How To Gain and Maintain Instructional Control During ABA Sessions

Gaining and maintaining instructional control is crucial in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to ensure effective teaching and behavior management. Instructional control refers to the child’s compliance with instructions and a positive, cooperative relationship between the therapist and the child. Here are strategies to help you establish and maintain instructional control during ABA sessions:

Gaining Instructional Control

• Build Rapport: Establish a positive and trusting relationship with the child. Spend time getting to know their interests, preferences, and strengths. Building rapport makes the child more receptive to your instructions.
  
  
• Start with Preferred Activities: Begin sessions with activities or tasks that the child enjoys. This creates a positive atmosphere and increases the child’s motivation to cooperate.
  
  
• Use Reinforcement: Implement reinforcement strategies to motivate the child to comply with instructions. This can include offering small rewards, praise, or access to preferred items or activities contingent on compliance.
  
  
• Clear and Simple Instructions: Use clear, concise, and age-appropriate language when giving instructions. Make sure the child understands what is expected of them.
  
  
• Offer Choices: Whenever possible, provide choices to give the child a sense of control. For example, “Do you want to work on puzzles or coloring first?”
  
  
• Use Visual Supports: Visual supports such as visual schedules, picture cards, or visual timers can help the child understand and follow instructions more effectively.
  
  
• Follow a Structured Routine: Establish a predictable routine for ABA sessions. Consistency in the schedule can help the child feel more comfortable and in control.
  
  
• Gradual Shaping: Start with easy tasks and gradually increase the complexity. This helps build the child’s confidence and reduces frustration.
  
  
• Model Behavior: Model the desired behavior for the child. Show them what you want them to do before expecting them to do it themselves.
  
  

Maintaining Instructional Control

• Consistency is Key: Be consistent with your expectations and consequences. Ensure that the rules and expectations are the same from session to session.
  
  
• Use Reinforcement Continuously: Continue to provide reinforcement for compliance, but consider implementing a variable reinforcement schedule to maintain motivation over time.
  
  
• Transition Smoothly: Use transition warnings and clear signals to help the child move from one activity to another. Sudden transitions can lead to resistance.
  
  
• Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor the child’s behavior and progress. If you notice a decrease in compliance, consider adjusting your strategies or introducing new reinforcers.
  
  
• Avoid Over-Prompting: Be mindful not to over-prompt the child. Over-prompting can lead to prompt dependency, where the child relies on prompts rather than independently following instructions.
  
  
• Provide Feedback: Give specific and immediate feedback, both positive and corrective. Praise the child for compliance and gently correct errors when necessary.
  
  
• Vary Activities: Keep sessions engaging by incorporating a variety of activities and tasks. This prevents boredom and maintains the child’s interest.
  
  
• Data Collection: Collect data on the child’s behavior and compliance. Analyzing data can help identify trends and make data-driven decisions about your strategies.
  
  
• Parent and Caregiver Involvement: Collaborate with parents and caregivers to ensure consistency in expectations and strategies across different environments.
  
  
• Self-Care: Remember to take care of yourself. ABA therapy can be challenging, and maintaining your own well-being is essential for effective sessions.
  
  
• Seek Supervision and Training: If you encounter challenges in maintaining instructional control, seek supervision and additional training from experienced ABA professionals. They can provide guidance and support.
  
  

Additional Tips for Maintaining Instructional Control

• Use Positive Behavior Support (PBS): Implement a PBS approach to address challenging behaviors. Instead of just focusing on what not to do, emphasize positive alternatives and strategies to replace problem behaviors.
  
  
• Promote Independence: Encourage and scaffold the child’s independence. Gradually fade prompts and support as the child becomes more capable of completing tasks on their own.
  
  
• Offer Breaks: Recognize when the child may need a break. If they become overwhelmed or frustrated, allow them to take a short break to regain composure before continuing with the session.
  
  
• Utilize Social Stories: Create and use social stories to explain expected behaviors and routines. Social stories can help children with autism better understand what is expected of them in various situations.
  
