ACT in ABA:  Everything you need to know 

Do you ever do hard things? You probably do. 

If someone asked you why you do something you don’t like, what would you tell them? You might say it’s because you need it for something you care about.  

That’s the core of acceptance and commitment training (ACT).  

ACT is all about aligning with values. It helps people define value-based goals and reach them in a way that adds meaning to the ABA model. Acceptance and commitment therapy techniques help people live up to what’s important to them.  

What is ACT therapy in ABA?  

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is a 6-part framework. It addresses the thoughts that shape behaviors rather than the actions themselves. The ACT model is based on creating a value system and aligning with it.  

Here’s a breakdown:  

1. Defusion  
   Realize that thoughts don’t have to be obeyed. You might have thoughts like “I can’t do this” — but that doesn’t mean you have to believe them.   

2. Acceptance  
   Tolerate your thoughts and feelings, even when you don’t like them or agree. Allow thoughts to come and go. Be aware — “Okay, I’m thinking that I can’t do this” — but don’t engage them.  

3. Being present  
   Be mindful. Think about your feelings and physical reactions to understand what‘s going on. Be aware of how you feel before you respond to an emotion.  

4. The observing self  
   Separate your thoughts from your self. There are the thoughts, and there is the you that observes the thoughts. Remember that your thoughts and feelings do not define you as a person.  

5. Values  
   Define what’s important to you. Visualize who you want to be and decide what you want to stand for. What matters enough that you’re willing to do hard things for it? “I want to be a good friend, so I’m willing to do something uncomfortable if it means I’ll become a better friend.”  

6. Committed action  
   Set goals that match your values — and act on them. Ask yourself which actions will bring you closer to your goals. “This is uncomfortable, but it will make me a better friend, so I’ll do it.”   

The ACT-ABA model can be extremely effective to help a child with autism. But it’s not only for them — many ACT-trained BCBAs use ACT techniques to motivate themselves every day.  

It’s easy to apply to your own life. When you do something, ask yourself, “Will this drive me toward my values?” Try it — you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

Can a BCBA do ACT therapy? 

BCBAs do not provide psychotherapy, but acceptance and commitment therapy training fits right into ABA. The way we think and feel shapes our actions, and addressing those thoughts and feelings will help us manage the behaviors that stem from them. ACT tackles the roots before the outgrowth.  

Specific ACT training helps BCBAs and ABA therapists incorporate ACT into ABA therapy responsibly. Studies show that values exercises combined with other ABA models give children with autism a better chance at meeting their goals.  

ACT and applied behavior analysis

Acceptance and commitment therapy techniques along with ABA can help children with autism succeed. Using ACT in ABA sessions helps reinforce behavior with meaning to develop lasting motivation.  

Here’s what that can look like.  

Since ACT is all about aligning with values, the therapist (we’ll call her Mandy) would discuss values with your child. She’ll ask questions like, “What do you value? What’s important to you?” 

Then they’ll bring it down. How does that translate into behavior? What thoughts or feelings take your child away from their values? Mandy will prompt them to define what stops them from living their ideal life.  

That can launch into a discussion about how our thoughts and feelings become behaviors. Mandy might point it out with a specific example from your child’s life. “Yesterday, you felt like tying your shoes was too hard, so you stopped trying to tie them.” If appropriate, she’ll share a personal example — “Last night, I thought I had no energy, so I spent my evening sitting on the couch instead of cleaning up my house.”  

Then they take a twist to ask what actions would bring your child closer to their values. Mandy explains how processes and behaviors can help them live according to what’s important to them. “If you share your toy with your sister, that helps you reach your value of being kind.” When she teaches a process, Mandy will show your child how it aligns with what matters to them. She’ll help them understand the values behind it, not just what to do.  

Mandy might teach your child acceptance techniques to deal with distress. She’ll explain that it’s hard, but it’s okay. She’ll help them accept negative thoughts they might have by creating a “worry box” to contain fears and practice breathing techniques to equip them to stay present.  

Your child will practice defusion with Mandy to help them deal with difficult situations. Mandy might have them visualize throwing their thoughts away. They’ll sit down together, draw or write bad thoughts on a balloon, and let it float away outside to help them visualize dropping their negative thoughts.  

These exercises will give your child a reason to learn new techniques. Their values and goals motivate them in a way that nothing else can. Rather than learning new tools or processes because they have to, they’ll learn them because it will get them closer to where they want to go.  

Live a values-based life with ACT 

There are many things that shape what we do. Inner thoughts and feelings are a major element of that. Like the part of an iceberg that’s submerged in water, they’re there even when we don’t see them.  

Many traditional ABA approaches target visible external behaviors. But when you add ACT and values to those techniques, it adds an extremely impactful dimension.  

“Vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare.”  

― Steven C. Hayes, founder of the ACT approach  

Ready to start living your best life? Remind yourself what’s important to you. Ask yourself what goals match that. And take a step towards that.