How Siblings Can Support ABA Goals at Home

For a child in ABA Therapy, much of the focus revolves naturally around their progress, routines, and skill-building. Another very important component though - and one that can be overlooked - involves the child’s sibling(s).

Siblings can play a powerful role when it comes to supporting ABA goals, even if they don’t know it. Their influence can make a meaningful difference, particularly when it comes to modeling behaviors and creating a supportive environment. When siblings are given the right tools and understanding, they can feel included in the journey while feeling empowered in their role.

Here are some ways siblings can support ABA goals in a natural, positive way that fosters connection.

1. Be A Positive Role Model

People learn by watching the people around them, and who better to imitate than your sibling? A sibling who models positive behaviors such as calm words, taking turns, following directions and so on, it provides your child with autism a real-life example within their comfort zone to observe and imitate.

You can encourage older or more verbal siblings to mode behavior you’re working on in therapy, even things as simple as cleaning up after playtime or implementing “first/then” language throughout conversation.

2. Reinforce Consistent Expectations

We’ll never stop talking about the importance of consistency when it comes to ABA Therapy - and that includes what happens outside of sessions, too. When siblings are aware of what rules and expectations are being worked on, they can help reinforce them, too.

Be mindful that it doesn’t feel like too much responsibility is being put on them to manage their sibling’s behavior - it’s more about including them in the process in an age appropriate way. As an example, if you are using a reward system for positive reinforcement for your autistic child, include siblings with their own reward system. This turns things into a team effort, with children encouraging and celebrating each other.

3. Get Involved In Games/Activities

Play is an effective vehicle for learning, incorporating skills and social concepts while having fun. Part of ABA skill goals include working on social skills, taking turns, communicating effectively and sharing attention - all things siblings are perfect partners to practice with. Encourage joint activities like board games, building with blocks, pretend play, sensory bins or anything else that piques their interest. If needed, you can guide the sibling with gentle prompts and encouragement - things like “let’s take turns” or “can you help show how to play this game?” Not only are they reinforcing important skills, they are building connection.

4. Use Simple ABA Language At Home

Through ABA sessions, you and your child might become familiar with specific phrases meant to help guide the child. These may include “first/then” statements, “quiet hands,” “try again,” etc. Try teaching siblings the sayings, what they mean and how to naturally use them to help give them their own toolbox for positive interaction. This both reinforces what your child is learning and helps the sibling feel included and helpful.

5. Encourage, Don’t Pressure

Having sibling support is a great tool for progress at home, but it’s always important to remember that they are children, too. Although it looks and feels different for them, they are figuring out the world as they grow, too. They should be encouraged to support ABA goals, but not expected to be a caregiver or full-time support person.

Let siblings ask questions and answer in honest, simple terms. Let them know that every child learns in their own unique way, and these are the ways that help their sibling learn or improve on new skills. As their understanding grows, naturally so will their patience, support and pride in their sibling’s progress.

6. Celebrate Milestones Together

Be sure to include siblings in celebrations, big or small. If your child mastered a new skill in therapy, home or school, bring the sibling in to the planning - maybe they pick a snack or a fun activity to help celebrate. This brings them into the happy moment to feel included while building more family connection.

Support Matters Across The Board

Family - including siblings - can be incredible allies in your child’s ABA journey. With a bit of guidance and a dash of encouragement, they can help build a supportive home environment that supports growth beyond therapy sessions.

At Bloom Behavioral Healthcare, we believe in supporting the whole family. If you’re looking for ways to include siblings in the process or have questions about how to reinforce ABA goals at home, we’re here to help! Contact us today to learn more about what we offer and how we can work with your family to support every step of your child’s growth.