ABA Therapy Activities for Home: Simple Techniques to Try Today

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most effective and widely used interventions for individuals with autism. While professional in-home ABA therapy services are beneficial, parents can also implement free ABA therapy at home using simple, structured activities. Whether you have a toddler, a 5-year-old, a 7-year-old, or an older child with autism, these activities can reinforce essential skills, encourage communication, and foster independence.

In this blog we will discuss about some of the ABA techniques to do at home. Additionally, we will explore some basic techniques to do ABA therapy at home for better growth of your child.

ABA Therapy Activities to Do at Home

Incorporating ABA therapy activities for autism into daily routines can make learning natural and engaging. These ABA activity ideas are designed to be easy for parents to implement, requiring minimal materials while offering maximum impact.

1: Structured Play for a Good Start

Why it works: Structured play helps children follow routines and engage in meaningful interactions.

How to do it:

• Choose a favorite toy or game.
• Set a clear beginning and end (e.g., "First, we build; then, we clean up").
• Use positive reinforcement like praise or small rewards for following directions.
• Introduce turn-taking games to build social interaction skills.
• Gradually increase the complexity of play to challenge problem-solving skills.
• Provide choices within play activities to promote autonomy and decision-making.

2: Visual Schedules for a Fresh Mindset

Why it works: Visual schedules provide structure and reduce anxiety.

How to do it:

• Create a picture or written schedule for daily activities.
• Use it to guide transitions (e.g., "First breakfast, then brushing teeth").
• Allow your child to check off completed tasks.
• Introduce a "first-then" board to break tasks into manageable steps.
• Pair schedules with timers to help children anticipate transitions.
• Review the schedule frequently to reinforce consistency.

3: Mealtime Magic: Turning Eating into Learning

Why it works: Mealtime is a natural opportunity to practice functional communication training (FCT) and social skills.

How to do it:

• Encourage your child to request food items using words, pictures, or gestures.
• Teach turn-taking by passing utensils.
• Introduce new textures to enhance sensory experiences.
• Practice patience by requiring a simple request before serving food.
• Encourage eye contact and social engagement during meals.
• Involve children in meal preparation for hands-on learning experiences.

4: Lunchtime Learning: Following Multi-Step Instructions

Why it works: Helps children learn sequencing and problem-solving.

How to do it:

• Give simple, multi-step instructions like, "First, get your plate. Next, put your sandwich on it."
• Gradually increase the number of steps.
• Reinforce success with ABA therapy techniques like praise or small rewards.
• Break complex instructions into smaller steps to ensure comprehension.
• Use visual cues to support verbal instructions.
• Repeat instructions in different contexts to reinforce learning.

5: Puzzle Time: Breaking Down Complex Tasks

Why it works: Encourages problem-solving and fine motor skills.

How to do it:

• Start with simple puzzles and gradually increase difficulty.
• Use prompting (e.g., "Try turning the piece this way") to guide without frustration.
• Reinforce patience and persistence.
• Choose puzzles with meaningful images to maintain engagement.
• Use verbal reinforcement to describe success ("Great job finding that corner piece!").
• Incorporate social elements by solving puzzles together.

6: Evening Wind-Down: Calming ABA Activities

Why it works: Helps with self-regulation and preparing for bedtime.

How to do it:

• Engage in relaxing activities like deep breathing or stretching.
• Use a weighted blanket or soft music for sensory regulation.
• Encourage mindfulness techniques like guided breathing exercises.
• Provide calming sensory tools such as fidget toys or textured blankets.
• Use gentle rocking or swaying movements to promote relaxation.
• Establish a predictable bedtime routine with a comforting ritual.

7: Bedtime Story Bonanza: Enhancing Communication Skills

Why it works: Promotes language development and comprehension.

How to do it:

• Read aloud and pause to ask questions.
• Encourage your child to point to pictures or repeat words.
• Use role-playing to make stories interactive.
• Choose books with repetitive phrases to support memory retention.
• Incorporate interactive books with flaps or textures for sensory engagement.
• Allow children to take turns "reading" by describing pictures.

8: Sensory-Friendly Bath Time

Why it works: Helps with sensory processing challenges.