  
• Set Realistic Goals: Ensure that the goals and objectives of your ABA program are realistic and attainable for the child. Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and decreased compliance.
  
  
• Implement Functional Communication Training (FCT): Teach the child alternative, functional ways to communicate their needs and wants. This reduces the likelihood of challenging behaviors when they can express themselves effectively.
  
  
• Assess and Address Sensory Needs: Some children with autism have sensory sensitivities or needs. Be aware of sensory triggers and create a sensory-friendly environment to support the child’s comfort and compliance.
  
  
• Engage in Play-Based Learning: Integrate play-based activities into ABA sessions. Play is a natural way for children to learn, and it can increase engagement and cooperation.
  
  
• Track Reinforcer Effectiveness: Continuously assess which reinforcers are most effective for the child at a given time. Preferences can change, so be prepared to adjust your reinforcement strategies accordingly.
  
  
• Use Peer Modeling: If appropriate, incorporate peer modeling. Sometimes children with autism may be more inclined to follow the lead of their peers.
  
  
• Build on Strengths: Identify and leverage the child’s strengths and interests in your teaching and reinforcement strategies. This can boost motivation and cooperation.
  
  
• Maintain a Calm and Positive Demeanor: Your attitude and demeanor can influence the child’s behavior. Stay calm, patient, and positive, even in challenging moments.
  
  
• Collect and Analyze ABC Data: Use Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) data collection to understand the triggers and consequences of challenging behaviors. This information can inform your behavior intervention plans.
  
  
• Collaborate with a Multidisciplinary Team: If the child receives services from various professionals (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists), collaborate with them to ensure a holistic approach to treatment.
  
  
• Celebrate Progress: Celebrate even small successes and milestones with the child. Positive reinforcement for progress can motivate continued effort.
  
  
• Regularly Review and Adjust the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP): If the child has a BIP, review it regularly and adjust it as needed to address emerging needs and challenges.
  
  
• Involve the Child in Goal Setting: Depending on the child’s age and abilities, involve them in setting goals and choosing reinforcers. This can empower them and increase their investment in the therapy process.
  
  
• Use Descriptive Praise: When providing positive feedback, use descriptive praise to specify what the child did correctly. For example, instead of saying, “Good job,” say, “You did a great job sitting quietly and listening.”
  
  
• Implement Behavior Momentum: Start with a series of easy, known tasks or instructions before introducing more challenging ones. This builds momentum and increases the likelihood of compliance.
  
  
• Monitor Your Language: Pay attention to the tone and language you use. Speak calmly and confidently, avoiding confrontational or demanding tones.
  
  
• Offer Visual Supports: Visual supports, such as visual schedules, can provide structure and help the child understand what to expect during the session. Visual supports can reduce anxiety and increase compliance.
  
  
• Utilize Reinforcer Satiation: Be cautious not to overuse highly preferred reinforcers, as this can lead to satiation. Rotate and vary reinforcers to keep them motivating and effective.
  
  
• Implement Token Systems: Consider using token systems or token economies where the child earns tokens for compliance, which can be exchanged for larger reinforcers or privileges.
  
  
• Practice Generalization: Encourage the child to generalize skills learned in therapy to real-life situations. This can enhance the practicality and effectiveness of the therapy.
  
  
• Stay Informed About Sensory Processing: Learn about the child’s sensory processing needs and preferences. Adapt the environment and activities to accommodate sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors.
  
  
• Provide Predictable Transitions: Use visual timers or countdowns to signal upcoming transitions. Predictable transitions help reduce resistance during changes in activities.
  
  
• Involve Parents and Caregivers: Collaborate with parents and caregivers to reinforce skills and strategies learned during ABA sessions in the home environment.
  
  
• Regularly Communicate Progress: Keep lines of communication open with parents, caregivers, and any other professionals involved in the child’s care. Regularly share progress updates and strategies for consistency.
  
  
• Practice Flexibility: Be flexible and adaptable in your approach. If a particular strategy isn’t working, don’t be afraid to modify it or try something new.
  
