What are the materials I should use in ABA therapy?
Since ABA therapy for kids has a vast application, there are numerous materials or things that can be used for an ABA therapy program. ABA therapy can be done at home or in school. Depending on where the ABA therapy is being given, different materials may be used. For instance, using PECS, i.e, Picture Exchange Communication Systems, is used to develop functional communication for children with ASD by using pictures and other symbols.
Some other common materials used during ABA Therapy are visual session schedule. This helps individuals with Autism schedule their time and activities. Things like, a timer for teaching self-management, a choice board that gives the child a voice in his or her session and a token system to give real-time feedback to the child about best responding will be needed. The use of these materials, however, are modified according to the behavioural and developmental need and demand of every child.
Most of the materials you would need for ABA therapy are easily available. You can use the following:
Visual Auditory Timers
A Visual Timer is a simple tool that for individuals along the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, or others who need visual reinforcement. It provides an unobtrusive timer and alarm to complete time-driven tasks.
Peg Board puzzles
A pegboard is a wonderful toy which has a regular pattern of small holes for pegs of any shape, and is used chiefly for games or the display of information.
Building blocks
These are wooden or plastic blocks that can be stacked one above the other. They could be coloured or have numbers marked over them.
Flashcards
A flashcard contains a small amount of information, and is held up for the child to see and relate to, as an aid to learning.
Token charts
A token chart is a type of positive reinforcement used to encourage children to adopt a new behavior. Whenever the child carries out a desired behavior, a point, a sticker or a token is rewarded.
Matching cards/ toys
Matching cards/toys train the memory while simultaneously helping children refine their eye-hand coordination.
Board Games
A board game is a tabletop game that involves counters or pieces moved or placed on a pre-marked surface or "board", according to a set of rules.
Picture schedule
Visual schedules use a series of pictures to communicate a series of activities or the steps of a specific activity. They are often used to help children understand and manage the daily events in their lives.
Worksheets
A worksheet, is a sheet of paper on which one performs work. They come in many forms, most commonly associated with children's school work assignments.
PECS
The Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS, allows people with little or no communication abilities to communicate using pictures. People using PECS are taught to approach another person and give them a picture of a desired item in exchange for that item.
Want to start ABA therapy for your child? Refer to our Worldwide Directory to find an ABA Therapist closest to you.
References:
https://ablg.org/abatherapymaterials
Other Questions
How does ABA help my child with Autism?
Who can provide ABA for my child?
At what age should I start ABA for my child with Autism?
Does ABA work for High Functioning children?
What does an aba program involve?
Can I use ABA therapy at home with my child; if so, how?
Won't there be too many demands placed on my child during ABA therapy? Should I be worried?
