Self-Advocacy Check-Ins During Sessions

The most powerful self-advocacy lessons happen in the middle of everyday moments — not in a dedicated lesson. This resource gives behavior staff and BCBAs a ready-to-use collection of guided check-in prompts to weave self-advocacy into every part of an ABA session.

Organized across six key session moments — beginning of session, before new activities, during challenging tasks, during play, during transitions, and end-of-session reflection — each section offers concrete example questions that invite learners to share how they're feeling, request what they need, and give feedback on what's working.

When check-ins happen consistently, learners learn that their voice matters and that asking for support, changes, or space is both expected and safe. That's not just good practice — it's the foundation of lasting skill development and meaningful assent.

Includes a blank "Your Ideas" section so practitioners can add prompts tailored to their specific learner. Low-prep, high-impact, and ready to use immediately.