Social Skills ABA Goals | 35 Example Goals

Social skills aba may be part of your child’s IEP. Social skills are integral to our everyday interactions and form the basis of successful relationships and clear communication. For individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), these social skills might not always develop naturally. They often require explicit, targeted instruction to recognize and implement them. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one scientifically validated approach used to teach these vital skills.

This guide presents 35 specific social skills goals developed using ABA principles. The goals encompass crucial aspects of social functioning, spanning social interaction, communication, emotional regulation, and play skills. Each goal is distinct, measurable, and designed to enable substantial progress in social ability for those with ASD.

The 35 ABA social skills goals into five main areas: Social Interaction, Communication, Emotional Regulation, Play Skills, and General Social Skills.

Social Interaction

Improve eye contact during social interactions for at least 3 seconds, 80% of the time.
Initiate appropriate greetings with adults and peers at least 10 times per day.

Join ongoing group activities 80% of the time when opportunities arise.
Develop friendships with peers by inviting them to participate in activities 3 times per week.
Take turns and share materials with others in 90% of play or group activities.

Demonstrate understanding of personal space in at least 90% of social interactions.
Show increased tolerance for new or unexpected changes in routine in 9 out of 10 situations.
Wait patiently for their turn during activities or conversations in 80% of opportunities.

Offer help or support to peers when they are in need, 80% of the time.
Recognize and respect personal and cultural differences in 85% of social interactions.

Communication

Engage in reciprocal conversations with peers for at least 5 conversational turns, in 4 out of 5 opportunities.
for clarifications when unsure about instructions or content in 80% of situations.
Make at least one relevant comment or ask a question during peer discussions, 75% of the time.

Verbally resolve conflicts with peers in 4 out of 5 situations.
Use context-appropriate language in 80% of conversations across different social settings.
Refrain from interrupting others in at least 4 out of 5 conversations.

Use appropriate tone and volume of voice in 85% of social interactions.

Emotional Regulation

Verbally express emotions accurately in 80% of situations where feelings are involved.

Respond appropriately to peer’s emotions 75% of the time during social interactions.
Demonstrate empathy towards peers in 90% of opportunities presented.
Identify and discuss the feelings and perspectives of others in stories or social situations, 75% of the time.

Respond to teasing or bullying in a socially appropriate manner in 9 out of 10 situations.

Play Skills

Participate in cooperative play activities with minimal adult support in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

Engage in imaginative play with peers in 75% of play opportunities.

General Social Skills

Seek adult assistance when needed in at least 4 out of 5 situations.

Effectively utilize self-advocacy strategies in 85% of necessary situations.
Acknowledge compliments with an appropriate response in 4 out of 5 instances.
Ask permission before using another person’s belongings in 95% of opportunities.

Use appropriate gestures and body language during conversations in 80% of opportunities.
Use problem-solving strategies to overcome social challenges in 4 out of 5 instances.
Follow group norms and expectations in a variety of social settings, 80% of the time.

Exhibit self-control and refrain from engaging in physical aggression during social interactions.
Identify and pursue personal interests in social activities at least once per week.
Transition smoothly between activities with minimal prompts in 80% of situations.