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Celebrating the New Year: Setting ABA Goals for Your Child

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Establishing significant and attainable objectives for an autistic child in the upcoming year is essential for their growth and overall well-being. Setting goals typically necessitates thoughtful planning and an understanding of the child’s individual strengths, requirements, and aspirations. The following is a comprehensive outline of effective strategies and methods for formulating these goals alongside your child’s BCBA.

Key factors to remember when establishing ABA goals for your child in the coming year.

Consider your child’s developmental appropriateness when setting goals. Confirm that the objectives align with the child’s abilities and developmental milestones. Objectives should focus on key aspects of a child’s growth, which can significantly improve their overall quality of life. These aspects may encompass: 

    • Social Skills: Encouraging peer engagement, recognizing social signals, and building friendships are vital for individual development. 
    • Communication: Improving verbal and nonverbal communication skills enables children to articulate their thoughts and requirements effectively.
    • Independence and Life Skills: Instructing on self-care and daily routines is crucial for fostering long-term success and self-sufficiency.

Integrating both short-term and long-term objectives into ABA goals.

Setting goals is very important for helping autistic children grow. Goals give clear guidance, allowing children to concentrate on particular skills, which boosts their confidence and motivation. 

Short-term goals act as quick steps leading to more extensive, long-term goals, creating a structured learning process. Therefore, finding a good balance between these goals is essential for overall success. 

Short-term goals help with the following: 

  • Boosting Independence: Within a set time, the child can work on performing self-care tasks, such as brushing their teeth, independently. 
  • Developing Communication Skills: The child can set a goal to start and keep a conversation going with a friend for at least five minutes during planned activities. 
  • Improving Social Skills: The child is encouraged to join group activities, emphasizing taking turns and playing together.

Long-term goals help with the following: 

  • Life Skills: Teaching crucial daily living skills like personal hygiene, cooking, and managing money to promote independence in adult life. 
  • Social Relationships: Improving social skills to build strong connections with friends throughout their lives.

Concentrating on constructive behaviors when setting ABA goals. 

Caregivers can facilitate significant advancements in their children’s lives by concentrating on constructive behaviors. When setting goals for positive behaviors, it’s important to customize them based on the person’s strengths and challenges. This personalized method can include:

  • Recognizing Strengths: Find out what activities the person enjoys and is good at. These can help encourage positive behavior. 
  • Setting Realistic Goals: Goals should be practical and doable, allowing for steady improvement. The SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) help keep goals clear and focused. 
  • Using Visual Aids: Adding visual tools like charts or pictures can clarify expectations and improve understanding of tasks.

Establishing meaningful and achievable goals for an autistic child is vital for their growth and overall well-being. Goals should be developmentally appropriate and focus on key areas such as social skills, communication, and independence. It is essential to strike a balance between short-term goals, such as having a five-minute conversation or mastering self-care routines, and long-term objectives, like developing life skills and nurturing meaningful relationships.

Concentrating on positive behaviors through personalized strategies can significantly enhance progress. By aligning these strategies, caregivers can empower children to thrive while boosting their confidence and independence.

References

Effective IEP Goals for Autism Spectrum Disorder. (2024). https://www.totalcareaba.com/autism/iep-goals-for-autism

Positive behaviour for autistic children and teenagers. (2024). Autism: understanding behaviour | Raising Children Network

 

Stephanie Alvarez, RBT, is in the BCBA Apprentice Program at BrightPath Behavior and works at the clinic in Katy, TX. Upon her initial introduction to the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), she confessed she had little understanding of the subject. However, with the guidance of an exceptional mentor, Stephanie quickly became acquainted with the principles of ABA. This experience ignited a passion in her, mainly because she recognized the profound impact that being an ABA therapist can have on clients. 

independence and autism

Supporting Independence and Self-Help Skills in Children with Autism

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Encouraging independence and teaching self-help skills are essential for supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Helping children gain the ability to manage everyday tasks on their own not only boosts their confidence but also reduces their reliance on external support. This guide offers practical strategies to promote independence at various stages of development, tailored to children with autism.

autism and independence

Autism in Early Childhood (Ages 3-6)

In early childhood, the focus is on laying a strong foundation for self-help skills while fostering independence. Children at this stage thrive in environments with clear, structured routines and visual supports.