  
• Self-Assessment: Periodically reflect on your own performance as a therapist. Seek feedback from colleagues or supervisors to continuously improve your skills and effectiveness.
  
  
• Set Realistic Expectations: Recognize that progress in ABA therapy may not always follow a linear path. Some days may be more challenging than others, and setbacks can occur. Maintain realistic expectations.
  
  
• Stay Current with ABA Research: Keep up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field of ABA. This knowledge can inform your practice and lead to more effective interventions.
  
  
• Model Problem-Solving Skills: Teach problem-solving and coping skills to the child. This can help them manage frustration and anxiety in a constructive way.
  
  
• Maintain a Structured Environment: Keep the therapy environment structured and organized to reduce distractions and promote focus.
  
  
• Seek Supervision and Professional Development: Regularly consult with experienced supervisors or mentors in the field of ABA. Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance your skills.
  
  
• Use Positive Peer Modeling: If appropriate, involve peers who demonstrate appropriate behaviors as role models during sessions. Children often learn from observing and imitating their peers.
  
  
• Implement Behavioral Momentum: Begin sessions with tasks that the child is likely to complete successfully. This builds momentum and sets a positive tone for the rest of the session.
  
  
• Offer Sensory Breaks: Recognize signs of sensory overload or overstimulation, and provide sensory breaks as needed. These breaks can help the child self-regulate and return to the task more focused.
  
  
• Implement a Visual Timer: Use a visual timer or countdown timer to indicate the duration of a task or activity. Visual timers help children understand when an activity will end, reducing anxiety and resistance.
  
  
• Incorporate Technology: Utilize educational apps and interactive technology that align with the child’s learning goals. Many children with autism are motivated by technology and can benefit from well-designed apps.
  
  
• Use Social Stories for Transitions: Create social stories or visual supports to prepare the child for transitions between activities or settings. Social stories can reduce anxiety and improve cooperation during transitions.
  
  
• Offer Choices Within Limits: Provide choices within predefined limits to give the child a sense of control. For example, you can say, “You can choose to do your math work now or after a short break.”
  
  
• Implement Differential Reinforcement: Use differential reinforcement techniques to encourage the child’s desired behaviors while minimizing problem behaviors. For example, reinforce alternative, appropriate behaviors when the child is non-compliant.
  
  
• Practice Patience: Recognize that building and maintaining instructional control can take time, especially with some children with autism. Be patient and persistent in your efforts.
  
  
• Involve the Child in Goal Setting: Depending on the child’s abilities, involve them in setting goals for their sessions. This promotes a sense of ownership and motivation.
  
  
• Communicate Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate your expectations for behavior and compliance at the beginning of each session. Reinforce these expectations throughout the session.
  
  
• Manage Your Reinforcers: Keep a variety of reinforcers available, and periodically assess which ones are most motivating for the child. Rotate and refresh reinforcers to maintain their effectiveness.
  
  
• Record and Analyze Data: Continue to collect data on the child’s behavior and progress. Analyze the data to identify trends and adjust your strategies accordingly.
  
  
• Practice Active Listening: Pay close attention to the child’s verbal and non-verbal cues. Active listening can help you better understand their needs and respond appropriately.
  
  
• Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate even minor successes and improvements. Positive reinforcement for small achievements can motivate the child to continue making progress.
  
  
• Stay Culturally Sensitive: Be culturally sensitive and respectful of the child’s background and beliefs. Understanding cultural nuances can enhance your relationship and instructional control.
  
  
• Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from parents or caregivers about what strategies work best outside of the therapy sessions. Collaborate to ensure consistency in applying ABA principles.
  
  
• Involve the Child’s Interests: Whenever possible, incorporate the child’s interests and preferences into the therapy. Tailoring activities to their likes can increase engagement and cooperation.

Remember that building and maintaining instructional control is an ongoing process that requires continuous assessment, adaptation, and collaboration with the child, parents, caregivers, and other professionals involved in the child’s care. Every child is unique, and finding the most effective strategies may involve experimentation and flexibility in your approach.