The ability to generalize newly learned skills is essential for the long-term success and positive outcomes of ABA therapy. It enables kids to perform well in different settings, develop self-confidence, independence, and improve the retention of skills. We focus on teaching children to apply newly acquired skills in a variety of situations and circumstances outside of a clinical setting and with people other than the therapist. Children are not always able to independently transfer learned skills to other settings. For example, a child may have learned how to read in school, but is unable to successfully perform the same activity at home. If a behavior only occurs in one specific situation, there has been a failure to generalize.

As generalization is embedded in our treatment plans, we teach a target skill and behavior across a variety of settings, objects, behaviors, and people. We ensure that children practice these skills spontaneously throughout the day as part of their daily routine and in natural environments such as the home, classroom, grocery store, or playground. When a child can generalize their skills, they are less reliant on others for help that leads to a greater sense of independence, self-confidence and self-esteem. We collaborate with other therapists, teachers, peers, and family members to help the child practice and master the new skill in a variety of conditions.