Small wins in ABA Therapy: the foundation for lasting growth.
As a Super Parent, you already know that raising a child with autism is a journey filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. In ABA therapy, progress doesn’t always arrive with fireworks or big milestones. More often, it happens quietly: in the little victories we like to call small wins.
And here’s the truth: these small wins are the foundation for lasting growth.
Why Small Wins Matter in ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is built on the idea of breaking big skills into smaller, manageable steps. Every time a child makes progress on one of those steps, it’s a victory worth celebrating.
Research confirms this too: consistently recognizing and reinforcing small improvements helps children stay motivated, engaged, and confident in their ability to learn (Leaf et al., 2016).
Some examples of small wins might include:
- A child making eye contact a few seconds longer than before.
- Following a simple new instruction at home.
- Tolerating a small change in routine without distress.
- Using a new gesture to ask for something they need.
These may seem small from the outside; but inside, they are huge. Each one builds momentum, confidence, and the skills children need for bigger developmental leaps.
How Parents Can Spot Small Wins at Home
It’s natural to focus on the “big” milestones: first words, independent dressing, or new friendships. But when you learn to see the everyday progress, the journey becomes even more rewarding.
Here’s how to tune in to those small wins:
✅ Observe daily routines: Notice when your child tries something new, even if it’s not perfect.
✅ Celebrate effort over outcome: Applaud persistence, not just success.
✅ Keep a simple journal or video diary: Track progress to see how far your child has come.
✅ Use positive language: Reinforce what your child did right to encourage them to keep going.
Remember: what feels like a tiny step today can open doors to much bigger skills tomorrow.
Real-Life Small Wins: Our #ABATherapyWins Series
At SuperKids, we see these moments every single day. That’s why we started the #ABATherapyWins series on Instagram, to share the everyday victories of our SuperKiddos and celebrate the incredible patience and persistence of Super Parents like you.
👉 From a smile in response to praise, to sitting calmly in circle time, to the first attempt at using words instead of gestures… these are the small wins that change lives.
✨ See our #ABATherapyWins highlights here.
Because progress doesn’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful.
The Power of Patience and Positivity
ABA therapy is a marathon, not a sprint. By recognizing and celebrating the little things, we create a positive environment that helps kids stay motivated and families feel encouraged.
So, next time your child:
- Waits patiently for their turn,
- Tries again after a challenge,
- Or walks into therapy with a smile…
Pause. Celebrate. That’s progress.
At SuperKids, we believe every step (big or small) is worth cheering for. 💙
📌 Want to learn more about how ABA therapy can support your child’s growth? Contact us!
Together, we make it better! ✨