ABA therapy is amazing in assisting children acquire new skills, but let’s be honest: no child wants to have their therapy session feels like work all the time. The good news? ABA therapy doesn’t have to be boring or too rigid. When done properly, it can be unbelievably fun – stimulating, enjoyable, and full of good memories.
If your child is having a hard time showing motivation or enthusiasm about therapy, then you actually need to consider putting a little more energy into their sessions. Here are some actionable steps to ensure that your child enjoys ABA therapy while still being effective.
1️⃣ Prioritize Your Child’s Interests
Therapy can be much easier if it includes something your child enjoys. Does your child like dinosaurs, trains, or music? Tell your ABA team about your child’s interests so that they can use them during the sessions.
• Example: If your child loves dinosaurs, practice counting skills by lining up toy dinosaurs or labeling their colors.
When therapy incorporates your child’s favorite things, it becomes something they look forward to instead of something they dread.
2️⃣ Make It a Game
Changing therapy tasks into games can change the activity into a therapy session. Add fun challenges, races, or rewards that make the most boring activities stimulating.
• Example: Use a stopwatch to see how many blocks your child can stack in 30 seconds, then cheer them on as they beat their own record.
• Pro Tip: Celebrate small wins with high fives, cheering, or a favorite song to keep the energy positive.
3️⃣ Incorporate Movement and Playfulness
Sitting at a table isn’t the only way to learn! Build movement into therapy to keep your child active and engaged.
• Example: Practice following directions by playing “Simon Says” or teach gross motor skills with obstacle courses.
• Pro Tip: If your child enjoys physical play, integrate activities like jumping, dancing, or tossing a ball into the session.
4️⃣ Use Reinforcers Your Child Truly Values
Reinforcement is a very important piece of ABA therapy, but for it to work, you have to make sure that the reinforcer is something the child actually wants. Consider what motivates your child the most—stickers, extra playtime, or a favorite snack.
• Pro Tip: Use a preference assessment to identify highly motivating rewards, and don’t hesitate to update the list as your child’s preferences change.
5️⃣ Celebrate Success—Big and Small
Therapy should feel like a place of positivity and encouragement. Celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small, and emphasize their effort as much as their results.
• Example: If your child tries a new skill, even if they don’t master it right away, offer praise like, “Great job giving it a try!”
Positive reinforcement helps build confidence and encourages your child to stay engaged.
6️⃣ Add Variety to Sessions
When you do the same activities repeatedly, chances are that it will lead to boredom. That’s why it is best to add new games, toys, or challenges. Make sure that therapy does not become stagnant and dull by modifying the activities that target skills in different forms.
• Example: Instead of practicing sorting with blocks every day, switch to sorting crayons, cars, or animal figurines.
7️⃣ Build Breaks Into Sessions
Kids need downtime, and therapy is no exception. Incorporate breaks into the session so your child can recharge and stay engaged.
• Pro Tip: Use breaks strategically by letting your child choose a short activity, like drawing or playing a quick game, before returning to the task.
8️⃣ Get Involved
Children are often more motivated when parents are involved in therapy sessions. Your participation not only supports your child but also helps you bond through shared experiences.
• Example: Join in during role-playing activities or take turns practicing skills to model positive behavior.
Takeaways for Parents
Like other things, ABA therapy works best when customized to your child. Making therapy a fun activity for your child can make learning exciting for them. Remember that celebrating their efforts, taking regular breaks, and changing activities is key to keeping therapy sessions productive and fun.
Let’s Hear From You!
What tips can you share that make ABA therapy fun? What games or activities work particularly well for your family? We would love to hear from you—feel free to reach out.
Engaging during therapy sessions allows the child to have fun while learning and increases the chances of them succeeding in the future.
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