How to Set ABA Goals: A Comprehensive Guide

Setting effective goals is a crucial component of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These goals guide the therapeutic process, ensuring that interventions are tailored to each individual's unique needs. 

In this article, we will explore how to set ABA goals, provide examples of effective goals and objectives, and answer common questions about the goal-setting process.

Understanding ABA Goals

Before diving into how to set ABA goals, it’s important to understand what these goals entail. ABA goals are specific, measurable objectives that define what a child or individual with autism is working toward during therapy. They can cover a wide range of skill areas, including:



• Communication Skills: Enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication abilities.
• Social Skills: Improving interactions with peers and adults.
• Behavioral Skills: Reducing challenging behaviors and promoting positive behaviors.
• Daily Living Skills: Encouraging independence in tasks such as dressing, eating, and self-care.
• Academic Skills: Developing age-appropriate academic knowledge and skills.

Effective ABA goals should be clear and measurable, allowing therapists and families to track progress effectively. Achieving these goals can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life and their ability to function in various environments.

The Process of Setting ABA Goals

Setting ABA goals is a collaborative process that involves the child, family members, therapists, and other professionals. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set effective ABA goals.

Step 1: Conduct a Comprehensive Assessment

The first step in setting ABA goals is conducting a thorough assessment of the individual’s current strengths and challenges. This assessment helps identify areas of need and potential for growth. Common assessments used in ABA therapy include:

• Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): This assessment identifies the reasons behind challenging behaviors and the best strategies for addressing them.
• Skills Assessments: Evaluations that measure abilities in various areas such as communication, social interaction, and self-help skills. Examples include the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) or the ABLLS-R (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills).
• Parent/Teacher Reports: Input from parents, teachers, and caregivers provides valuable information about the child’s behavior and development in everyday settings.

The results of these assessments will give you a clear picture of where the individual currently stands and where to focus your efforts.

Step 2: Identify Target Areas for Growth

Once you have gathered data from the assessment, the next step is to identify specific areas that need attention. ABA therapy is designed to address a wide range of skills, so it’s essential to prioritize goals based on the individual’s most pressing needs. Common areas for goal-setting include:

• Communication Skills: Is the child non-verbal or minimally verbal? Do they struggle with forming sentences or using appropriate language?
• Social Skills: Does the child have difficulty interacting with peers or recognizing social cues?
• Behavioral Goals: Are there specific behaviors (e.g., tantrums, aggression) that need to be addressed? How can these be reduced or replaced with more appropriate alternatives?
• Daily Living Skills: Does the individual need support with personal hygiene, dressing, feeding, or other life skills?

By prioritizing essential areas for development, you ensure that therapy focuses on goals that will make the greatest impact on daily life.

Step 3: Create SMART Goals

When setting ABA goals, it’s helpful to use the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here’s how each component works:

• Specific: Goals should clearly define what is expected. For example, instead of saying "improve communication," specify "increase spontaneous verbal requests for preferred items."
• Measurable: Goals must be quantifiable so progress can be tracked. For example, "use two-word phrases during playtime at least three times per session."
• Achievable: Ensure that goals are realistic given the individual’s current abilities. Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration.
• Relevant: Goals should align with the individual's overall needs and priorities. Focus on skills that will enhance their quality of life.
• Time-bound: Establish a timeframe for achieving each goal. For example, "increase social interactions during group activities within three months."

Examples of ABA Goals and Objectives

Here are some examples of well-defined ABA goals using the SMART criteria:

1. Communication Goal:

• Goal: Increase spontaneous verbal requests.
• Objective: The child will use two-word phrases to request preferred items during playtime at least three times per session over four consecutive weeks.

2. Social Skills Goal:

• Goal: Improve peer interactions.
• Objective: The child will initiate conversations with peers during group activities at least twice per session for three consecutive weeks.

3. Behavioral Goal:

• Goal: Reduce instances of tantrums.
• Objective: The child will demonstrate coping strategies (e.g., deep breathing) instead of tantrums during transitions at least 80% of the time over one month.

4. Daily Living Skills Goal:

• Goal: Increase independence in dressing.
• Objective: The child will independently put on a shirt without assistance at least four out of five times over two weeks.

5. Academic Skills Goal:

• Goal: Improve math skills.
• Objective: The child will solve addition problems with 80% accuracy during one-on-one sessions over six weeks.

Step 4: Break Goals into Smaller Steps

Big goals can often feel overwhelming; therefore, breaking larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps or sub-goals is essential. This approach allows individuals to make incremental progress while feeling a sense of achievement along the way.

For example:

• If the larger goal is to improve communication skills:

• Step 1: Increase the frequency of verbal communication (e.g., using simple words).
• Step 2: Encourage the child to use two-word combinations.
• Step 3: Work on requesting objects appropriately.

Breaking down goals into smaller chunks allows for focused steps that build toward achieving broader objectives.

Step 5: Implement Goals and Track Progress

Once you have set your goals, it’s time to implement them in therapy sessions. ABA therapists will use various techniques and strategies tailored to help individuals reach their objectives. Some common methods include:

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT): A structured technique that teaches skills through repetition and reinforcement.
• Natural Environment Training (NET): This approach focuses on teaching skills in real-world settings so that individuals can practice their goals meaningfully.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reinforcing desired behaviors with rewards or praise encourages individuals to repeat those behaviors.

Tracking progress is crucial for understanding whether goals are being met effectively. Data should be collected regularly during sessions to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the therapy plan.

Step 6: Adjust Goals as Needed

ABA therapy is highly individualized and flexible; therefore, it’s essential to regularly assess whether any adjustments are needed regarding your established goals. Modifications may be necessary to ensure appropriate challenges are presented if a goal becomes too easy or too difficult over time.



Regular feedback from parents, teachers, and therapists can help refine goals as therapy progresses. Open communication between all parties ensures that everyone involved understands what works best for each individual’s needs.

Conclusion

Setting effective ABA goals is an essential part of the therapy process for individuals with autism. By following a systematic approach—including assessing needs, identifying target areas for growth, and creating SMART objectives—you can create an effective plan that promotes progress across various skill sets.

At Steady Strides ABA, we understand how vital personalized goal-setting is for each child’s success! Our experienced therapists work closely with families throughout Texas to develop comprehensive therapy plans tailored specifically toward individual needs while fostering long-term success!

If you’re ready to explore how personalized goal-setting through ABA can benefit your loved one—don’t hesitate! Visit our website, Steady Strides ABA, to schedule a consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions