For many families participating in ABA sessions, helping their children transition smoothly before and after each session can significantly improve overall progress and emotional well-being. Whether a child is engaging in clinic-based or home-based ABA therapy, establishing routines that include calming techniques can set the tone for a more effective and comfortable experience. These practices help children regulate their emotions, feel secure, and maintain positive engagement throughout their therapy.
In this article, we will explore a range of practical and child-friendly calming techniques that can be used before and after ABA sessions to promote better focus, behavior, and relaxation.
Why Calming Techniques Matter Around ABA Sessions
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a structured and evidence-based therapy aimed at improving social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. However, the structured nature of ABA sessions can be mentally and emotionally demanding for some children.
Incorporating calming techniques into the child’s routine can help in the following ways:
- Eases transitions into and out of structured therapy sessions
- Reduces feelings of overwhelm or frustration
- Supports better engagement and cooperation
- Promotes a sense of control and emotional safety
- Enhances the effectiveness of home-based ABA therapy
Whether used before or after therapy, calming activities should always be personalized to the child’s preferences and needs.
Calming Techniques to Use Before ABA Sessions
1. Deep Breathing Exercises
Guided breathing can help children enter a relaxed and focused state before their session begins. A simple method like “smell the flower, blow out the candle” is both engaging and effective for younger children.
Try a few rounds of:
- Inhale for 3–4 seconds
- Hold for 2 seconds
- Exhale slowly for 4–5 seconds
Practicing this for just 2–3 minutes can help the child enter the session with a calmer mindset.
2. Visual Schedules and Preparation
Visual aids showing what will happen during the ABA session can help reduce anxiety related to the unknown. Children who know what to expect are more likely to feel secure and prepared.
Use a simple visual schedule:
- Picture of breakfast
- Picture of therapy activity (ABA session)
- Picture of free play or reward
This not only sets expectations but also helps the child mentally transition into therapy mode.
3. Stretching or Gentle Movement
Light movement like yoga poses or gentle stretching helps children release nervous energy and feel more in control of their bodies.
Some child-friendly poses include:
- Butterfly pose
- Cat-cow stretch
- Forward fold
This can be an effective short activity before home-based ABA therapy sessions, especially for kids who benefit from physical regulation.
4. Soft Background Music
Playing calming instrumental music in the background can create a peaceful environment, especially before an in-home session. Nature sounds or classical piano playlists can help reduce overstimulation and promote calmness.
5. Reading a Favorite Book or Storytime
Engaging in a quiet and familiar activity such as reading a book before a session can bring comfort and ease the transition into therapy.
Choose books that are:
- Predictable in rhythm
- Emotionally soothing
- Short and easy to follow
Calming Techniques to Use After ABA Sessions
1. Unstructured Downtime
After a focused and often intensive ABA session, children need time to unwind without structured expectations. Allow them to engage in a preferred quiet-time activity like:
- Coloring
- Building with blocks
- Watching a short educational cartoon
This downtime helps the child decompress and re-regulate emotionally.
2. Gentle Massage or Pressure
Some children find light massage calming, particularly on their arms, hands, or back. Simple hand compressions or shoulder rubs may provide comfort and help signal that the session is over and it’s time to relax.
This can be especially effective in home-based ABA therapy, where the child is already in a familiar environment.
3. Reflective Conversation or Storytelling
Spend a few minutes reflecting on the session with your child. Use simple, positive language to talk about what happened and what went well.
Examples:
- “You worked so hard today!”
- “What was your favorite part of therapy?”
- “How did it feel when you completed that puzzle?”
This helps reinforce achievements and emotionally process the session.
4. Guided Imagery or Visualization
Lead your child through a short, imaginative journey like:
- “Let’s pretend we’re floating on a cloud.”
- “Let’s walk through a garden in our mind.”
These visualization exercises can be a peaceful way to end the day’s ABA session and signal a transition back into family time or rest.
