Generalization: Helping Skills Stick Beyond Therapy

You’ve probably seen your child do something incredible during a therapy session, maybe they asked for a snack using words or completed a puzzle with minimal help. You were proud, hopeful, and maybe even amazed. But then at home, in a different room or with someone else, the skill disappeared. And you wondered, What happened? I know they can do it.

This isn’t failure. It’s actually a common and expected part of learning and it’s why in ABA, we place great importance on something called generalization.

Generalization is the ability to use a learned skill in different places, with different people, and in different situations. It’s one thing for a child to label colours during a structured activity with a therapist. It’s another thing entirely for that same child to say “red” when choosing a crayon at home, or to ask for help when frustrated at the park. Generalization is what makes learning real, not just rehearsed.

At Nova ABA Services, we believe that therapy is not about performance. It’s about preparation for life. And life happens outside of therapy rooms; in kitchens, grocery stores, school hallways, and living rooms. That’s why every goal we teach is designed with generalization in mind.

But generalization doesn’t just happen on its own. It requires intentional planning and collaboration with families. And this is where parents and caregivers become key partners in the process.

Even small actions at home can make a big impact. You don’t need to recreate therapy, you just need to look for opportunities to practice skills in natural ways:

• If your child learned to request a toy during therapy, give them chances to request snacks, books, or music throughout the day.

• If they practiced following a one-step direction with their therapist, try giving a similar instruction during play or bedtime.

• If they’re learning to tolerate waiting, practice it during real-life transitions, like waiting for a favourite video to load or for dinner to be served.

  
  

You can also support generalization by changing the environment, sitting in a different room, using different materials, or having a sibling or grandparent give the instruction. These simple variations help your child learn that a skill isn’t just tied to a specific therapist or setting, it’s something they can use anywhere, with anyone.

And most importantly, celebrate the effort. Generalization doesn’t always look perfect right away. Every attempt outside of therapy is a step toward real-world success, and that’s the kind of progress that matters most.

We understand that it can be frustrating to see your child master a skill in one place and struggle in another, but with time, patience, and support, those gaps can close. Skills can grow beyond sessions. And your child can thrive in the spaces that matter most to you - at home, at school, and in the community.

Because ABA isn’t about teaching a child to perform for us, it’s about empowering them to live confidently and independently in their world.

And that’s why generalization isn’t just a technique. It’s the bridge between learning and living. We’re here to walk that bridge with you, every step of the way.