Handling Homework with ABA Strategies

The school day is done, you’ve clocked out of work and now it’s time to relax and enjoy your evening. Just kidding, there’s homework to do! While not many people are excited about the concept of homework, it is an inevitable part of school life - one that can easily become a battle. Luckily, there are simple ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) strategies that can help mitigate some of that stress. Consider how you can implement some of the following strategies to make homework a more enjoyable and productive experience for all.

Routine

ABA strategies revolve around routine and structure. This makes sense because kids thrive on predictability. If the expectation is set from the start that homework takes place at the same time and place each day, it becomes part of the child’s routine, eliminating the sense of surprise that can wreak havoc on the nervous system. Choose a time that works best for your family and then stick with it. If they don’t have school homework, maybe they can spend that block of time practicing something on their own, doing a craft, coloring, etc. just to keep the routine on solid ground. Having a routine like this set in stone will signal your child’s brain that this is what they are supposed to be doing. 

Break Things Down

Homework can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s something the child finds daunting like a big reading assignment or a worksheet with several questions. Manage this by breaking the homework down into smaller, more manageable steps, using the ABA strategy of task analysis. For example, maybe they answer 5 questions and then take a short break or read 5 pages and pause to talk about what was read. The smaller tasks feel easier to achieve, and once they reach those goals that will improve their confidence in their abilities while giving them a chance for a quick breather. 

Reinforcement 

Another major pillar of ABA therapy includes reinforcement. Choose a reasonable reward system that works well for your child and family, and commit to it. Reinforcements can be stickers on a reward chart, verbal praise, a high five, their favorite treat, play time, etc. As long as the reward is clear and consistent, it will help encourage progress and effort. 

Focused Area

Choose a spot that can consistently serve as your child’s homework space. There are no right or wrong spaces to choose, but the environment does matter. The best area for homework involves a quiet space away from distractions like the television, toys and people coming and going. Include items that your child may need to focus better or to support their sensory needs, like a wiggle cushion, fidget toy or noise-canceling headphones. 

Make It Positive

Homework can easily become a stressful experience for both the caregiver and the child. Try to remove the stress of the situation by pairing homework time with something positive. Sit their favorite snack at the table, play some mellow music, sit with them to offer encouragement, etc. Once they can associate homework with something positive, it becomes more manageable for all parties. 

Visual Aids

Visual aids are always a good thing when it comes to ABA strategies. Being able to see what needs done is a great way to present expectations, prepare your child for what’s next and help them see their own progress. As they finish each step, they can cross it off their list, which is very motivating. 

The school year has just begun, so it’s a great time to create a homework zone and start implementing ABA tools to ensure a more positive experience. The strategies of routines, reinforcement and task breakdown can turn homework time into a time of growth and empowerment instead of frustration and dread. 

Bloom Behavioral Healthcare LLC understands the challenges families face. As ABA therapists, we work with children and their parents to understand their needs and build routines that help reduce stress while building on strengths. These strategies aren’t just meant for therapy sessions, they are meant to carry over into daily life - including school and homework. If you’re looking for help overcoming daily challenges with your autistic child, we’re here to help.

Contact Bloom today to learn more about how we can support your child’s success at home, school and life.