Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most widely recognized and effective treatments for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But if you’re a parent considering ABA therapy for your child, you might be wondering: What exactly do kids do in ABA therapy? How does it work, and what can you expect from the process?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ABA therapy for kids. From the activities they engage in to the skills they develop, we’ll cover it all. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how ABA therapy can help your child thrive.

What is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is a scientifically proven approach that uses behavioral principles to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. It’s highly individualized, meaning each child’s therapy plan is tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and goals.

The primary goal of ABA therapy is to help children develop skills that improve their quality of life. This includes communication, social interaction, self-care, and academic skills. At the same time, ABA therapy focuses on reducing behaviors that may interfere with learning or social integration, such as tantrums, aggression, or self-injury.

How Does ABA Therapy Help Kids?

ABA therapy is designed to help children with autism develop essential life skills and improve their overall functioning. Here are some of the key benefits:

Improved Communication: ABA therapy helps children develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Enhanced Social Skills: Kids learn how to interact with peers, make friends, and navigate social situations.
Greater Independence: ABA therapy teaches self-care and daily living skills, promoting independence.
Reduced Challenging Behaviors: By addressing the root causes of challenging behaviors, ABA therapy helps kids replace them with positive alternatives.
Academic Success: ABA therapy can support learning and school readiness, helping kids succeed in educational settings.

What Do Kids Do in ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy sessions are designed to be engaging, fun, and educational. Here’s a breakdown of the activities and strategies commonly used in ABA therapy:

1. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

DTT is a structured teaching method that breaks down skills into small, manageable steps. For example, if a child is learning to identify colors, the therapist might start by teaching one color at a time. The child is rewarded for correct responses, which reinforces learning.

Example Activity: The therapist holds up a red card and says, “What color is this?” If the child responds correctly, they receive praise or a small reward.

2. Natural Environment Teaching (NET)

NET focuses on teaching skills in real-life settings, such as during play or daily routines. This helps children generalize skills to different environments.

Example Activity: During playtime, the therapist might encourage the child to ask for a toy using words or gestures, reinforcing communication skills.

3. Pivotal Response Training (PRT)

PRT targets “pivotal” areas of development, such as motivation and self-initiation. By focusing on these key areas, PRT helps children make broad improvements in communication, behavior, and social skills.

Example Activity: The therapist might use a child’s favorite toy to encourage them to ask for it, building motivation and communication.

4. Task Analysis

Task analysis involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps. This is particularly useful for teaching self-care skills like brushing teeth or getting dressed.

Example Activity: The therapist might teach a child to wash their hands by breaking the process into steps: turning on the water, wetting hands, applying soap, rinsing, and drying.

5. Social Skills Training

ABA therapy often includes activities designed to improve social interaction. This might involve role-playing, group activities, or practicing turn-taking.

Example Activity: The therapist might set up a pretend play scenario where the child practices greeting a friend or sharing toys.

6. Behavior Reduction Strategies

For children who engage in challenging behaviors, ABA therapists use strategies to reduce these behaviors and replace them with more appropriate alternatives.

Example Activity: If a child throws toys when frustrated, the therapist might teach them to use words or gestures to express their feelings instead.

7. Imitation Skills

Imitation is a foundational skill for learning. ABA therapy often includes activities that encourage children to imitate actions, sounds, or words.

Example Activity: The therapist might clap their hands and say, “Do this!” encouraging the child to clap as well.

8. Play-Based Learning

Play is a natural way for children to learn and explore their environment. ABA therapists use play-based activities to teach a variety of skills, from fine motor skills to problem-solving.

Example Activity: Building blocks can be used to teach colors, shapes, and counting, while also encouraging creativity and hand-eye coordination.

9. Visual Supports

Visual supports, such as picture schedules or visual timers, help children understand expectations and transitions.

Example Activity: A visual schedule might show pictures of different activities in the order they will occur, helping the child know what to expect next.

10. Functional Communication Training (FCT)

FCT focuses on teaching children alternative ways to communicate their needs and wants, reducing frustration and challenging behaviors.

Example Activity: If a child typically screams when they want a snack, the therapist might teach them to use a picture card or a simple word like “eat.”

11. Self-Help and Daily Living Skills

ABA therapy helps children develop independence by teaching self-help skills, such as dressing, eating, and toileting.

Example Activity: The therapist might use task analysis to teach a child how to put on a shirt, breaking it down into steps like picking up the shirt, putting it over their head, and pulling it down.

12. Academic Readiness

ABA therapy can also prepare children for school by teaching pre-academic skills like letter recognition, counting, and following instructions.

Example Activity: The therapist might use flashcards to teach the alphabet, rewarding the child for correctly identifying letters.

13. Sensory Integration Activities

Many children with autism have sensory sensitivities. ABA therapy can include activities that help children regulate their sensory experiences.

Example Activity: The therapist might use a sensory bin filled with rice or beans to help the child explore different textures in a controlled way.

14. Group Activities

Group activities help children practice social skills in a structured setting, such as taking turns, sharing, and cooperating with peers.

Example Activity: A group game like “Duck, Duck, Goose” can teach turn-taking and social interaction.

15. Parent Training

ABA therapy isn’t just for kids—it also involves training parents to use ABA techniques at home, ensuring consistency and reinforcing learning.

Example Activity: The therapist might teach parents how to use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors, such as praising their child for using words to request a toy.

When we worked with a five-year-old boy named Liam (pseudonym for privacy), he struggled with daily transitions, often becoming overwhelmed when switching from one activity to another. Simple changes, like moving from playtime to mealtime, would lead to frustration and meltdowns. His parents felt stuck, unsure how to help him manage these moments.

Using a combination of visual schedules and reinforcement strategies in ABA therapy, Liam gradually learned to anticipate transitions and feel more in control. One day, instead of becoming upset when it was time to stop playing, he pointed to his schedule, took a deep breath, and walked to the table on his own. It was a breakthrough moment for both him and his family. ABA therapy had given him the tools to navigate everyday life with greater ease, and seeing his progress was truly inspiring.

If you’re considering ABA therapy for your child, True Progress Therapy is here to help. Our team of experienced therapists in New Jersey is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care that makes a real difference in the lives of kids and families. Contact us today to learn more about our ABA therapy services and how we can support your child’s growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does ABA therapy take to work?

ABA therapy is a gradual process, and the timeline varies for each child. Some kids show progress within a few weeks, while others may take several months. Consistency and repetition are key to success.

2. Is ABA therapy only for kids with autism?

While ABA therapy is most commonly used for children with autism, it can also benefit kids with other developmental or behavioral challenges.

3. What qualifications should an ABA therapist have?

Look for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). These credentials ensure the therapist has the necessary training and expertise.

4. How many hours of ABA therapy does my child need?

The number of hours depends on your child’s needs. Some kids benefit from 10-20 hours per week, while others may require more intensive therapy.

5. Will my child enjoy ABA therapy?

ABA therapy is designed to be fun and engaging. Therapists use play-based activities and positive reinforcement to keep kids motivated and excited to learn.

The Activities in ABA Therapy That Help Kids with Autism Thrive