SCIENCE OF LEARNING, APPLIED WITH CARE
ABA THERAPY
ABA therapy helps us understand behavior, build everyday skills, and create meaningful change that lasts. At Adaptive Steps, we tailor this science-backed approach to meet each child where they are—supporting growth at home, in school, and beyond.
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What is ABA Therapy?
ABA helps us understand why people behave the way they do, how behavior is influenced by the environment, and how learning occurs.
Evidence-Based Treatment
ABA is an evidence-based approach designed to improve overall well-being. By using data-informed decisions, ABA helps teach socially meaningful skills while reducing behaviors that can create barriers to learning.
Building Everyday Skills
ABA supports growth in academics, communication, social skills, self-care, motor skills, and learner readiness — empowering individuals to thrive at home, in school, and beyond.
Beyond Therapy
ABA principles go beyond clinical settings. They’re used in sports, healthy habits, and even workplace efficiency. With guidance from Adaptive Steps practitioners, families gain the knowledge and support to make lasting change.
What are Commons Techniques in ABA Therapy
As a parent, guardian, or caregiver, understanding some of these basic techniques can help you better support your child's progress and even use these strategies at home! Read below for a few common ones you might hear about.
What is positive reinforcement in ABA Therapy?
Think of positive reinforcement as adding something good to encourage a behavior to happen again.
Examples of positive reinforcement in ABA Therapy
When your child does something you want to see more of, you immediately follow it with a reward or positive consequence. This makes them more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. The reward should be something your child finds motivating.
- Example 1: Your child asks nicely for a toy, and you immediately give it to them. They are more likely to ask nicely next time.
- Example 2: Your child completes their homework, and you praise their effort and let them have extra playtime. They will be more motivated to finish their homework in the future.
- Example 3: Your child shares a toy with a sibling, and you give them a high-five and say, "Great sharing!" They'll be more inclined to share again.
What is prompting in ABA Therapy?
Think of prompting as different ways to guide your child toward success while they learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.
Examples of Prompting in ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy uses prompts to support learning at home and in therapy. As a parent, knowing these strategies can help you encourage progress and confidence in everyday routines. When your child is learning a new skill, prompts help them complete the action correctly until they can do it independently. Here are a few common ones you might hear about:
- Verbal Prompt – Telling your child what to do (e.g., “Say ‘ball’” in order to gain access to the ball).
- Model Prompt – Showing your child how to do something (e.g., demonstrating how to put on their coat).
- Physical Prompt – Gently guiding your child’s hand or body to complete the action (e.g., helping them hold a crayon to write).
What is Shaping in ABA Therapy?
Shaping is used to teach new and often more complex behaviors by reinforcing closer and closer approximations to the target behavior.
Examples of Shaping in ABA Therapy
You start by reinforcing any behavior that even slightly resembles the desired behavior. When your child shows that behavior consistently, you then only reinforce closer and closer approximations of the final goal.
Example: You’re teaching your child to say the word “water.”
- First, you might reinforce them just for making any sound.
- Next, you might only reinforce if they make a sound that starts with “w.”
- Then, you might reinforce “wa.”
- Finally, you would only reinforce when they say “water” clearly.
How to provide Choices in ABA Therapy?
Offering your child choices can be a powerful way to increase their engagement, cooperation, and independence.
Examples of Choices in ABA Therapy?
When children feel they have some control over what happens, they are often more motivated and less likely to exhibit challenging behaviors. Make sure the choices you offer are acceptable to you. Providing choices gives your child a sense of control within appropriate boundaries.
- Example 1: "Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt?"
- Example 2: "Would you like to do your math homework before reading or after?"
- Example 3: "For a snack, would you like an apple or a banana?"
How to set healthy boundaries for Expectations in ABA Therapy?
Setting clear and consistent expectations helps your child understand what is expected of them and what the consequences will be if those expectations are not met. Healthy boundaries provide structure and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and challenging behaviors.
Examples of healthy boundaries and expectations in ABA Thearpy
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New to ABA Therapy?
If your child was recently diagnosed with autism, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed. Adaptive Steps is here to guide you. We’ve created an easy-to-follow resource pack to help you take the next steps with clarity and confidence.
Ready to begin the Intake Process?
Starting your intake now helps us understand your child’s needs faster, so we can match your family with the right care plan right away. Take the first step today.