When Waiting Feels Impossible: How ABA Builds Patience at The Sunshine Academy
Updated: 2 days ago
"Just a minute" can feel like forever to a young child. For many autistic kids, waiting for a snack, a turn, or a favorite show can lead to tears or big behaviors.
The good news is that waiting is a skill, and skills can be taught. Here's how ABA therapy builds patience at The Sunshine Academy in Broken Arrow.
Why Waiting Is So Hard for Some Kids
Waiting asks a child to hold onto a want, cope with not knowing how long, and find something else to do. That's a lot to manage.
Kids who have trouble with time concepts or communication often experience waiting as a total loss instead of a short pause.
How ABA Teaches Waiting Skills
We don't simply ask kids to "be patient." We break waiting into small, teachable steps and celebrate every success.
Start Small
We begin with waits a child can already handle, sometimes just two or three seconds. Then we stretch the time gradually as they succeed.
Make Time Visible
Visual timers, countdowns, and sand timers help children see when the wait will end. Knowing there's an end point makes waiting feel safer.
Use First-Then Language
"First shoes, then tablet" gives a clear order of events. It pairs well with a picture board for kids who are still building language.
Give Something to Do
Waiting goes better with a job, like holding a toy, squeezing a fidget, or singing a song. We teach these coping tools on purpose.
Practice in Play
Turn-taking games, bubbles, and snack time are perfect practice. Our naturalistic teaching approach keeps practice fun instead of stressful.
Bringing Waiting Skills Home
Patience learned at the clinic matters most when it shows up at home, in the car, and at the store.
Simple ways to practice with your child:
Use the same words for waiting, like "wait, then"
Set a timer for short waits during snacks or screen time
Praise calm waiting right away, even for a few seconds
Keep early practice waits short and successful
Bring a small "waiting kit" for appointments and errands
Our BCBAs coach families on these steps during parent training. Learn more about your role as a parent in ABA.
When Waiting Leads to Big Behaviors
If waiting regularly triggers meltdowns, aggression, or running off, it's worth talking with a BCBA. Understanding why the behavior happens is the first step to changing it.
Read how we approach challenging behaviors with care and clear plans. Our post on smoother transitions may help too.
Get Started at The Sunshine Academy
Ready to build patience together? Contact The Sunshine Academy to request services.
Call 918-900-6237 or email hello@thesunshine.academy.
You can also join our waitlist online.
We serve Tulsa-area families at two Broken Arrow clinics: 2208 W Detroit St and 304 N Beech Circle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Teaching Waiting Skills with ABA
Can ABA therapy help my child learn to wait?
Yes. ABA breaks waiting into small steps, uses visual timers and first-then language, and gradually increases wait times as your child succeeds.
How long does it take to build waiting skills?
Every child is different. Many families see progress with short waits in a few weeks when practice is consistent at the clinic and at home.
Where is The Sunshine Academy located?
The Sunshine Academy has two ABA clinics in Broken Arrow, at 2208 W Detroit St and 304 N Beech Circle, serving families across the Tulsa area.
