Let’s be honest — raising a child on the autism spectrum can sometimes feel like walking through a maze with no map. You want to help, but you also want your child to feel safe, happy, and loved — not like they’re always in a therapy session.
That’s why I love simple ABA-inspired activities you can do at home. They don’t need a speech therapist, fancy materials, or hours of prep. Just small, consistent moments that help your child connect, communicate, and grow.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a structured approach that helps children with autism learn skills like communication, emotional understanding, and social interaction. And the truth is — you can weave many of these ideas gently into everyday play.
Here are 8 ABA therapy activities you can try at home, focusing on picture communication (PECS) and emotion games — two wonderful tools that make learning feel natural.
1. Requesting Breaks
Sometimes, meltdowns are really your child’s way of saying, “I just need a break.”
Make simple PECS cards that show “break,” “playtime,” “quiet,” or “rest.” Keep them where your child can easily reach. Encourage them to hand you a card when they feel tired or overwhelmed. It teaches them that their needs matter — and that you’re listening.
2. Toilet Training
Toilet training can be stressful when communication is tough.
Create PECS cards showing a toilet, bathroom door, or handwashing. Keep them near the bathroom. When your child shows signs they need to go, guide them to hand you the toilet card. Over time, it becomes second nature — no words needed, just understanding.
3. Mealtime Communication
Mealtimes are full of chances to connect.
Make food picture cards — rice, banana, milk, bread — and let your child choose what they want by giving you the card. It’s a small thing, but it builds confidence, independence, and joy in being understood.
4. Expressing Emotions
This one melts hearts.
Create emotion cards — happy, sad, angry, scared, excited — and keep them visible. When your child looks upset or thrilled, show them the cards and name the feeling: “You look happy!” or “You seem sad.” Over time, they’ll start identifying their emotions on their own.
Emotion Games for ABA at Home
Emotions can be confusing, even for adults. But when you make them fun, your child starts connecting feelings with faces, stories, and words.
5. Emotion Charades
Act out different feelings — happy, angry, sleepy, surprised — and have your child guess. Then switch roles. It’s playful, it’s bonding, and it builds emotional recognition in the most natural way.
6. Emotion Cards Matching
Use pairs of emotion faces and play a simple memory game. Each time a card is flipped, name the feeling together. Matching “happy” with “happy” helps your child link expressions to real emotions — while having fun.
7. Emotion Storytelling
Bring out the toys or stuffed animals. Tell short stories like:
“Bunny lost his toy and feels sad. What should Bunny do?”
These moments help your child understand emotions through play, teaching empathy without any pressure.
8. Feelings Wheel
Make a simple “feelings wheel” — a chart with faces showing different emotions. Each morning or before bed, ask, “Which one feels like you today?” You’ll be amazed at what your child starts to share.
Final Thoughts
ABA-inspired activities like PECS and emotion games don’t have to feel clinical or complicated. When done at home with love and patience, they’re simply about helping your child feel heard, understood, and confident in expressing themselves.
Remember — progress doesn’t always come loudly. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s a look, a gesture, or a card handed your way. But it’s progress all the same.
And one day, your child will find their words — in their own time, in their own way. ?