an extra year of growth and preparation. If you find yourself asking, “Should I delay kindergarten?,” lean on the support of your child’s care team and choose the path that feels right for your family.

Dr. Alexandra Brown, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with over 5 years of experience specializing in the assessment and support of young children with autism. Originally from Austin, TX, Dr. Brown combines clinical expertise with a warm, family-centered approach to care. Alongside Ally Behavior’s team of developmental pediatricians and clinical psychologists, Dr. Brown’s goal is to make every step of the diagnostic process clear and reassuring while capturing a full picture of your child’s development. She is passionate about helping families feel understood and supported as they take the next steps in their child’s care.