How to Set Goals

Your ABA clinician, supervisor or behavior analyst will help find goals that meet the following criterion:

• The Goal Should be Specific, Measurable, and Attainable. For example, if your child is having difficulty communicating, the goal can be to "increase the number of words your child can say from 50 to 100 words."

  This goal is specific, measurable, and attainable since the number of words can be tracked and gradually increased.

• Functional and Relevant. "To increase the number of words the child can say" is both a functional and relevant goal, as it will help them communicate more effectively in their daily life. On the other hand, the goal of "memorizing the alphabet" may not be as functional or relevant for a child with difficulty communicating.
• Specific Timeframe. Setting an expected period for achieving the goals will ensure that progress is made and the goals are realistic.
• Involve the Child. A child that has a say on their goals may be keener on participating and feel more motivated. Ask them what they would like to work on and how they would like to achieve their goals.
• Measure Progress. Keep a journal or log of your child's progress and review the goals with your ABA interventionist regularly.

Identify Areas of Improvement

With the help of parents, interventionists and supervisors will identify the areas where the child needs the most benefit. These may include communication, social skills, self-care, or academics. Once the areas of need have been identified, you and your ABA supervisors can work together to ensure the goals are specific, measurable, and attainable.

Setting goals with your ABA Team is a vital aspect of ABA therapy for children with autism. By identifying the areas of need, setting specific, measurable, and attainable goals, and involving your child in the process, you can help to ensure that the therapy is tailored to your child and progressing to the right path. Additionally, by setting a timeframe for achieving the goals and tracking and measuring progress, you and your ABA Supervisor can adjust the goals as necessary to ensure your child's progress.