What Do Kids Do in ABA Therapy?

• July 15, 2025
• No Comments

Key Highlights

• ABA therapy focuses on enhancing your child’s development through positive reinforcement tailored to meet their unique needs.
• A certified ABA therapist guides sessions to target areas like communication, social interactions, and daily living skills.
• Activities range from structured techniques to play-based approaches, often inspired by your child’s interests, to make learning engaging.
• This program helps children on the autism spectrum build new skills while addressing challenging behaviors.
• Progress is closely monitored, allowing flexible adjustments to improve outcomes and fit your child’s goals.
• The ultimate aim is to enhance your child’s quality of life by equipping them with tools for independence.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely recognized treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s a personalized, data-driven approach that helps children learn essential skills like communication, social interactions, and daily living tasks.

As an ABA therapist in North Carolina, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how ABA therapy positively impacts children. One memorable client was a young child who had trouble with self-regulation and frequent meltdowns. 

Through ABA techniques like functional communication training (FCT), we were able to help this child express their needs through words rather than tantrums. Over time, the child gained confidence and began to navigate social situations with more ease.

ABA therapy works by breaking down complex behaviors into manageable steps. It’s not about simply following a routine—it’s about addressing the specific challenges your child faces and creating an individualized plan to overcome them.

What Is ABA Therapy and How Does It Work?

The Foundation of ABA Therapy

At its core, ABA therapy uses the principles of behaviorism to change behavior through reinforcement. According to the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), ABA is a scientific approach based on the idea that behavior is learned and can be shaped by manipulating environmental factors.

A key aspect of ABA therapy is the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). This initial assessment helps identify specific behaviors that need improvement, such as difficulties with communication or social skills. The therapist then creates a personalized treatment plan based on these findings.

Breaking Behaviors into Manageable Steps

ABA works by breaking down larger behaviors into smaller, more achievable steps. For example, if a child is learning to say “please” and “thank you,” we’ll start by reinforcing the use of the word “please” when requesting a snack. As the child becomes more consistent, we gradually add new words and phrases.

Research supports this method of small-step progression. A study published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis found that children who receive ABA therapy show significant improvement in communication skills, social interactions, and behavior management after just a few months of consistent therapy.

Goals of ABA Therapy for Children

Improving Communication Skills

One of the main goals of ABA therapy is to enhance communication skills. Many children with autism struggle with expressive language, which can make it difficult for them to express needs or emotions.

A technique widely used to achieve this goal is Functional Communication Training (FCT). FCT focuses on teaching children to use words, pictures, or gestures to communicate their desires, reducing frustration and the likelihood of challenging behaviors.

For example, instead of throwing a tantrum to request a toy, a child might learn to say “I want the red car” or use a picture of the toy. This small change makes a big difference in a child’s daily life and helps them interact more effectively with others.

Promoting Independence

ABA therapy is also designed to help children become more independent. This involves breaking daily tasks—like brushing teeth, tying shoes, or dressing—into smaller steps that are easier for a child to learn.

A child may start by learning how to hold a toothbrush and gradually progress to brushing their teeth without assistance. This not only increases their independence but also boosts their confidence.

According to Dr. Laura Schreibman, a leading expert in ABA therapy, “The goal is to equip children with the skills they need to function independently in society. With ABA therapy, the child gains the tools to make meaningful progress in their lives.”

Individualized ABA Therapy Sessions

Tailoring Therapy to Your Child’s Needs

Every child is different, and ABA therapy recognizes this by tailoring each session to meet the child’s individual needs. A certified behavior analyst will assess your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests to create a personalized treatment plan.

For example, if a child has an interest in animals, the therapist might use animal-themed toys or books to engage the child in learning tasks. This personalization not only keeps the child engaged but also makes learning feel more natural and fun.

The Role of Reinforcement in ABA Therapy

A significant aspect of ABA therapy is reinforcement—using positive rewards to encourage desired behaviors. Reinforcement can come in many forms, such as praise, tangible rewards, or extra playtime. By consistently reinforcing good behaviors, ABA therapy helps children understand what is expected of them and motivates them to continue those behaviors.

