Key Highlights
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a proven, evidence-based therapy designed to address the unique needs of children with autism spectrum disorder.
- ABA therapists use strategies such as positive reinforcement to help children learn new skills like language development and functional communication.
- Social skills and socialisation activities are integral to ABA therapy to improve interaction with peers and generalisation.
- ABA focuses on daily living skills to promote independence and improve your child’s quality of life.
- Therapy sessions involve targeted activities, like discrete trial training and natural environment training, tailored to each child’s treatment plan.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most widely recognized methods for helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But what exactly do children do during ABA therapy, and how does it help them grow?
In ABA therapy, your child participates in targeted activities aimed at building essential skills and promoting independence. These activities address challenging behaviors while also supporting social, emotional, and functional development.
I recently worked with a young girl who had a hard time with social cues and often found it difficult to make friends. Through in-home ABA therapy, we worked on small but important steps, like taking turns in games and using words to express emotions.
Over time, she started to interact more with her peers and even initiated playdates! It was truly heartwarming to witness how ABA therapy helped her find her voice and build confidence.
In this guide, we’ll break down the core activities involved in ABA therapy, how these activities benefit children, and what you can expect during therapy sessions.
Core Activities in ABA Therapy Sessions
ABA therapy is a mix of structured activities designed to help children progress at their own pace. Each session is customized based on the child’s needs, focusing on skills like communication, socialization, and managing challenging behaviors.
The techniques in ABA therapy are not just effective—they’re engaging for children as well.
Communication and Language Building
One of the primary focuses of ABA therapy is helping children develop functional communication skills. Therapists use a variety of fun, engaging activities to encourage language development, such as playing games or using toys that promote interaction.
For example, during a play session, a therapist might encourage a child to use words like “help” when they need assistance. The goal is to help the child learn new ways to express their needs and thoughts, using both verbal and non-verbal methods.
Additionally, ABA therapy may introduce communication tools such as visual aids or gestures, especially for children who struggle with speech. These tools help children communicate more effectively, fostering independence and boosting their confidence in daily interactions.
Social Skills Development
Social skills are another key focus of ABA therapy. Many children with ASD find it challenging to interact with others, making socialization a critical component of their therapy.
In each session, ABA therapists create opportunities for children to practice skills like taking turns, sharing, and maintaining eye contact.
Therapists also work on generalization—helping children use their newly acquired social skills in different settings, such as at school or during group activities. Through positive reinforcement, children are motivated to maintain and improve their social behavior.
As children progress, they become more comfortable in social situations, which helps build their confidence and independence. Over time, these social skills can significantly improve the child’s ability to interact with others in everyday situations.
Daily Living Skills Taught in ABA
ABA therapy also helps children develop essential daily living skills. These skills are crucial for promoting independence and improving a child’s overall quality of life. Skills like dressing, feeding, and personal hygiene are all taught through structured, step-by-step lessons.
Therapists break these tasks into smaller, manageable steps, helping children learn at their own pace. For example, a child might work on dressing themselves by learning how to put on a shirt or tie their shoes. As children master each step, they gain a greater sense of accomplishment and independence.
These skills not only enhance the child’s self-sufficiency but also improve their confidence in performing everyday tasks, making daily life easier for both the child and their family.
Self-Care and Independence
Teaching self-care is an important aspect of ABA therapy, especially for children with autism. Self-care skills can range from basic hygiene routines to more advanced tasks, depending on the child’s age and developmental stage.
- Toddlers: Toilet training and basic hygiene.
- Preschoolers: Learning how to dress and feed themselves.
- Older children: Organizing their clothes, making simple meals, and practicing self-management.
Each skill is taught incrementally, with positive reinforcement used to encourage progress. As children gain these self-care skills, they become more capable of taking care of themselves, which greatly improves their overall quality of life.
Managing Emotions and Behaviors
ABA therapy also focuses on helping children manage their emotions and behaviors. Some children may experience intense emotions or challenging behaviors like tantrums or aggression.
ABA therapists work with children to teach self-regulation techniques, using positive reinforcement to encourage better behavior.
Therapists create tailored behavior intervention plans to address specific issues, such as self-injury or difficulty managing frustration.
These plans include strategies like calming techniques, visual schedules, and consistent reinforcement to help children learn more adaptive responses to challenging situations.
With time and practice, children learn to manage their emotions more effectively, building confidence and reducing problematic behaviors.
Conclusion
To sum up, ABA therapy provides a structured, step-by-step approach to helping children with autism spectrum disorder develop essential life skills. From communication and social skills to daily living routines and emotional regulation, ABA therapy empowers children to become more independent and confident in their everyday lives.
By working with trained therapists, children receive the personalized support they need to thrive, and parents can play an active role in reinforcing the skills learned during therapy.
Is your child struggling with communication, social skills, or behavior management? At Precious Care ABA, we specialize in providing individualized ABA therapy programs in New Jersey that can help your child thrive.
Our experienced therapists work closely with families to create a supportive environment that promotes growth and independence. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future for your child!
FAQs
What does a typical ABA session look like?
A typical ABA session includes a blend of discrete trial training (DTT) and natural environment training (NET). The session begins with the therapist building rapport with your child, followed by structured activities that focus on developing skills like communication, social interaction, and behavior management. Sessions are engaging and flexible to maintain your child’s interest while ensuring progress.
How do parents participate in ABA therapy?
Parents are encouraged to work closely with the therapist to reinforce the skills and strategies taught during sessions. This collaborative approach helps ensure that progress is maintained at home and in other settings. Parents learn how to implement the techniques and are provided with the tools they need to support their child’s development in their everyday life.
Sources:
- https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/aba-therapy-activities-guide/
- https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/aba-therapy-examples/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis
- https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/2023/12/future-of-applied-behavior-analysis-aba-new-research-areas-and-findings/
- https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=13512&context=dissertations
