Printable visual supports for families whose children receive ABA therapy, to help carry the routines and skills from therapy sessions into everyday life at home.
What Is ABA?
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It’s a type of therapy often used to support autistic children and children with other developmental differences. ABA focuses on building meaningful, everyday skills, such as communication, play and social skills, self-care, following routines, and coping with big feelings, by breaking them into small, achievable steps and celebrating progress along the way.
ABA programs are usually designed and overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), with therapy sessions often led by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Sessions can happen at home, in a clinic, at school, or out in the community, and a good program is built around each child’s unique needs, strengths, and interests.
How Families Can Support ABA at Home
Parents are such an important part of the team! A few simple tools can make a big difference in helping skills stick outside of therapy sessions:
- Visual schedules show what’s coming next, which can make transitions smoother and the day more predictable.
- First/Then boards pair a less-preferred task with something your child is looking forward to (“First shoes, then park”).
- Token boards let children earn tokens toward a reward, which helps them see their progress.
- Feelings charts give children a way to show how they feel when words are hard to find.
- Consistency is key. Using the same words, visuals, and routines your child’s therapy team uses helps your child feel confident and successful.
Free ABA Printables
Tips for Using These Printables
- Talk with your child’s BCBA about how to use each tool, so it matches the goals and language from therapy.
- Laminate or use sheet protectors so you can reuse the pages with a dry-erase marker. Velcro dots make schedule pictures easy to move.
- Start small. Introduce one tool at a time and practice it during calm moments first.
- Follow your child’s lead. Every child is different, so adjust the pictures, rewards, and pace to fit what works for yours.
I’m a mom, not a therapist. These printables are meant to support, not replace, the guidance of your child’s therapy team. Free for personal and family use; please don’t resell or redistribute the files.