ABA Sample Session (cards and chase)

Paige and Dr. Kelly are laughing, moving, and staying engaged as learning feels more like a game than a lesson. The table is full of tokens, questions, and excitement, and Paige eagerly anticipates the moment she gets to jump up and play chase. Through all the fun and energy, Dr. Kelly remains calm and consistent, gently restating expectations when Paige steps away from the table or reaches for the tokens to get a reaction. Since these are skills Paige already knows, she earns a token after several correct responses rather than after every answer. When needed, Dr. Kelly adjusts her direction from “sit in your chair” to “you can sit or stand, but stay at the table,” offering choice while keeping her on track. Paige is free to move about the room, but all the materials and attention stay at the table, drawing her back in. If she were to start running away instead of toward the fun, Dr. Kelly would simply tweak the plan by bringing the game sooner or making the work a little easier. This is one playful example of what an ABA session can look like—joyful, flexible, and built around each learner