How to Use Timers in ABA Sessions

1. Definition

A timer is a tool—visual, auditory, or both—that shows how long an activity will last or when a transition will happen. Timers can count up (how long something has been happening) or down (how long until something ends or begins).

Timers help children understand:

How long they need to work
How long they must wait
When something is all done
When a preferred activity will begin
How long a break will last

A timer gives clear structure to routines, tasks, and transitions.

2. Importance

Timers are important because they help:

Reduce challenging behaviors
Make transitions predictable
Help children tolerate waiting
Increase independence
Improve task completion
Create clear expectations
Teach time concepts (first work, then play)

Timers help children feel more in control because they can see or hear when something will begin or end.
This reduces frustration, confusion, and unexpected changes—common triggers for behaviors.

3. Regular Example (How to Use a Timer During a Structured ABA Session)

Here’s exactly how an RBT or parent uses a timer step-by-step during teaching.

Step 1: Show and Explain the Timer

Before starting, explain the timer simply:

“We work until the timer beeps.”
“When the red is gone, break time.”
“We clean up when the timer finishes.”

This helps the child understand the purpose.

Step 2: Start With Very Short Durations

Early on, success needs to be fast.

Examples:

10–20 seconds of sitting
15 seconds of working
20 seconds of waiting

Short timers build confidence and reduce frustration.

Step 3: Use the Timer to Show Work Time

Set the timer and begin the activity.

While the timer runs:

Give praise
Provide gentle reminders (“Keep going until the timer rings.”)
Stay consistent

When the timer ends:

Immediately end the task or transition as promised
Give praise or a break

This builds trust and teaches predictability.

Step 4: Use the Timer to Show Break Time

Timers work both ways:

Work time counts down
Break time counts down

Example:

“Break for 1 minute. When the timer rings, we go back to work.”

This teaches children to enjoy breaks within limits, not indefinitely.

Step 5: Use Timers to Increase Manding

Timers naturally create communication opportunities.

When the timer ends during a favorite activity:

Pause
Wait 1–2 seconds
Prompt the child to request:

Examples:

“More time.”
“Again.”
“One more.”

Timers become the cue (SD) for functional communication.

Step 6: Increase Timer Length Gradually

As the child improves:

Increase working minutes
Increase waiting tolerance
Increase transition times

Go slowly and adjust based on the child’s success.

Step 7: Always Honor the Timer

If the timer ends:

Transition immediately
Do not extend the task or break without a communication response
Never say “just a little more”

Consistency is what makes timers effective.

4. Real-World Example (Using Timers in Daily Routines)

Here are real-world ways parents and technicians naturally use timers outside of sessions.

Example 1: Transitions at Home

A child struggles going from playtime to dinner.

Parent sets a visual timer for 2 minutes:

“When the red is gone, playtime is all done.”

Child sees time ticking down → Transition success improves.

Example 2: Waiting in the Car

A child asks repeatedly for a snack while waiting in the car.

Parent:
“We wait for 1 minute. Snack when the timer rings.”

Child watches timer → learns waiting tolerance.

Example 3: Sharing with a Sibling

Two children want the same toy.

Parent sets a 1-minute turn timer:

“Your turn until the timer rings, then your brother’s turn.”

This reduces arguments and teaches turn-taking.

Example 4: Using an AAC Device

Parent sets a timer during iPad time.

When the timer ends, the child uses AAC to request more:

“More time.”

Timers naturally prompt communication.

Example 5: Getting Ready for School

Child takes a long time picking clothes.

Parent sets a 2-minute timer:

“Choose before the timer rings.”

This builds independence and reduces morning stress.

Example 6: Ending Preferred Activities

Child is playing at the park.

Parent: “Two minutes left. When the timer rings, we go home.”

Consistency reduces meltdowns over transitions.

Summary: How RBTs and Parents Should Use Timers

Explain the timer before using it
Start with short durations
Use the timer for work time and break time
Honor the timer every time
Use natural communication opportunities
Increase duration slowly
Use timers during transitions, play, routines, and chores

Timers create predictability, reduce problem behaviors, and help children learn important life skills like waiting, transitioning, and completing tasks independently.