We’re going to be completely honest. In regard to ABA therapy activities, the benefits extend far beyond just therapeutic support. These ABA activities are designed not only to assist children with autism but also to bring harmony and structure to any household with children. Whether you’re specifically looking for ABA therapy activities at home or just seeking ways to make your household run smoother, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll introduce four invaluable strategies that you can easily implement in your home, ensuring your day unfolds with greater ease and efficiency
Fun ABA Activities: Visual Procedures
Remember that our goal is to help our little ones master essential self-care procedures through ABA therapy activities at home. One way to do this is to create visual examples of each expected task and post them somewhere accessible for your child to see.
For example, if you’re working on getting your little one to wash their hands. Take a picture of your kiddo doing each step. This means you may have a picture of your child:
- Turning on the water
- Squirting a specific amount of soap on their hands
- Rubbing their hands together to the count of 60 or as long as it takes them to sing their ABCs
- Rinsing off all the bubbles
- Drying hands and shutting off the water using a towel.
Try not to have more than five photos; remember, we don’t want to make this an overwhelming process. While we aim to provide clarity through these ABA activities, it’s essential to ensure that the process remains simple and digestible. We want to make it easy, fun, and stress-free. It’s a win-win situation because your child knows exactly what the expectations are, and parents can simply point to each step instead of feeling like an overworked broken record. No longer will parents feel like they’re constantly repeating themselves; instead, they can simply point to the visual cues, making ABA therapy activities at home more effective and harmonious.
Fun ABA Activities: Visual Calendar Or Daily Lists
Incorporating ABA therapy activities into daily routines can be significantly enhanced with the use of certain tools. One invaluable tool, particularly beneficial for managing transitions throughout the day, is a visual calendar or a daily list of activities. Each image on the calendar serves as a gentle reminder, helping your little one understand and anticipate the sequence of events, making their day more predictable and less daunting. This visual representation not only streamlines ABA therapy activities at home but also empowers children with a sense of structure and confidence as they navigate their daily routines.
- Their school,
- Their home
- An after-school snack, etc
This daily plan doesn’t have to be as detailed as adding pictures. You could simply write out a quick list of your child’s daily routine or plans and have them cross off each item as they are completed. For example, you might jot down, get dressed, eat breakfast, go to school, have a snack, do homework, play, eat dinner, take a bath, read a story, and go to bed. Remember to post the list somewhere your child will be able to see easily. This method not only reinforces the ABA activities but also instills a sense of responsibility and routine in the child. Whether it’s ABA therapy activities at home or just daily tasks, having a clear, easy-to-follow plan can make a world of difference in a child’s day.
Fun ABA Activities: Match the Color
Incorporate familiar household items into this fun ABA activity to enhance color recognition. Utilize objects your child interacts with daily, such as toy cars, crayons, or socks. Choose one item and encourage your child to match it with other items of the same color. Initially, focus on identical shades to build confidence. As your child progresses in their ABA therapy activities at home, introduce varying shades of the same color to challenge and further develop their skills.
Fun ABA Activities: Recognizing Emotions
Emotion recognition is pivotal, especially for children with autism who might grapple with understanding and regulating their feelings. For this insightful ABA activity, print a variety of emojis, like smiley, sad, and angry faces. Lay them face down and let your child pick and identify the emotion depicted. This activity not only reinforces their ability to recognize emotions but also serves as a springboard for deeper discussions about their own feelings and those of others. Through such ABA therapy activities at home, children can gain a better grasp of the complex world of emotions, aiding their social interactions.
ABA Therapy Beyond the Activities
These are just a couple of ideas to help support all your sweet child’s hard work in ABA Therapy. If you’re curious about other ways you can help at home, be sure to reach out to one of our excellent BCBAs. We are a team and are here to help your child succeed and live up to their greatest potential.
However, if your curiosity is piqued and you’re eager to explore more avenues to support your child at home, don’t hesitate to connect with our dedicated team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Our collective expertise and commitment are unwavering. We stand united with a singular goal in mind: to ensure your child reaches the pinnacle of their potential. Remember, in this journey of ABA activities and therapy, you’re never alone; we’re here every step of the way, championing your child’s success.
