5 ABA Therapy Techniques to Try At Home
Every small victory in your autistic child’s development can feel monumental. Whether your child has just said their first word or shared a smile– these milestones are precious.
If you have already heard of home-based ABA therapy, or may even have your child enrolled in this type of ABA therapy practice, then you probably already know that the goal of ABA therapy at home is to encourage growth and development right at home.
Home-based ABA therapy turns everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth–but you don’t have to be an ABA therapist to reinforce and encourage growth at home. With these five ABA therapy techniques at home, you can build your child’s skills and make learning a fun part of everyday life:
1. Emotion Identification Games
Understanding emotions is a cornerstone of social development, yet many children with autism struggle to recognize and express them. At home, you can create fun games using pictures, toys, or even your own facial expressions. Ask your child to point to or name the emotion they see, and celebrate each correct answer with praise or a small reward.
2. Practicing Eye Contact
Eye contact is a subtle but powerful communication tool. While many young children with autism struggle with eye contact, you can take ABA therapy practices into your own hands by turning this skill into a game. You can use toys, bubbles, or lights to capture your child’s attention and then gently encourage them to look at your face.
3. Positive Reinforcement Activities
One of the simplest yet most impactful ABA therapy techniques at home is positive reinforcement. Identify behaviors you want to encourage, like following instructions, sharing, or completing a task, and reward them with praise, a sticker, or a favorite activity. This at home activity is a great complement to home-based ABA therapy, so don’t be afraid to ask your child’s therapists for some tips and inspiration.
4. Modeling Games with Prompts
Children learn best when they see an example in action. Modeling games involve demonstrating a task– such as stacking blocks, putting toys away, or making a snack– and then prompting your child to do the same. Gentle cues and step-by-step guidance allow them to practice new skills with support.
5. Use Visual Supports
Visual supports are a cornerstone of effective ABA therapy at home. Charts, pictures, schedules, and symbols give you little one concrete references for routines and expectations. Integrating visuals into daily life makes learning consistent and accessible.
Conclusion
At Modern Hope ABA, we know that home-based ABA therapy is best when parents get involved. By practicing these five ABA therapy practices outside of ABA therapy at-home sessions, you can create an environment where your child can thrive every single day! Contact us today to chat with our team and learn more about practical ABA therapy techniques at home!