How to do it:

• Use different textures (sponges, washcloths) to explore sensory input.
• Add calming scents like lavender for relaxation.
• Teach independence by prompting self-washing.
• Experiment with different water temperatures to find comfort levels.
• Introduce toys that encourage imaginative play.
• Play soothing background music to enhance relaxation.

9: Task Analysis for Better Understanding

Why it works: Breaks complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

How to do it:

• Identify a daily task (e.g., brushing teeth).
• List steps visually or verbally.
• Guide your child through each step until mastery is achieved.
• Reinforce completion of each step with verbal praise.
• Use hand-over-hand assistance as needed.
• Gradually fade assistance to encourage independence.

10: Functional Communication Training (FCT)

Why it works: Helps reduce frustration by teaching alternative communication methods.

How to do it:

• Encourage your child to request items using words, gestures, or picture exchange systems (PECS).
• Reinforce communication attempts with positive feedback.
• Model appropriate communication strategies in everyday interactions.
• Use role-playing to practice common requests.
• Introduce AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices if needed.
• Provide immediate reinforcement for successful communication.

11: Token Economy for Positive Behavior

Why it works: Encourages positive behavior through a structured reward system.

How to do it:

• Set clear expectations (e.g., "Earn 5 stars for cleaning up").
• Use a visual chart to track progress.
• Exchange tokens for preferred rewards (extra playtime, stickers).
• Adjust token values based on task difficulty.
• Involve the child in choosing rewards for increased motivation.
• Ensure consistency in reward distribution.

12: Natural Environment Teaching (NET)

Why it works: Uses real-world experiences to reinforce learning.

How to do it:

• Identify teachable moments during everyday activities (e.g., counting snacks, naming colors in nature).
• Encourage spontaneous communication.
• Use natural consequences as learning opportunities.
• Provide immediate reinforcement for correct responses.
• Extend learning by incorporating follow-up questions.
• Encourage peer interactions during activities.

13: Positive Reinforcement for Enforcing Gratitude

Why it works: Motivates children to repeat desired behaviors.

How to do it:

• Identify effective reinforcers (praise, small treats, preferred activities).
• Immediately reward positive behaviors to strengthen them.
• Use a variety of reinforcement types to maintain interest.
• Gradually increase expectations before giving rewards.
• Teach self-reinforcement by encouraging self-praise.
• Fade tangible rewards over time while maintaining verbal reinforcement.

Why Choose PBS Midwest for ABA Therapy?

At PBS Midwest, we specialize in providing high-quality ABA therapy services tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. Our team of certified ABA therapists is dedicated to helping children with autism reach their full potential through evidence-based interventions and compassionate care.

Our Services Include:

In-Home ABA Therapy: Our therapists work with your child in the comfort of your home, providing personalized support and guidance.

Clinic-Based ABA Therapy: We offer structured therapy sessions at our state-of-the-art clinic, equipped with the latest tools and resources.

Parent Training: We empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to reinforce ABA techniques at home.

School Support: We collaborate with schools to ensure your child receives consistent support across all environments.

Frequently Asked Questions: ABA Therapy Activities for Home

How do I do ABA therapy at home?

Use structured activities, positive reinforcement, and visual schedules to teach skills and reinforce positive behaviors in a familiar setting.

How to make an ABA session fun?

Incorporate your child’s interests, use games, toys, and interactive activities, and keep sessions engaging with rewards and praise.

How to give behavioral therapy at home?

Focus on identifying target behaviors, using positive reinforcement, and breaking tasks into small, manageable steps for consistent practice.

How to use ABA on yourself?

Set clear goals, track your behaviors, use self-reinforcement (rewards), and break tasks into smaller steps to build new habits or skills.

Conclusion: ABA Therapy Activities for Home

Incorporating ABA therapy activities for home into your daily routine can make a significant difference in your child’s development. From structured play and visual schedules to mealtime learning and bedtime stories, these techniques are designed to be simple, effective, and easy to implement. Remember, consistency is key when using ABA therapy techniques. By reinforcing positive behaviors and providing a supportive environment, you can help your child build essential skills and thrive.

If you’re looking for more resources or in-home ABA therapy services, consider consulting with the experts at PBS Midwest. Our team is here to help you create a personalized plan for your child’s success.