ABA Interventions for Physical Aggression
We help children with autism replace aggression with safe, effective ways to communicate. Our in-home ABA programs address triggers and teach lasting skills.
Helping Children Replace Aggression with Safer Communication
For some children with autism, hitting, biting, kicking, or other aggressive behaviors can be a way to communicate needs or manage frustration. While these actions may be part of an unmet need, they can affect relationships, safety, and learning.
At Achieving Stars Therapy, our in-home ABA programs address physical aggression by identifying its root causes, then teaching alternative, safe, and functional skills your child can use instead. See What We Treat for an overview of related goals.
Why Parents Choose Us for Aggression Support
We identify the function of challenging behaviors through an in-home Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), then replace them with safe, functional alternatives.Behaviors we may address:
- We work in your child’s home—where the aggression often occurs—allowing strategies to be practiced in real situations.
- Our BCBAs create individualized behavior plans based on Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA).
- We provide Caregiver Guidance so you can confidently reinforce the strategies between sessions.
Expert-Informed ABA Strategies for Physical Aggression
We integrate the proven methods of leading autism intervention researchers:
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) – Najdowski & ABA Best PracticesIdentifies the triggers and functions behind aggression (e.g., escape, attention, sensory needs).
- Replacement Behavior Training – Dr. Robert KoegelTeaches your child alternative ways to get their needs met, like asking for breaks or using communication devices.
- Natural Environment Teaching – Dr. Karen PiercePractices new skills during daily routines so they are more likely to stick.
- Joint Engagement – Dr. Connie KasariUses shared activities and play to strengthen positive interaction and reduce aggression triggers.
- Joint Engagement – Sir Simon Baron-CohenPrepares children for changes or challenges by showing them what to expect, lowering frustration and aggression risk.
Common Replacement Skills We Teach
- Requesting help instead of lashing out
- Using calming strategies before aggression escalates
- Taking breaks or leaving the area safely
- Expressing needs verbally or with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools
- Increasing tolerance to delayed access to preferred items or activities
What to Expect in Our In-Home Sessions
Your BCBA will:
- Conduct an FBA to understand aggression patterns.
- Create a personalized plan targeting safe alternatives.
- Have an RBT work with your child in moments where aggression is likely.
- Give you clear guidance so you can keep progress going between visits.
Why In-Home ABA Works for Aggression
Because we see the actual environment, triggers, and routines, we can tailor strategies in a way clinic sessions cannot. This real-world approach leads to faster, more lasting behavior change.