Setting Successful New Year’s Resolutions for Your Child with Autism

Written by Ian McGarvey, M.A., BCBA as Part of Behavior Frontiers’ Bright Futures Series

children with autism

Navigating a Path to Meaningful Goals

The start of a new year is a time for reflection, growth, and goal-setting. For parents of children with autism, however, setting New Year’s resolutions can come with unique challenges. You might wonder how to create goals that are both realistic and meaningful, or how to approach this process in a way that resonates with your child’s strengths and needs. While it can feel daunting, it’s important to remember that even small steps can lead to big progress. By focusing on your child’s abilities and collaborating as a team, you can turn resolutions into a powerful tool for fostering development, independence, and confidence. 

At Behavior Frontiers, we understand the unique journey of supporting children with autism. Our evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, whether home-based or center-based, can be a valuable resource for helping you and your child set and achieve meaningful goals. In this blog post, we’ll share actionable steps to help you create successful resolutions with your child while highlighting how ABA therapy can complement your efforts. 

1. Start with Strengths: Building on What Your Child Can Do 

Before setting any goals, take time to celebrate your child’s achievements and identify their strengths. Consider their interests, favorite activities, and recent milestones. For example, if your child has shown improvement in social interactions or is excited about a specific hobby, these can serve as a foundation for new goals. 

Tip: Create a strengths and interests chart together. This activity not only boosts your child’s confidence but also provides valuable insights into what might motivate them. 

 2. Involve Your Child in the Goal-Setting Process 

Children are more likely to engage with goals they help create them. Depending on your child’s communication style, you can:

  • Use visuals, like pictures or a vision board, to explore their ideas.

  • Offer simple choices, such as, “Do you want to practice saying hello to friends or learn a new game?”

  • Encourage open-ended input, like asking, “What would you like to learn or try this year?”

ABA therapy can support this process by teaching decision-making and communication skills. Behavior Frontiers’ expert therapists work to empower children to express preferences and take an active role in planning.

3. Keep Goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound 

Break goals into smaller, manageable steps that are clear and achievable. Instead of setting a broad resolution like “improve social skills,” try something more specific, like “practice saying hello to a friend twice a week during playtime.” 

By working with Behavior Frontiers’ ABA therapists, you can create personalized plans that align with the SMART criteria. Therapists can help track progress, adjust goals as needed, and celebrate successes along the way.

4. Create a Supportive Environment 

Your child’s environment plays a significant role in their success. Set up routines, visual schedules, or reward systems to encourage consistency and motivation. 

For example: 

  • Use a visual calendar to mark progress. 

  • Introduce a token system where your child earns small rewards for achieving mini-goals. 

5. Foster Family Collaboration 

Make goal-setting a family activity! When everyone is involved, it reinforces the importance of teamwork and consistency. For example: 

  • Siblings can participate by modeling social behaviors. 

  • Parents can work together to create shared goals for home routines, such as setting the table or completing a bedtime routine. 

  • Behavior Frontiers’ ABA therapists can also guide families in implementing techniques at home, ensuring everyone is on the same page. 

6. Celebrate Successes—Big and Small 

Progress takes time, and celebrating every achievement—no matter how small—builds momentum. Acknowledge your child’s efforts with praise, hugs, or special treats. Remember, success isn’t always about reaching the finish line; it’s about recognizing growth and resilience along the way. 

7. Leverage the Power of ABA Therapy 

Home-based and center-based ABA therapy can be an invaluable tool for supporting your child’s resolutions. At Behavior Frontiers, we’re proud to offer compassionate, evidence-based services that help children build skills, overcome challenges, and achieve their full potential. Here’s how we can help:

  • Skill Development: Whether your child’s goals involve communication, self-care, or social interaction, our tailored programs are designed to teach and reinforce these skills.

  • Behavior Management: If certain behaviors make goal-setting difficult, our therapists provide strategies to reduce barriers and promote positive habits.

  • Ongoing Support: With frequent progress monitoring and collaboration, we ensure your child stays on track toward achieving their goals.

Making Resolutions Matter

Setting New Year’s resolutions with your child with autism is an opportunity to nurture growth, connection, and joy. By focusing on strengths, involving your child, and creating a supportive environment, you can turn goals into a meaningful journey. And with the support of Behavior Frontiers’ ABA therapy programs, you’re never alone in this process. Together, let’s make this year a step forward in helping your child thrive. 

If you’re ready to learn more about how Behavior Frontiers can support your family, contact us today by calling 888-922-2843, or by filling out the form on our website here.  

Let’s make this New Year a time of growth and celebration for you and your child. 

About Ian McGarvey, M.A., BCBA

Ian McGarvey, M.A., BCBA, has worked in ABA since 2011, earning his master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2013. With over six years as a clinical director, he specializes in functional communication, trauma-informed care, and skills-based treatment. Passionate about mentoring BCBAs, Ian prioritizes client-centered, compassionate care and joined Behavior Frontiers’ Michigan team in 2023. 

Interested in center-based ABA therapy in your city? Contact us today! Be sure to follow Behavior Frontiers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for more updates!

Guest UserAutism CenterComment