Common Social Skills ABA Goals and How They Help Children
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a proven, research-based therapy that helps children develop essential life skills, including those for social interaction. Social skills are important not just in early childhood but throughout a person’s lifetime, impacting academic success, mental health, personal relationships and even job opportunities in adulthood.
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), targeted social skills interventions through ABA therapy can make a big difference. In fact, a study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that early intensive ABA-based interventions can lead to significant improvements in social functioning, communication and adaptive behavior.
Looking for expert ABA support? Scottsdale Pediatric Behavioral Services’ ABA therapy in Scottsdale, AZ, offers individualized care to help children grow socially, emotionally and behaviorally.
Why Social Skills Matter
Social skills are the foundation of how we interact with the world around us. For children, these skills impact everything from playing with peers and participating in school activities to regulating emotions and understanding others’ perspectives. Beyond childhood, strong social skills are linked to better mental health, higher academic achievement and successful workplace performance.
Children who struggle with these skills, especially those with ASD, may have trouble navigating the nuances of social interaction. ABA therapy offers a structured, evidence-based way to help them thrive.
Social Skills Targeted in ABA Therapy
1. Communication
At the heart of many social challenges is communication. ABA therapy helps children develop verbal and non-verbal communication by teaching them how to initiate conversation, take turns, respond appropriately and interpret facial expressions and body language.
Therapists use methods such as Discrete Trial Training (DTT) to teach communication in structured settings and Natural Environment Teaching (NET) to generalize those skills in real-life situations. These methods encourage spontaneous communication that feels natural for children while still being guided by evidence-based strategies.
Better communication enables children to express their needs, share ideas and participate more confidently in group activities – the foundation for lasting relationships and social success.
2. Recognizing and Responding to Social Cues
Understanding tone of voice, eye contact and facial expressions can be tough for many children on the spectrum. ABA therapy breaks these down into teachable moments. Methods such as Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) focus on motivation and responsiveness, making learning social cues more engaging and meaningful. Children learn to recognize when a peer is happy, upset or confused and this helps them build empathy and avoid social misunderstandings.
Studies such as those reviewed in the National Standards Project by the National Autism Center identify ABA interventions as one of the most effective treatments for improving social cue recognition in children with ASD.
3. Empathy and Perspective-Taking
Empathy isn’t just about feeling for someone; it’s also about recognizing their emotional state and responding with care. ABA therapy uses storytelling, role-play and reflection to help children put themselves in others’ shoes.
This includes teaching perspective-taking and theory of mind, the ability to understand that other people have thoughts, desires and emotions different from their own. These skills are essential for genuine friendships and avoiding conflicts.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) sets high training standards for therapists so these sensitive, emotional lessons are taught by qualified professionals using proven methods.
4. Building and Maintaining Friendships
Making friends can be tough for any child but especially for those with social challenges. ABA therapy targets friendship-building skills such as sharing, cooperation and showing interest in others.
Through group activities, games and structured social play, therapists help children practice initiating playdates, maintaining interactions and expressing appreciation, all of which contribute to stronger peer relationships and greater social confidence.
5. Emotional Regulation and Self-Control
One often-overlooked area of social development is emotional regulation. ABA therapy helps children recognize their own emotional states and respond to them in constructive ways. Techniques might include calming strategies, self-monitoring and reinforcement for using coping skills in challenging moments.
Learning to regulate emotions like frustration, excitement or anxiety helps children navigate social situations without becoming overwhelmed or reactive. This lifelong skill supports both mental health and positive interpersonal outcomes.
6. Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution
Beyond emotional regulation lies the ability to navigate disagreements and solve interpersonal problems. ABA therapists guide children through identifying issues, brainstorming solutions and evaluating consequences.
Conflict resolution training goes beyond just solving a problem and can include negotiation, compromise and understanding others’ perspectives. These skills are essential for working collaboratively with peers, especially in school or group settings.
7. Group Activities
Group activities such as classroom discussions, sports teams or family gatherings require a unique set of social skills. ABA therapy prepares children to follow the rules, take turns, listen to others and contribute ideas.
Structured group sessions and cooperative learning tasks help children build these skills in a safe and low-pressure environment. Therapists use positive reinforcement and direct instruction to help children feel more confident and connected during group activities.
Other Social Skills ABA Targets
In addition to the above skills, ABA therapy can help children work on:
- Making and maintaining eye contact
- Handling teasing or rejection
- Understanding figurative language and humor
- Showing gratitude and appreciation
- Responding to feedback or correction
Each child’s therapy plan is individualized to their needs, making ABA a flexible and comprehensive tool for social growth.
How Parents and Caregivers Reinforce Skills at Home
Parents and caregivers play a big role in a child’s social development. The lessons learned in ABA therapy are most effective when reinforced outside the therapy room.
Here are some practical ways caregivers can support social skill growth:
- Model the behavior: Children learn by example. Demonstrate respectful communication, empathy and cooperation in daily life.
- Create opportunities to practice: Encourage social interaction through family games, playdates or community activities.
- Use consistent reinforcement: Praise or reward positive social behavior as it happens just like a therapist would in a session.
- Reflect and discuss: After social interactions, talk about what went well and what could be improved to build awareness and confidence.
Working with your child’s ABA therapist to maintain consistency between therapy and home life can make a big difference in long-term outcomes.
Breaking Down Common Therapist Techniques
ABA therapy uses a variety of techniques chosen based on the child’s goals and learning style. Some of the most common include:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): A structured approach where skills are broken down into small manageable steps with repeated practice and reinforcement.
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Skills are taught in naturally occurring situations, helping children generalize behaviors outside of structured settings.
- Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT): Focuses on motivation and responsiveness, targeting “pivotal” areas like self-initiation and social engagement to produce widespread improvements. These methods are not only evidence-based but also fun and engaging for children, using games, stories and interactive play to make learning social skills rewarding and enjoyable.
Help Your Child Succeed with ABA Therapy
Social development is the foundation of a child’s happiness, academic success and future independence. ABA therapy is a systematic and individualized way to help children improve communication, empathy, emotional regulation and relationship building.
Whether your child struggles with reading social cues or forming friendships, tailored ABA therapy, backed by organizations like Autism Speaks and governed by certification bodies like the BACB, can give them the tools they need to succeed socially.
Visit us at Scottsdale Pediatric Behavioral Services to learn more about how ABA therapy can support your child’s social development.