My son has been in ABA therapy for almost a year now but before he even got started I was using their techniques with him by myself. The first-then language you speak of was extremely useful with my son. At first he didn’t understand what was being said but now he totally gets it. I’ll say first were going to take a bath then we’ll read books. Then, right after bath time he will say “ok let’s read books.” But it works for so many different scenarios now. It really helps him to be able to transition from one task to another. My son was very responsive to physical rewards like I would take his hand and say “high five” when he was a baby and then I would slap his hand against mine and start bouncing him up and down and saying “yay!” As his reward. Or I would say “which way?” While holding him then take his hand and make him point to a certain direction and I would say “that way!” Then run in the direction I made him point. He loved it. Seems like so long ago now but he has made amazing progress through use of ABA techniques. Anything can be a reinforcer, seriously.

My son went through extensive occupational therapy. He had a therapist come to our home on a weekly basis. His biggest obstacle was his speech delay. Once we got that going, the rest just started falling into place.

I love the idea of the PECS books at home, we just got some symbols and I will be trying to get that Velcro style book ordered.
@A MyAutismTeam Member thank you!

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A MyAutis...

my Son started at 2 1/2 and use to be non-verbal. they had a PEC book. This is a book of pictures they take of foods he likes and diffrent items around your house for him to know what they are and how to say them. My son can say some words so clear and still working on others. he is a sensory lover so He does play dough and kinectic sand.
They motivate him with Puzzles and cars. he loves Lighting Mcqueen. He loves the therapist and now interact with kids more because they also take him to the park and try social skills.
I LOVE ABA.
Goodluck on your therapy

I just got my son set up w ABA, so I am learning as well. There are different versions of ABA. My husband and I will get the opportunity to observe it in action in a few weeks, so I'll let you know then. I read a couple of books--check out "Floortime" which is a very naturalistic play-based alternative to traditional ABA. It's written for parents. Also, what my ABA facility follows is Verbal Approach ABA. There's a book called "The Verbal Behavior Approach" which does a good job explaining the lingo and how ABA can be used to promote Lang development.