Teaching Flexible Thinking in ABA: Why It Matters and How to Get Started
- Brigid McCormick
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
Change is a part of life—but for many children, especially those with executive function challenges, it can feel overwhelming. Cognitive flexibility, the ability to shift gears when plans or expectations change, is a cornerstone executive function skill that shapes how smoothly kids can move through everyday routines.
As ABA professionals, we see firsthand how even small transitions—like moving from playtime to cleanup, or switching from preferred to non-preferred tasks—can spark frustration, resistance, or anxiety. Supporting cognitive flexibility isn’t just about teaching kids to “go with the flow.” It’s about helping them feel safe, prepared, and capable when the unexpected happens.
Why Cognitive Flexibility Matters
Cognitive flexibility allows children to:
Shift perspectives (e.g., understanding that there’s more than one way to solve a puzzle).
Transition between tasks without meltdown-level resistance.
Cope with change—whether that’s a substitute teacher, a new schedule, or an unexpected trip to the grocery store.
Problem-solve creatively when their first attempt doesn’t work.
When kids struggle with this skill, daily life often feels rigid. The world can become full of “musts” and “shoulds,” leaving little room for compromise or adaptation. Our role as practitioners is to gently guide them toward building flexibility—at their pace and in ways that feel safe.
ABA Strategies for Building Flexibility
Here are some simple, research-informed strategies you can bring into sessions:
Practice with “tiny changes.” Start with small, low-stakes adjustments, like switching the order of two activities, so kids can learn to tolerate changes without overwhelm.
Use visual supports. Tools like visual schedules can prepare children for transitions, while adding “mystery spots” can build tolerance for novelty.
Offer choices within boundaries. Allowing children to select between options teaches them that flexibility can still come with control.
Model flexible thinking. Narrating your own thought process (“Hmm, that didn’t work—let’s try it a different way!”) helps children see flexibility in action.
Everyday Life Connections
Cognitive flexibility doesn’t just matter in therapy—it’s essential for life. Think about:
A child who can adapt when their favorite shirt is in the laundry.
A student who can handle math class being moved after lunch instead of before.
A teenager who can join a different game at recess when the one they wanted is full.
Each of these moments builds independence, resilience, and social connection. And it starts with us intentionally scaffolding these skills.
Resource: Flexible Thinking Practice Activities
This downloadable PDF includes 15 ready-to-use activities designed to gently challenge rigidity and build flexible thinking skills, with built-in reinforcement ideas for each.
Want to keep exploring executive function
skills in ABA?
Each week in our Executive Function Newsletter Series, we share simple, ABA-focused strategies you can use right away—plus resources to make your work a little easier.
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