Key Strategies:

  • Visual Schedules and Cues: Visual schedules help children understand the steps involved in everyday tasks, such as getting dressed or brushing their teeth. Breaking tasks into manageable steps with visual cues can reduce anxiety and encourage children to complete tasks independently.
  • Task Analysis: Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps allows children to take on more responsibility gradually.
  • Modeling and Imitation: Children learn best by watching others at this age. Video modeling, where children watch videos of themselves or peers completing tasks, is an effective way to teach skills such as washing hands or tying shoes.

Autism in Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12)

As children grow older, they are ready to tackle more complex tasks. Middle childhood is an ideal time to promote greater independence at home and school by encouraging children to take on responsibilities like homework or preparing simple meals.

Key Strategies:

  • Self-Monitoring: Encouraging children to track their progress with tools like checklists helps them become more aware of their routines and builds self-reliance.
  • Task Sequencing and Work Systems: A structured system helps children understand the steps they need to take and when a task is complete. This method is helpful for chores or schoolwork, helping children stay organized and become more independent.
  • Problem-Solving: At this stage, children can begin learning to solve problems independently. Teaching them strategies for breaking down tasks or asking for help fosters resilience.

Autism in Adolescence (Ages 13-18)

Adolescence is a crucial time for preparing young people with autism for greater independence as they transition to adulthood. This stage focuses on applying learned skills to real-world situations, such as managing money, cooking, and maintaining personal hygiene.

Key Strategies:

  • Self-Advocacy: Encouraging adolescents to advocate for themselves—whether at school, in social settings, or at work—is key to developing independence. Keeping a journal to track goals and progress can help adolescents reflect and make adjustments.
  • Video Self-Modeling: Watching videos of themselves, completing tasks like cooking, or managing a schedule reinforces adolescents’ abilities and boosts their confidence.
  • Social Skills Training: Developing communication skills is essential for navigating social environments. Programs that teach skills such as initiating conversations or reading social cues can help adolescents feel more confident.
  • Life Skills Training: Teaching practical life skills, such as budgeting, shopping, and meal preparation, helps adolescents prepare for independent living. These skills can be taught through real-life experiences, using checklists or visual prompts.

These strategies empower children and teens with autism to gain independence, decrease reliance on external supports, and enhance their confidence and readiness for future challenges.

References

Koegel, R. L., & Koegel, L. K. (2006). The Pivotal Response Treatment approach to autism. The Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 8(3), 116-130.

Odom, S. L., Boyd, B. A., Hall, L. J., & Hume, K. A. (2010). Evaluation of comprehensive treatment models for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(4), 425-436.

Schopler, E., & Mesibov, G. B. (2005). Teaching children with autism: Strategies to enhance communication and socialization. New York: Guilford Press.

Vismara, L. A., & Rogers, S. J. (2010). Evidence-based comprehensive treatments for early autism. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 39(1), 35-52.

 

Aline O’Brynt is an Apprentice and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at the Academy Clinic in Colorado Springs. With a background in Psychology from Capella University and a 4.0 GPA in her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Aline combines academic excellence with a passion for early intervention and individualized care. Her journey into ABA began with her interest in child development after the birth of her first child, leading to a career focused on supporting children with autism and their families.

Aline is dedicated to creating meaningful progress through evidence-based practices, compassionate care, and parent training. Her ultimate goal is to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and help children reach their full potential. Outside of work, Aline enjoys immersing herself in different cultures and learning new languages, bringing a broad perspective to her work and life.

The 5 Big Benefits of ABA Therapy

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The 5 Big Benefits of ABA Therapy

As a devoted caregiver of a child with autism, you constantly seek ways to help your child flourish and lead their best life. We understand the challenges you face. 

As Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), we work with families like yours daily. Many kids come into our clinics with significant challenges due to their autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Yet over and over, we are encouraged by the progress they make. 

When you find the right provider, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can transform the lives of children with autism and their families.

ABA Therapy: The Path to Progress 

ABA therapy is a specialized approach that focuses on improving specific behaviors in children with autism, backed by impressive scientific results. 

At ABA Connect, we combine research-based ABA therapy with a playful, positive, and nurturing environment so your child can succeed, whatever success looks like for your child. 

The impact of ABA therapy goes beyond the therapy room. We teach you how to take the skills your child is learning in the clinic and generalize them to whatever environment they find themselves in — home, school, and the community.

