All parents wish for their child to learn, develop, and be independent. Children with autism and other developmental delays might need additional assistance and routine to learn new skills. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can help in this case.
ABA is a teaching strategy based on understanding behavior and teaching children skills through positive reinforcement and structured practice. ABA techniques are used by therapists in therapy sessions, but many can also be implemented at home by parents.
Thankfully, simple ABA strategies can be used in everyday life and do not require any expertise. It is the gradual process of small changes in the way you teach and encourage your child that can have a great impact over time.
Understand What Motivates Your Child
One of the most important principles of ABA is motivation.
Learning is more likely to take place when children are interested and engaged. All children are unique, and it is beneficial to find out what your child enjoys the most. This may be a favorite toy, activity, snack, game, or perhaps a gift.
For example, if your child loves stickers, then you can use that as a reward when he/she finishes a task. Those who enjoy playing with blocks, a couple more minutes of play may motivate them. Children will repeat good behaviors and continue learning when appropriately rewarded.
Break Skills Into Small Steps
Certain tasks might be easy for adults but challenging for kids.
ABA promotes the facilitation of larger skills into smaller, manageable pieces. It helps children to learn more easily and with less frustration.
For example, teaching to brush teeth at one time, you can divide this learning into pieces and intervals:
- Spread the toothpaste on the brush
- Put toothpaste on it
- Rinse the back teeth
- Clean the sides of the teeth.
- Brush the front teeth
- Rinse and put the toothbrush away
Children progressively learn the entire sequence as each step becomes easier to master.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective technique in ABA. Give positive reinforcement when the child successfully completes a task or demonstrates a desired behavior. This will allow them to see what they have gotten right.
Positive reinforcement can be used in the following ways:
- Verbal praise
- High-fives
- Stickers
- Extra playtime
- Small rewards
Praise your child immediately when he asks for help rather than getting frustrated, for example, “That’s a good job, you asked for help! When encouragement is consistent, it promotes fast learning and confidence.
Create Consistent Routines
Children learn best when they have an idea of what to expect. Routine is important as it can help minimize stress and help identify learning opportunities.
Work on developing routines for:
- Meals
- Homework
- Playtime
- Bedtime
- Household activities
Using visual schedules with pictures may be beneficial, particularly for younger children or visual learners. For example, for breakfast, you have visuals that identify the time, and the child will automatically point to that specific time.
Give Clear and Simple Instructions
Sometimes children have difficulties because they do not understand how to perform the instructions. ABA promotes direct and understandable directions.
Instead of saying:
“Please, will you put away all your toys, as we are going to eat our dinner?
Try saying:
Please place the blocks in the box.
Then, after this task is completed, say: We are going to eat dinner
Simple instructions help children focus on a single task at a time and reduce confusion.
When the task is done, praise, then move on to the next task.
Practice Skills Throughout the Day
Learning doesn’t just occur in therapy sessions. Activities that occur regularly in school or at home can be used to teach and practice skills.
For example:
- Have your child look for colors when shopping.
- Count food while eating a snack.
- Encourage discussions at mealtimes.
- Practice taking turns in games.
- Be patient when progress is made
Be Patient With Progress
All children progress at their own rate. There may be faster and slower skills, as well as those that require more repetition. It is essential that you don’t compare your child’s achievements with those of others.
Pat them on their backs for little successes, no matter how small!
Examples include:
- Making eye contact
- Using a new word
Celebrating achievements helps to maintain parents’ and children’s motivation.
Work Together With Therapists
Maintaining communication with your child’s therapy team can be very beneficial if your child receives ABA therapy.
Therapists can provide information on strategies that are working and provide suggestions about practicing skills at home. If parents use the same strategies as therapists, then children can learn more quickly as their expectations are the same in both settings. Communication is essential in keeping everyone on track, achieving the same objectives.
Focus on Building Independence
One of the primary objectives of ABA is to make children more independent. Challenge your child to complete tasks independently for as long as it takes.
Simple tasks such as:
- Putting away toys
- Dressing themselves
- Washing hands
- To be helpful with chores
Give your children assistance when they need it and encouragement to use their own abilities when they want to, which helps them become self-reliant.
Final Thoughts
ABA strategies can make a tremendous difference in the development of communication, learning, social, and daily living skills in children. There is no need for complicated techniques for parents to make a difference. Simple strategies like positive reinforcement, consistent instructions, consistent routines, and practicing skills throughout the day can help make meaningful progress.
Keep in mind that learning is a process, and every child learns in their own way. Over time, parents can help their child become more self-assured, skilled, and independent with patience, consistency, and encouragement.
