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Practical, play-based ABA strategies for parents, nannies and caregivers: follow the child’s lead, model, prompt, reinforce and more. Simple examples you can try today.
You do not need a classroom to teach. Playtime already has what learning needs: shared attention, repetition and fun. These eight moves come from the same ideas we teach in our caregiver and nanny sessions. Try one a day for a week, and see what changes.
Sit at the child’s level and join what they are already doing. If they line up cars, line up cars with them. Being invited into their world builds trust and makes them more willing to try your ideas.
Use short phrases and simple actions. “Car go!” while rolling a car teaches more than a long explanation. Pause and give them time to respond.
Show the skill (push the car, say “go”), then wait a few seconds with a hopeful look. Waiting invites the child to take a turn instead of doing it for them.
Hold up two items. “Ball or bubbles?” Choices teach requesting, and they give children a sense of control, which often reduces frustration.
If they do not respond, give the smallest help that works: a gesture, the first sound of a word, a hand-over-hand guide if needed. Then fade the help over time so the child does it themselves.
“Great asking with your words!” tells the child what earned your delight. Pair praise with the fun thing they asked for, like another turn.
Gently interrupt a routine, like handing over a spoon with no bowl. Children often spontaneously ask or point, and that moment is a perfect chance to teach.
Finish with something your child can do easily, then say goodbye to the activity with a predictable ritual (“tidy, then snack”). Predictable endings make the next play session easier.
Want hands-on coaching? Join a caregiver and nanny session or the full 8-week programme. New to the terms? Start with What is ABA therapy?
No. Household items and the child’s favourite things work well. What matters is how you use them.
Start with five to ten minutes, and end while your child is still enjoying it.
Begin by joining what they already do, at a little distance. Trust grows through repeated, low-pressure invitations.
Joyful Journeys supports children with autism and other developmental differences, and their families, through ABA training, community programmes and advocacy in Nairobi. This article is general information, not medical advice.
About usApplied Behavior Analysis explained simply: how ABA works, what a session looks like, common myths, and how Kenyan parents can start. Written by the Joyful Journeys team in Nairobi.
Read articleA clear walk-through of Joyful Journeys’ 8-week ABA training for caregivers and teachers in Nairobi: schedule, hours, assessment, certification, fees and how to register.
Read articleSeven common myths about autism, from “it’s bad parenting” to “they don’t want friends”, and what we actually know. Clear, kind answers for parents, nannies and teachers.
Read articleCall or message us. We’ll help you work out whether ABA training is a fit and when the next intake runs.
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