The skills we teach at ABA Connect are incredibly relevant to the challenges they are facing now. We want to know what your child is struggling with, so we develop a customized plan based on your child’s and your family’s needs.

But it doesn’t stop there. 

We want to ensure that the lessons they are learning now as a child greatly benefit them in the future as well. ABA is about setting a solid foundation and empowering your child with the skills they need to shine, both now and in the future. 

ABA is unique because it establishes a framework for you and your child to build on and adapt as needed. We are excited you are exploring ABA as an option for your child. 

Let’s look at some key ways your child may benefit from ABA therapy. 

Key Benefits for Your Child 

 

ABA Benefit #1 – Improved Social Skills

Building lasting friendships and meaningful connections is a precious gift for any child. ABA therapy can help your child learn essential social skills, like initiating conversations and turn-taking, equipping them to thrive in social settings with newfound confidence.

Many of the friends your child makes in the clinic become life-long friends for them. Not only will your child be able to hang with their peers while they’re in therapy, but many parents can also find support and community through the commonality of parenting a child with autism. Beautiful relationships begin to emerge from our therapy centers. 

ABA Benefit #2 – Better Communication

Effective communication is a powerful tool, and ABA therapy can help your child unlock the ability to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and succinctly. Strong communication skills foster deeper connections with family, friends, teachers, and classmates.

Keep in mind communication looks different for everyone. Behavior is a form of communication. The role of our therapists at ABA Connect is to find a way for your child to functionally and appropriately communicate their needs and wants. 

Many children begin with a picture exchange system (PECS) or an augmentative and alternative Communication device (AAC). There are many ways to learn to communicate, and we embrace all of them in a total communication approach. Over time, you will be astonished by how your child communicates and connects with you. 

ABA Benefit #3 – Reduced Problem Behavior

Tantrums, aggression, and self-injury can be incredibly challenging for you and your child. With ABA therapy, your child will learn alternative behaviors and coping strategies, leading to a calmer and more peaceful home environment.

Problem behaviors can be such a difficult thing for families. They can be dangerous for your child and other family members and emotionally wear you down. You are not alone. ABA providers, like the BCBAs and RBTs at ABA Connect, are here to support you each step of the way. Our therapists can handle severe problem behaviors down to redirecting inappropriate behaviors. We want to help your child and provide you with hope for improved outcomes. 

ABA Benefit #4 – Increased Independence 

Witness your child blossom into a confident and independent individual with the help of ABA therapy. From self-care routines to household chores and following daily routines, your child will gain invaluable life skills that boost their self-sufficiency.

We love seeing kids in our clinic become more independent. Learning life skills like hand washing, choosing what they want to play with, and putting away toys are not only incredibly helpful for the efficiency of the task, but your child will become so proud of their achievements. 

ABA Benefit #5 – Improved Academic Performance

Education can be a cornerstone of your child’s future. ABA therapy can offer targeted academic support, helping your child grasp new concepts, excel in the classroom, and develop a strong sense of achievement.

Many of our RBTs and BCBAs are teachers at heart. They thrive in teaching your child new concepts that translate to other environments like home and school. Our job is to create a foundational skill set that will enable your child to navigate a classroom when ready. 

Evidence That Shines: The Impact of ABA Therapy 

As a parent, we understand that you seek proven and effective solutions for your child. Countless studies attest to the benefits of ABA therapy. In one remarkable study published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, children receiving ABA therapy demonstrated significant improvements in communication skills and reduced problem behaviors.

Another study, featured in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, highlighted the long-lasting effects of ABA therapy on improving social skills in children with autism, even after therapy had concluded.

Embrace the Possibilities with ABA Therapy! 

At ABA Connect, we are passionate about helping children with autism thrive, and our experienced team is ready to guide your child toward remarkable progress using a play-based approach.

You Can Start the Process TODAY!

  1. Complete our Online Start Services Form
  2. Call ABA Connect at 833- 225-9393 to Schedule an In-Home Consultation
  3. Conduct Assessment, Develop a Treatment Plan, and Start Services

References:

Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 55(1), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.55.1.3

Reichow, B., & Wolery, M. (2009). Comprehensive synthesis of early intensive behavioral interventions for young children with autism based on the UCLA young autism project model. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 39(1), 23–41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-008-0596-0

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