Top 5 ABA Strategies Every Parent Should Know
When your child is facing challenges with communication, behavior, or social interaction, every small step forward feels like a major victory. For parents of children with autism, ADHD, or other developmental needs, learning how to support behavior at home can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers a structured, evidence-based approach to help children learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. At Be Me Services, we work hand-in-hand with families to implement practical ABA techniques that can be used in everyday life—not just in therapy sessions.
Whether you’re new to ABA or already working with a therapist, these top 5 ABA strategies every parent should know can empower you to better support your child’s development at home.
1. Positive Reinforcement
This is the heart of most ABA programs—and it’s also one of the most effective parenting tools. Positive reinforcement means rewarding a behavior you want to see more of. The “reward” doesn’t have to be a toy or candy—it can be verbal praise, a favorite activity, a sticker, or even extra playtime.
Example:
When your child finishes brushing their teeth without a reminder, you might say, “Great job brushing your teeth all by yourself!” This helps your child associate the task with positive feedback and increases the likelihood they’ll do it again.
Consistency is key—always follow through with the reward immediately after the desired behavior.
2. Prompting and Fading
Prompting involves giving your child help to complete a task, such as guiding their hand to point or giving them a verbal cue. Once your child starts to learn the behavior, the prompt is gradually reduced—a process called “fading.”
Example:
To teach your child to say “thank you,” you might first model the words for them, then use a verbal prompt like “What do you say?” Eventually, your child will begin saying it independently.
This method helps children build confidence and independence while still giving them the support they need to succeed.
3. Task Analysis
Task analysis is the process of breaking down a complex activity into smaller, manageable steps. This makes it easier for a child to learn and master each part of a task before moving on to the next.
Example:
If you’re teaching your child how to put on a shirt, the steps might include:
Pick up the shirt
Find the hole
Put your head through
Put one arm in
Put the other arm in
Pull the shirt down
By teaching each step in sequence, your child is more likely to grasp and retain the full routine.
4. Modeling Behavior
Children learn a lot through observation. In ABA, modeling means demonstrating the desired behavior so the child can see what it looks like before trying it themselves.
Example:
If you're teaching your child how to say hello, you can model by waving and saying, “Hi, Sarah!” Then encourage your child to do the same. Repetition and visual examples can be especially helpful for children who are visual learners.
Modeling works best when paired with positive reinforcement, so remember to offer praise or rewards when your child imitates the behavior correctly.
5. Using Visual Supports
Visual supports—like charts, picture schedules, or cue cards—help children better understand routines and expectations. These tools are especially helpful for children who have limited verbal communication or struggle with transitions.
Example:
A morning routine chart with images for brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast can help your child complete their tasks with more independence.
You can also use visual timers to show how long an activity will last, helping your child better manage transitions and reduce anxiety.
Empowering Parents with ABA
These top 5 ABA strategies every parent should know aren’t just for therapists—they’re for families too. By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can support your child’s development, reduce challenging behaviors, and build a more peaceful home environment.
At Be Me, we believe parents are powerful partners in their child’s progress. That’s why our ABA programs are designed to include family training and support every step of the way.
👉 Discover how ABA therapy can support your child’s growth today.