How to Promote Social Skills With Peer Modeling in ABA
Social skills are more than just saying “hello” or taking turns. They’re the foundation for making friends, working with others, and building confidence. For many children with autism, these skills don’t develop naturally — but the good news is that they can be taught.
One of the most effective ways to build social skills in ABA is through peer modeling — using other children to demonstrate appropriate behaviors in natural, relatable ways. It’s real, it’s engaging, and when done right, it can transform how a child interacts with the world around them.
What Is Peer Modeling?
Peer modeling is a teaching strategy where children learn by observing others. In ABA, therapists strategically place a child with autism alongside typically developing peers or trained peers who model:
Turn-taking
Initiating conversation
Sharing
Responding to social cues
Playing cooperatively
This approach helps children with autism learn by example — not just instruction.
Why Peer Modeling Works
Children often imitate their peers more readily than adults. Watching another child do something makes the skill:
Seem more natural
Feel less like “therapy”
Easier to understand in context
Peer modeling taps into observational learning, or what ABA calls modeling reinforcement — a core part of how we all learn social norms.
Where Peer Modeling Happens
ABA clinics (with peer-matched play sessions)
Preschools and classrooms (with integrated support)
Community groups (e.g., library programs or sports teams)
Sibling sessions at home
How ABA Therapists Use Peer Modeling
Set the Stage
Arrange a structured play session with clear expectations. Use toys or games that encourage interaction — like blocks, turn-taking games, or pretend play.Model the Skill First
If needed, the therapist models the target behavior with the peer.Let the Peer Take the Lead
Once the peer is demonstrating the behavior (e.g., “Your turn!”), the child with autism is encouraged to imitate.Reinforce Positive Interaction
Each time the child joins in appropriately, they’re reinforced with praise, tokens, or access to preferred activities.Fade Support Gradually
As the child becomes more independent, prompts and reinforcement are reduced to encourage natural interaction.
What Makes a Good Peer Model?
Patient and kind
Age-appropriate and socially skilled
Able to follow directions from adults
Enthusiastic and inclusive
Peers can be classmates, siblings, or clinic-matched partners. In some cases, typically developing children are trained to be peer mentors.
Examples of Peer Modeling Goals
Saying “hi” or waving
Waiting in line
Responding to name
Joining a group activity
Asking for help from a friend
What Parents Can Do at Home
Involve siblings: Teach older brothers or sisters how to model turn-taking or asking questions.
Set up short playdates: Choose calm, supportive peers and limit sessions to 20–30 minutes.
Use video modeling: Watch short clips of children demonstrating desired behaviors and talk about them.
Celebrate social wins: Praise even small moments of interaction.
Real-Life Example
Jackson, age 5, often played alone during group sessions. His therapist introduced a peer, Leo, who was instructed to hand Jackson a toy and say “Wanna play?” After a few sessions of watching and prompting, Jackson began saying “Play?” and passing toys back. Within weeks, he initiated play independently.
Final Thoughts
Peer modeling brings social learning to life. Instead of just telling children how to interact, it lets them see it, feel it, and try it in a real way. With the right peers and support, even the most reluctant social learners can build meaningful connections.
