Parent’s Guide: Setting Routine Goals for Fall ABA

Fall is a season of change—shorter days, cooler weather, and for many families, a return to more structured routines after summer’s flexibility. For children receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, the start of fall is an excellent time to set or refine routine goals that encourage skill development and promote consistency at home and in the community. This guide will help parents identify meaningful goals, build effective routines, and work closely with their ABA team to support lasting progress.

Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Revisit ABA Goals

Seasonal shifts often bring new opportunities for growth. As schedules stabilize after summer break, families can focus on strengthening daily habits and reinforcing the skills their child is learning in therapy. Fall’s natural structure—with school, extracurricular activities, and predictable events—can help anchor new routines and make progress easier to track.

In ABA therapy, goals are individualized to each child’s needs, but they often benefit from consistent daily practice. By aligning routines with therapy objectives, parents can create an environment where learning continues beyond scheduled ABA sessions.

Step 1: Review Current ABA Goals

Start by reviewing your child’s Individualized Treatment Plan with their ABA therapist or BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). Ask questions such as:

Which goals are close to being mastered?
Which goals need additional support at home?
Are there any seasonal or developmental opportunities we should address?

This review ensures that the goals you focus on at home align with the strategies your ABA team is using in therapy.

Step 2: Identify Priority Areas for Fall

Not every skill can (or should) be targeted at once. Choose a few priority areas based on your child’s needs and upcoming life events. Common fall goals include:

Morning routines – Getting dressed, eating breakfast, and preparing for school independently
Homework routines – Building focus, following instructions, and completing assignments
Social interactions – Participating in group activities or initiating play with peers
Self-care skills – Brushing teeth, managing personal belongings, or packing a backpack
Transition skills – Moving between activities calmly and efficiently

Choosing seasonal goals allows you to connect new skills to real-life situations, making them more meaningful and easier to generalize.

Step 3: Use Visual Supports to Reinforce Routines

Visual aids help children understand expectations and maintain independence. For example:

Create a visual morning checklist with pictures of each task
Use a weekly calendar to highlight therapy sessions, school events, and fun activities
Post step-by-step instructions for self-care tasks in relevant areas (e.g., brushing teeth in the bathroom)

These supports reduce the need for constant verbal reminders and promote confidence in following routines.

Step 4: Break Goals into Manageable Steps

ABA emphasizes breaking complex skills into smaller, teachable steps—a process called task analysis. For example, if the goal is “independent morning routine,” you might break it down into:

Wake up to alarm
Get dressed
Eat breakfast
Brush teeth
Pack backpack

By practicing each step individually, your child can master them gradually without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 5: Build Consistency Through Repetition

Repetition helps make routines automatic. Try to maintain consistency in:

Timing – Complete tasks at the same time each day
Sequence – Keep the order of activities predictable
Environment – Use the same space for specific tasks when possible

Predictable patterns make it easier for children to anticipate what comes next, reducing stress and increasing independence.

Step 6: Involve Your ABA Team

Collaboration is key. Share your home-based routine goals with your ABA therapist so they can reinforce them during sessions. They may provide:

Behavioral strategies to encourage participation
Reinforcement ideas for motivating your child
Data collection tools to measure progress

The more consistent the approach between home and therapy, the faster your child will build lasting skills.

Step 7: Reinforce Progress Positively

Positive reinforcement strengthens desired behaviors. This might include verbal praise, high-fives, extra playtime, or small tangible rewards. The key is to make reinforcement immediate and meaningful to your child.

For example, if your child completes their morning routine independently, you might say: “I’m so proud of how you got ready for school today! Let’s choose a special activity after homework.”

Step 8: Adjust Goals as Needed

Routine goals aren’t set in stone. If your child masters a skill quickly, you can increase complexity or introduce a new goal. If a goal proves too challenging, break it down further or add more supports. ABA is designed to be flexible and responsive to the learner’s progress.

Making Routines Enjoyable

Routines don’t have to feel rigid or boring. Incorporate fun elements, such as:

Playing music during clean-up time
Using themed stickers to mark completed tasks
Turning transitions into games (e.g., “Let’s see if we can get to the car before the song ends!”)

Making routines enjoyable increases motivation and engagement, which are essential for long-term success.

Fall Routine Goal Ideas by Age Group

Preschoolers

Put on shoes independently
Follow a two-step instruction
Clean up toys before starting a new activity

Elementary Age

Pack lunch with minimal assistance
Complete a homework assignment with visual guidance
Participate in a group game at recess

Teens

Manage a personal calendar for school and activities
Prepare a simple meal
Practice independent transportation skills (with supervision as needed)

Tracking and Celebrating Success

Documenting progress keeps everyone motivated. You might:

Use a chart to mark completed routines
Share updates with your ABA team weekly
Plan small celebrations for milestones reached

Celebrating success—whether through a favorite activity or verbal acknowledgment—helps reinforce the value of sticking to routines.

Final Thoughts

Setting routine goals in the fall gives your child a fresh opportunity to strengthen important skills and build independence. With a focused plan, consistent practice, and support from your ABA team, routines can become a source of stability, confidence, and success. Remember to start small, stay flexible, and celebrate every step forward.