What Do Kids Do in ABA Therapy? A Close-Up Activities That Spark Progress

Building Foundational Skills

Following Simple Instructions

Activity Example:
A child might practice responding to simple requests like “Give me the ball” or “Touch your nose.” The therapist may use a favorite toy or a high-five as positive reinforcement when the child successfully follows the instruction.

Goal:
By mastering basic directions, children improve their ability to learn more complex tasks later, develop listening skills, and gain confidence in understanding and responding to the world around them.

Communication and Language Activities

Requesting Items (Manding)

Activity Example:
The therapist places a favorite snack just out of reach. To receive it, the child might need to say or sign “cracker” or hand the therapist a picture symbol. Over time, the child learns that using words or gestures gets their needs met.

Goal:
Kids gain practical communication skills, learning that their actions and words can influence their environment and the people around them.

Identifying Objects (Tacting)

Activity Example:
A child sits at a table with colorful flashcards. The therapist holds up a card and asks, “What is this?” The child says “apple,” and the therapist smiles, provides praise, or offers a small reward.

Goal:
Naming objects helps children build vocabulary, understand language, and participate more in everyday conversations and classroom activities.

Social Skills Development

Turn-Taking Games

Activity Example:
The therapist and child might roll a ball back and forth or take turns placing blocks on a tower. This simple back-and-forth game is not just play—it teaches waiting patiently, sharing, and cooperating with others.

Goal:
Turn-taking activities instill the basics of social interaction, setting children up to play successfully with siblings, classmates, and friends.

Practicing Conversations

Activity Example:
For older children or those more advanced in their language skills, the therapist might set up short “conversations.” Maybe they talk about a favorite TV show, or practice how to greet someone new. Scripts, role-play, or social stories might be used to guide these interactions.

Goal:
Over time, children become more comfortable initiating communication, asking questions, and responding appropriately, ultimately boosting their confidence in social settings.

Play-Based and Natural Environment Learning

Learning Through Toys and Games

Activity Example:
Instead of just teaching colors at a desk, the therapist may incorporate the lesson into a playful setting. For instance, while playing with a train set, the therapist might ask the child to “Give me the red train” or “Find the blue track.”

Goal:
By embedding learning in familiar, enjoyable activities, children find the lesson more engaging and can more easily transfer their new skills to real-world situations.

Outdoor Exploration

Activity Example:
Some sessions might move outside for a nature walk. The therapist can ask the child to identify leaves or describe what they see. They might practice waiting at a stop sign, following safety rules, or greeting neighbors.

Goal:
Natural environment learning ensures that skills aren’t isolated to the therapy room. Instead, children learn to apply their abilities in the community, school, and home.

Developing Life and Self-Help Skills

Dressing and Grooming

Activity Example:
During ABA sessions, kids may practice putting on shoes, brushing their teeth, or zipping a coat. Each step is broken down into small, manageable parts—first slipping on the shoes, then fastening the straps, and finally walking around comfortably.

Goal:
By teaching and reinforcing each step, children gain independence. Over time, getting dressed in the morning or brushing their teeth before bed becomes a confident, self-initiated activity.

Feeding and Mealtime Routines

Activity Example:
At snack time, a child might learn to request more food, try a new utensil, or clean up after eating. The therapist might model how to hold a spoon, offer gentle cues, and celebrate successes.

Goal:
Improving these day-to-day routines helps children feel more capable, reduces frustration, and makes family life smoother.

Building Attention and Focus

Short, Structured Tasks

Activity Example:
A child may work on puzzles, sorting activities, or brief table work where they match shapes, put items in the correct order, or complete a simple sequence. Each correct response is acknowledged and rewarded, motivating the child to stay engaged.

Goal:
Improving attention span and task completion skills lays a foundation for academic success, smoother school transitions, and better adaptability in various settings.

Emotional Regulation and Coping Strategies

Identifying Emotions

Activity Example:
The therapist might show pictures of faces and ask, “How is he feeling?” or use a mirror so the child can practice different expressions. Another activity might involve reading social stories that illustrate handling frustration or sadness.

Goal:
Recognizing emotions—both their own and others’—helps children communicate feelings more effectively, reduce tantrums, and navigate social situations with empathy and understanding.

Asking for a Break

Activity Example:
When a child shows signs of overwhelm, the therapist encourages them to use a simple phrase like “I need a break.” Over time, the child learns to self-advocate rather than act out.

Goal:
Coping strategies empower children to handle challenging moments calmly, leading to fewer meltdowns and more positive experiences throughout their day.

Data Collection and Adjusting Activities

Although not an “activity” the child performs, therapists continuously monitor how a child responds to each exercise. For example, they track how many times a child correctly labels objects or successfully takes turns. This data helps the therapist fine-tune the activities. If something isn’t clicking, the therapist tries a different approach or breaks the skill down further.

Conclusion

At its core, ABA therapy is about helping children gain essential life skills through structured, purposeful activities. Kids don’t just “do therapy”—they play games, talk about their favorite toys, learn to ask for help, practice tying their shoes, and discover ways to express their feelings. Each activity is a stepping stone toward communication, independence, and confidence.

If you’re looking for a supportive environment where your child can engage in meaningful activities and reach their full potential, consider Blue Jay ABA. We create personalized programs with fun, interactive exercises that fit your child’s unique needs.

Ready to help your child spread their wings and thrive? Contact us at Blue Jay ABA—let’s make every activity count.

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