When I first started ABA, the term “skill acquisition” sounded technical. But in reality, it’s simply teaching our kids new skills step by step—so they can do things independently over time.
What It Means
Skill acquisition is all the strategies and teaching procedures used to help a child learn new behaviors or abilities. This can be anything from communication, self-care, social skills, to academic tasks.
Real-Life Example
- My child didn’t know how to say “please” or “thank you.”
- We used small steps: first pointing, then trying the word with guidance, then practicing independently.
- We celebrated every small success with praise, high-fives, or a favorite toy.
- Over time, my child learned to ask politely without prompting!
Another example: learning to wash hands independently.
- Pick up toothbrush
- Put toothpaste
- Wet brush
- Brush teeth
- Rinse
Breaking skills into steps made them achievable, and we celebrated each small win.
Why Skill Acquisition Matters
- Helps children gain independence
- Makes learning structured and achievable
- Builds confidence with small, consistent successes
- Works best when paired with positive reinforcement and motivation
Tip from My Experience:
Always celebrate even the tiniest step forward. My child felt proud, and that pride motivated them to keep learning. Skill acquisition isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, connection, and confidence.
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