When I sit across from a parent at our first meeting, one of the most common things I hear is, “Can you tell me what ABA therapy actually looks like?”
It’s an important question — because when you’re considering therapy for your child, you want more than buzzwords. You want to understand exactly what your child’s day, learning moments, and breakthroughs could really be.
I’m here to bring those ideas to life. Today, I’ll walk you through real examples of ABA therapy, based on my everyday experiences working with amazing kids and families.
What is ABA Therapy?
The Foundation of ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy uses the science of behavior and learning to help children gain skills and reduce challenges that interfere with daily living.
In simple terms: we break big skills into smaller steps, teach them carefully, and celebrate every success along the way.
ABA therapy focuses on:
- Positive reinforcement to encourage growth
- Repetition and practice for mastery
- Tailoring strategies to each child’s unique learning style
- Teaching functional, real-world skills
Every child’s program is individualized — no two children have the exact same goals or methods.
Real-Life Examples of ABA Therapy
Example 1: Teaching Communication Skills
One little boy I worked with, let’s call him Daniel, was nonverbal when we met. He had big feelings but no words to express them, often leading to frustration.
In therapy, we started with picture exchange communication. Here’s how we approached it:
- Step 1: We taught Daniel to hand over a picture of a preferred toy (like a ball) to request it.
- Step 2: We reinforced this behavior immediately — as soon as he handed us the picture, he got the ball.
- Step 3: Over time, we expanded his “vocabulary” of pictures to include snacks, activities, and people.
- Step 4: Eventually, Daniel transitioned from pictures to simple verbal requests, like “ball” or “play.”
Through structured ABA sessions, Daniel found a voice — first with pictures, then with words.
Example 2: Reducing Challenging Behavior
Another child, Mia, struggled with meltdowns every afternoon when it was time to leave the playground. She didn’t have a reliable way to understand transitions.
Using ABA, we:
- Taught her visual schedules with pictures showing each part of her afternoon.
- Introduced a countdown system (“5 more minutes, 3 more minutes”) with visual timers.
- Praised calm transitions heavily and provided her favorite sticker when she moved cooperatively.
- Practiced in small steps — first at the playground, then at other settings like grocery stores.
Within a few months, those overwhelming, tearful goodbyes became calm and smooth transitions.
Mia didn’t just “behave better”— she gained tools to manage her emotions and expectations.
Example 3: Building Daily Living Skills
One teen I supported, Eli, wanted to be more independent. He especially wanted to learn how to prepare his own lunchfor school.
We broke it down into manageable pieces:
- Task Analysis: We listed every single step (open bread, spread peanut butter, slice banana, pack napkin).
- Modeling and Practice: I modeled the steps first, then Eli practiced with prompts.
- Positive Reinforcement: After successful completion, Eli got to pick a special snack for his lunchbox.
- Generalization: We practiced in different kitchens (home, therapy center) to ensure he could perform the task anywhere.
Today, Eli proudly packs his own lunch every morning — and beams with confidence doing it.
Key Strategies You’ll See in ABA Therapy
Common ABA Techniques Used with Children
Every ABA session looks a little different, but most programs use methods like:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Highly structured practice sessions with clear instruction and reinforcement.
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Teaching skills during naturally occurring activities, like playing outside or during snack time.
- Task Analysis: Breaking down complex tasks into tiny, teachable steps.
- Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP): Customized strategies to replace challenging behaviors with positive alternatives.
- Social Skills Training: Guided practice for conversations, sharing, turn-taking, and making friends.
The heart of ABA is finding what motivates your child, using it to teach meaningful skills, and celebrating every success.
Choosing ABA therapy is about choosing hope, growth, and possibilities for your child.
At Able Stars ABA, we believe in meeting every child exactly where they are — and helping them reach places they (and you) may not have even dreamed possible.
If you’re curious about how ABA strategies could support your child, let’s talk.
We’re ready to answer your questions, learn about your child’s strengths, and design a plan that feels right for your family.
FAQs
What’s a simple example of ABA therapy for a toddler?
Teaching a toddler to request “milk” by pointing or speaking is a common ABA goal. We might start by showing them the milk, modeling the word, and praising them when they imitate or indicate it — reinforcing their communication attempts right away.
Are ABA therapy examples only for autism?
No, ABA therapy can support children with various needs — including speech delays, ADHD, anxiety, and learning disabilities. The principles of ABA apply whenever behavior and learning need to be supported.
How quickly do children show progress in ABA therapy?
Every child progresses at their own pace. Some skills emerge quickly, while others may take longer depending on the child’s developmental level, motivation, and consistency of practice both in therapy and at home.
Sources:
- https://www.understood.org/en/articles/behavior-intervention-plans-what-you-need-to-know
- https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/aba-therapy-examples/
- https://gsep.pepperdine.edu/blog/posts/aba-techniques-strategies-for-behavior-analysts.htm
- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-an-aba-design-2794809
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9458805/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis