You don’t have to be a trained therapist to make a meaningful impact in your child’s ABA therapy journey. With the right tools and resources, you can create an environment that supports learning, encourages communication, and reinforces positive behaviors—all from the comfort of home.
In this guide, I’ll introduce you to some of the best ABA therapy tools and strategies to help your child build essential skills while keeping things fun and engaging.
ABA Therapy Tools for At-Home Use
When we talk about making ABA therapy work in daily life, it’s not just about the hours your child spends with their therapist. As a parent, your role is just as important—maybe even more. I always encourage families I work with to use simple, effective tools at home that create structure, consistency, and progress.
Understanding Token Boards and Reward Charts
One of the most powerful parts of ABA is how we use positive reinforcement to encourage the behaviors we want to see more often. Token boards and reward charts are classic tools in this space—and for good reason. They work!
Here’s how I usually explain it to parents: you’re giving your child a fun, visual way to track their progress. For every desired behavior—like brushing teeth, completing a chore, or asking nicely—they earn a token. Once they collect enough, they “cash them in” for a reward.
Pro tip: Keep those rewards motivating! It could be a small toy, a favorite snack, or even just a bit of screen time. It doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be meaningful to your child.
Break down tasks into manageable steps so your child gets rewarded more frequently. That way, they stay engaged and motivated from start to finish.
How to Effectively Use Visual Schedules
If your child thrives on routine (as many kids with autism do), visual schedules are a game-changer. I recommend them all the time to parents who want to cut down on meltdowns and ease transitions between activities.
These schedules use pictures or simple words to show what’s coming next—mealtime, playtime, bedtime—and they help your child understand and prepare for what’s ahead.
Tips for Using Visual Schedules:
- Start small: Begin with just 2–3 activities. You can add more over time.
- Keep it visible: Place the schedule where your child can see it easily throughout the day.
- Review it together: Go through the day’s plan with your child each morning.
It becomes a comforting tool, something your child can rely on when the world feels unpredictable.
Benefits of First-Then Boards for Routine Management
I love using first-then boards to help with tasks that aren’t your child’s favorites—especially those everyday responsibilities like brushing teeth or putting on shoes.
Here’s the idea: “First [less preferred task], then [rewarding activity].” For example, “First clean up your toys, then we’ll watch a cartoon.”
It’s simple. It’s clear. And it gives your child something to look forward to. Over time, they begin to cooperate more readily with those tougher tasks because they understand the payoff.
This tool is great not just for chores but also for transitions and learning social skills. And because it’s visual, it works well with kids at different developmental stages.
Top ABA Therapy Apps for Effective Parental Involvement
We’re lucky to live in a time where tech can support us in really meaningful ways—especially when it comes to ABA therapy at home. There are several great apps out there designed specifically for parents and therapists to track progress, collect data, and improve communication.
Let me share two of the most useful ones I’ve recommended to families over the years.
Features of ABC Data for Behavioral Tracking
ABC Data is an excellent tool if you want to get a better handle on your child’s behaviors and what triggers them. It’s built around the ABC model—Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence—and makes it easy to record exactly what’s happening in real time.
I often say that this kind of data helps take the guesswork out of behavior management. When you can see patterns clearly, it becomes easier to adjust your strategies.
Here’s what I love about ABC Data:
- Event Recording: Quickly log when behaviors happen and how long they last.
- Antecedent/Consequence Input: Record what happened before and after the behavior.
- Custom Fields: Tailor it to your child’s specific goals.
- Data Visualization: Get graphs and reports to monitor trends over time.
And yes—this is super helpful to share with your child’s ABA team so you’re all on the same page.
Communicative Benefits of Proloquo2Go
For parents of nonverbal or minimally verbal children, Proloquo2Go is nothing short of amazing. This AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) app helps kids express themselves using symbols, pictures, and even a text-to-speech feature.
I’ve seen firsthand how empowering this app can be. It gives kids a voice. It helps them participate in therapy, talk with family members, and build confidence in ways that traditional methods sometimes can’t.
The great thing is, you can customize it to your child’s vocabulary and preferences, which means it grows with them over time. Used consistently, it can dramatically improve how your child communicates and interacts with the world.
Conclusion
In my experience, when parents are actively involved in ABA therapy—at home, in daily routines, and through the right tools—the results speak for themselves. You don’t need to be a therapist to make a huge impact.
By integrating visual schedules, token boards, first-then boards, and powerful apps like ABC DataPro and Proloquo2Go, you’re giving your child the structure, support, and encouragement they need to succeed.
I always say: celebrate the small wins, be patient with the process, and never underestimate the power of consistency. These tools aren’t just about managing behaviors—they’re about helping your child grow, connect, and thrive.
At Precious Care ABA, we provide expert guidance and personalized ABA programs to empower both parents and children. If you’re looking for hands-on support, reach out to us today and discover how we can help your child make meaningful progress!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some essential ABA therapy tools parents can use at home?
Parents can use a variety of tools to support their child’s ABA therapy, including token boards for positive reinforcement, visual schedules to improve routine adherence, first-then boards to encourage task completion, and communication apps like Proloquo2Go for nonverbal children.
How can I make ABA strategies part of everyday life?
Incorporate ABA techniques into daily routines by using structured prompts, reinforcing positive behaviors, and creating consistent expectations. Simple tools like visual schedules and reward charts help integrate ABA principles naturally into activities like mealtime, bedtime, and playtime.
Are there any digital tools or apps that support ABA therapy at home?
Yes! Apps like ABC Data, Proloquo2Go, First-Then Visual Schedule, and Autism Tracker help parents track progress, enhance communication, and provide structured learning experiences at home.
Sources:
- https://iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/observing-behavior-using-a-b-c-data.html
- https://autism-clinic.ua.edu/helpful-apps-and-websites/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/apps-and-technology
- https://www.commonsense.org/education/lists/best-apps-for-kids-with-autism
- https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/best-autism-apps/