Research published in Behavior Analysis in Practice suggests that reinforcement is essential for maintaining and strengthening new behaviors. A study involving children with autism showed that when reinforcement was used consistently, the children showed greater progress in both communication and social skills.

Core Activities in ABA Therapy

ABA therapy utilizes a range of activities designed to teach specific skills. Two core techniques are Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Training (NET), both of which play key roles in helping children learn and develop.

Discrete Trial Training

DTT is a structured teaching method where skills are taught in small, controlled steps. For example, if a child is learning to identify colors, the therapist might present a color card and say, “What color is this?” If the child answers correctly, they receive immediate positive reinforcement, like a sticker or verbal praise.

Studies have shown that DTT is highly effective for teaching new skills. According to research in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, DTT leads to improvements in children’s language, academic skills, and social behaviors.

Natural Environment Training

On the other hand, NET takes place in the child’s natural environment, such as at home or in the community. This technique uses everyday situations to teach new skills in a more natural setting. For instance, a child might learn to ask for help during playtime by using a favorite toy.

NET is beneficial because it helps children generalize their skills to real-life scenarios. A study published in Autism Research found that children who participated in NET showed improved social skills and were able to apply what they learned in therapy to their everyday lives.

Building Social and Communication Skills

Social Skills Development

Social skills are often a focus of ABA therapy, as many children with autism face challenges in interacting with peers and understanding social cues. Role-playing games, social stories, and peer interaction are common strategies used to teach these skills.

For example, role-playing can help a child practice greetings, sharing, and taking turns in a safe, structured environment. By repeating these social scenarios, the child becomes more comfortable with social interactions, making it easier to engage with others outside of therapy.

Dr. Bryna Siegel, a renowned expert in autism research, notes, “Social interactions are essential for a child’s development. ABA therapy provides the structure and support necessary for children to learn these skills in a way that makes sense to them.”

The Impact of ABA Therapy on Your Child’s Life

In summary, ABA therapy offers a comprehensive approach to help children with autism learn critical skills. From communication and social interactions to daily living skills, ABA provides a structured yet flexible environment where children can thrive.

Through techniques like Discrete Trial Training and Natural Environment Training, and by using reinforcement to encourage positive behaviors, ABA therapy supports children on their journey toward greater independence and self-confidence.

If you’re interested in learning more about how ABA therapy can help your child reach their full potential, Kids N Heart offers personalized ABA therapy services in North Carolina. Our expert therapists work with children and families to create individualized plans that foster growth, independence, and confidence. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can make a difference in your child’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is best to start ABA therapy?

Starting ABA therapy when a child is very young, like before the age of five, can be the best way to get the most out of early intervention. An ABA therapist will plan therapy sessions that help work on the child’s main goals of ABA therapy. They do this to support children on the autism spectrum in the best way possible as they learn and grow.

How long does a typical ABA session last?

The time for ABA therapy sessions changes based on your child’s treatment plan. Sessions often last from 1 to 4 hours. The ABA therapist makes sure each session uses the right amount of time. This helps your child learn and practice new skills in therapy sessions.

Can ABA therapy help with communication challenges?

ABA therapy can help your child with communication problems. It uses behavior analysis to work on expressive language and functional communication. ABA programs take steps to build your child’s skills in a way that makes sense. Applied behavior analysis shows ways to get past what is making things hard and helps your child talk and connect better with others.

How are parents involved in ABA therapy?

Parents have an important part in ABA programs. They work with ABA therapists to see what their child likes and help teach these same things at home. When parents get involved, there is more consistency. This helps bring about positive behaviors. It also lifts the child’s quality of life. Parents work to make things better for their kids by supporting their child’s interests and helping at home. Together, they help children have a good life and learn new things.

What progress can I expect to see from ABA therapy?

With commitment, you can see real progress in your child. They will learn new skills, improve on social skills, and find better ways to deal with challenging behavior. ABA therapy helps your child grow step-by-step. It helps them use social skills in daily life and face new things. Each step in ABA therapy can help your child get a better quality of life.

Sources:

• https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis
• https://www.chop.edu/health-resources/applied-behavior-analysis-aba-children-autism
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3196209/
• https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/aba-therapy-activities-guide/
• https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/aba-therapy-examples/