Generalization: Making Skills Stick Beyond ABA Sessions

One of the primary goals of ABA therapy is generalization—teaching a skill so that your child can use it in different settings, with different people, and over time.

Why Generalization Matters

It’s not enough for a child to learn a skill in a therapy room. They need to use it at home, at school, in the community, and with family and peers.

How ABA Promotes Generalization

• Multiple Exemplars: Teaching the same skill using various materials, people, or settings.

• Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Practicing skills in real-life situations.

• Parent Involvement: Parents are trained to use the same strategies as therapists.

• Maintenance Checks: Periodic review of previously mastered skills to ensure retention.

Examples:

• A child learns to request water using sign language with their therapist. Generalization happens when they also request water from mom at home.

• A child who shares during a session is then encouraged to share with a sibling during playtime.

Parents are essential in supporting generalization by practicing skills outside of therapy and communicating regularly with the ABA team.