BST is widely supported by ABA and is used to teach skills across communication, safety, self-help, social behavior, and more. BST gives families a reliable, step-by-step method that works directly in the home, where children learn best.
What Is Behavioral Skills Training (BST)?
Behavioral Skills Training is a structured teaching approach used to help children learn new behaviors through four key steps:
- Instruction
- Modeling
- Rehearsal
- Feedback
Instead of simply telling a child what to do, BST teaches how to do it through clear demonstrations and guided practice. This makes it far more effective than traditional instruction.
Why BST Works So Well in In-Home ABA Therapy
In-home ABA therapy is most effective when the skills being taught get connected directly to the child’s daily routines. BST supports this by offering:
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Real-life learning
- Clear and predictable steps
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Strong generalization
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Caregiver involvement
The Four Components of BST (And How They Work at Home)
1. Instruction
The therapist begins by explaining the skill or behavior clearly. Instructions are simple, direct, and tailored to the child’s learning style. This includes:
- what the skill is
- when it should happen
- why it matters
- the exact steps involved
2.Modeling
Next, the therapist demonstrates the behavior exactly as it should look. Children learn best by seeing the behavior in action, and modeling provides a clear example to follow.
Examples might include:
- how to request a toy politely
- how to wash hands step-by-step
- how to respond when someone calls their name
3.Rehearsal (Practice)
The child practices the skill while the therapist supports them with guidance. Rehearsal repeats several times until the child can perform the skill independently or with minimal support. This is where most learning happens, and the home environment creates natural opportunities for practice.
4.Feedback
Immediately after the child attempts the skill, the therapist gives specific feedback. Feedback helps shape the behavior and ensures the child learns the correct version of the skill.
This may be:
- Positive feedback: “Great job waiting for your turn!”
- Corrective feedback: “Next time, try to look at me when you ask.”
How BST Helps Children Build Real-World Skills
BST is flexible and can be used to teach many important skills, including:
- Communication: Requesting items, asking for help, greeting others, responding to questions.
- Social skills: Sharing, joining play, taking turns, following group instructions.
- Daily living skills: Toothbrushing, dressing, completing chores, organizing materials.
- Safety skills: Staying with a parent in public, asking before leaving a room.
- Emotional regulation: Using coping strategies, asking for breaks, identifying feelings.
Benefits of BST for Families and Children
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Builds confidence
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Helps parents support progress
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Encourages independence
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying only on verbal instructions: children need modeling and practice, not just explanations.
- Skipping feedback: immediate feedback shapes behavior more effectively than delayed corrections.
- Not practicing in real situations: skills taught only at a table often do not generalize.
- Practicing only once: repetition builds mastery.
For families, BST offers a reliable, easy-to-follow framework that strengthens progress, supports independence, and makes therapy more consistent at home.