5. Snack and Hydration
Sometimes a simple snack and a glass of water can help restore energy and bring physical comfort after a session. Choose something nutritious and familiar.
Having a consistent post-session routine like this helps the child associate ABA with positive and calming experiences.
Techniques That Work Well in Home-Based ABA Therapy
In home-based ABA therapy, calming techniques are especially effective because the environment is familiar and can be personalized. Here’s how families can take advantage of that:
- Create a “calm corner” with favorite books, soft cushions, and quiet toys
- Use the same playlist each day to create a calming association with ABA start/end times
- Encourage choice — let the child pick their calming activity after the session
- Maintain consistent timing for routines before and after therapy
This consistency and flexibility help reinforce calmness as a habit, not just a reactive tool.
Customizing Calming Techniques Based on Your Child
Not all calming strategies work for every child. The key is to observe, test, and adapt based on what your child responds to best.
Here are a few considerations:
- Age and developmental level: Younger children may prefer visual tools and songs, while older ones may enjoy journaling or self-reflection.
- Communication style: Non-verbal children may prefer gesture-based routines or tactile comfort, like soft textures or fidget tools.
- Preference-based routines: Identify what makes your child feel relaxed and include those elements into daily transitions.
As ABA is highly individualized, your child’s therapist can help guide you on which calming methods may pair well with their specific treatment plan.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers
Parental support and consistency are essential for reinforcing the calming strategies taught during ABA sessions. Being calm yourself and modeling relaxation techniques helps children feel secure and mirrors the regulation you’re trying to teach them.
Tips for caregivers:
- Stay consistent, even if the child resists at first
- Celebrate small successes in transitions
- Keep routines simple and predictable
- Communicate regularly with the ABA provider to share observations
Conclusion
Helping your child feel calm and regulated before and after ABA sessions can lead to better engagement, smoother transitions, and long-term emotional resilience. Whether through deep breathing, unstructured downtime, or favorite activities, these calming techniques can be powerful tools in supporting your child’s progress. Integrating these into your daily routine — especially in home-based ABA therapy — creates a supportive atmosphere where your child can thrive emotionally and behaviorally.
At Alight Behavioral Therapy, we provide personalized, in-home ABA therapy and autism evaluations, all designed to help children on the autism spectrum reach their full potential.
FAQs
Why is it important to use calming techniques before ABA sessions?
Calming techniques before ABA sessions help children transition smoothly into therapy. They reduce anxiety, increase focus, and prepare the child to engage more effectively with their therapist.
What are some quick and easy calming activities I can do with my child before ABA?
Simple techniques like deep breathing, light stretching, reading a short book, or listening to soft music are great for helping children relax before ABA sessions, especially in home-based ABA therapy settings.
How can I help my child relax after ABA sessions?
After ABA sessions, allow time for unstructured play, offer a favorite snack, use gentle touch like a massage, or guide them through a calming visualization exercise to help them unwind.
Do calming techniques differ in home-based ABA therapy compared to clinic-based?
Yes, home-based ABA therapy allows for more personalized calming routines since the child is in a familiar environment. Parents can use their child’s favorite items or spaces to enhance relaxation before and after sessions.
Can calming routines improve the results of ABA sessions?
Absolutely. Regular use of calming strategies can help children stay more engaged and reduce challenging behaviors during ABA sessions, leading to more productive outcomes over time.
How do I know which calming techniques are right for my child before ABA sessions?
It’s important to observe your child’s preferences and responses. Try a variety of calming techniques like breathing, movement, or quiet time and see which ones help your child feel more relaxed before their ABA sessions.
How much time should we spend on calming activities before an ABA session?
Even 5–10 minutes of consistent calming routines before ABA sessions can make a big difference. The key is creating a predictable transition that helps your child shift into therapy mode.
What can I do if my child becomes upset after an ABA session?
Offer a soothing environment with their favorite calming activity — whether it’s cuddling with a blanket, quiet time, or light play. This helps your child transition out of the structured session more smoothly.