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As a mom navigating the world of ADHD, I thought I had a pretty good grasp of what challenges we might face. But when we received my daughter’s diagnosis, it wasn’t just ADHD—she also has Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I had never even heard of ODD, let alone the therapy they recommended afterward: ABA therapy. Like many parents, I had no idea what it was, how it worked, or why it was recommended for my daughter.
After diving into my own research to better understand her needs, I learned a lot about ABA therapy and why it’s beneficial for children with ADHD and ODD. While I’m not a therapist (so always consult a professional), here’s a breakdown of what I’ve discovered about ABA and how you might be able to apply some of the strategies at home.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA stands for Applied Behaviour Analysis, and it’s a form of therapy often recommended for children with developmental conditions, including ADHD and ODD.
The therapy is tailored to each child, focusing on improving specific behaviours and skills. The goal of ABA therapy is to reinforce positive behaviours while minimising negative ones, helping kids manage everyday tasks, social interactions, and emotions.
This form of therapy is highly personalised, so no two children’s programs will look the same. But there are a few principles and strategies that are generally effective, and you can incorporate them into your everyday routine with your child.
Why Is ABA Therapy Recommended for Kids with ADHD and ODD?
Children with ADHD often struggle with focus, impulse control, and managing their emotions. Kids with ODD may also experience defiance, irritability, and aggression.
ABA therapy helps by breaking down tasks and behaviours into manageable steps, using reinforcement techniques to encourage progress.
It can help children with ADHD improve their ability to focus and manage impulsivity, while those with ODD benefit from learning strategies to manage defiance and regulate emotions.
5 Simple ABA Strategies Parents Can Use at Home
While ABA therapy is best guided by a professional, there are a few strategies that parents can try at home to help reinforce positive behaviours and skills.
1. Positive Reinforcement
At its core, ABA is about reinforcing positive behaviours. When your child does something well, whether it’s following directions or staying on task, provide immediate praise or a reward. This could be something as simple as verbal encouragement (“Great job!”), a sticker on a reward chart, or extra playtime. The key is consistency and ensuring that your child understands what behaviour you’re reinforcing.
2. Provide Modelling and Use Prompts
Children often learn best by observing others. You can model the behaviours or skills you’d like your child to learn, whether it’s completing a task or managing emotions in a healthy way. For example, if you want your child to use polite language, make sure to model that behaviour yourself. You can also use prompts (verbal or visual cues) to gently guide them toward the desired behaviour.
3. Create House Rules and Be Consistent
Setting clear, consistent house rules helps kids understand what’s expected of them. Make sure your rules are easy to understand and enforce. For example, “We clean up our toys after playtime” is a clear and simple rule. Consistency is key here—if rules change frequently or aren’t enforced consistently, it can be confusing for your child.
4. Shaping to Teach New Skills
Shaping is a technique used in ABA that reinforces small steps toward a bigger goal. For example, if you want your child to take their plate to the kitchen after meals, you could start by praising them for simply clearing their spot at the table.
As they improve, you can reinforce further steps, like carrying their plate partway to the kitchen, then all the way, and eventually placing it in the sink or dishwasher. By celebrating each small win, you help your child feel confident and motivated to master the entire task.
5. Use Routine Cards
Visual aids, like routine cards, are fantastic tools for helping children understand what’s happening now and what comes next. I’ve found that using daily rhythm cards with my daughter makes transitions smoother and helps reduce meltdowns. These cards lay out daily tasks, so kids know exactly what to expect. If you’re interested, I’ve shared the daily rhythm cards I use for Skye in my storefront. You can also customise them using a Canva link to suit your child’s specific needs.
ABA Is Personalised, So Don’t Forget to Consult a Professional
While these strategies can be helpful, ABA therapy is highly personalised. What works for one child may not work for another, so it’s important to speak with a professional before making decisions about your child’s therapy.
If you think ABA therapy might be a good fit, consider reaching out to a certified therapist to explore your options.
Remember, early intervention is key to giving your child the tools they need to thrive. With the right support, kids with ADHD and ODD can learn to manage their behaviours and emotions in a positive, productive way.
