ABA for Difficulty Waiting & Turn-Taking in Autism

If your child falls apart the moment they have to wait for anything — a turn on the swing, the red light to change, the microwave to beep — you are not alone. Waiting is genuinely hard for children with autism, and it is one of the most teachable skills in ABA.

Why waiting is so hard

For many children with autism, delayed reinforcement is neurologically more difficult than it is for neurotypical children. When a reward or preferred item isn’t immediate, the frustration can be immediate and intense. This is often compounded by difficulty understanding time (how long is “one minute”?), challenges with flexible thinking when things don’t happen in expected order, and limited ability to self-soothe during the wait. Turn-taking adds a social layer: understanding that someone else gets the preferred thing first requires perspective-taking skills that many children with autism are still developing. This is a skill gap, not a character flaw — and skill gaps can be taught.

How ABA teaches waiting

ABA teaches waiting through graduated delay of reinforcement — starting with a wait of just a few seconds, then systematically extending that duration as the child builds tolerance. Visual supports like timers, wait cards, and first-then boards make abstract waiting concrete and predictable. Turn-taking is taught through structured play activities, starting one-on-one with a therapist, then gradually including peers. Related: social skills and transitions. These are foundational skills for school readiness and peer relationships.

Frequently asked questions

This page is general educational information, not medical advice. Every child is different — a BCBA can assess your child’s specific needs. Autumn ABA serves families in all 21 NJ counties; see where we provide ABA therapy.

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