Overcoming Water Aversion: A 7-Year-Old’s Successful Journey with ABA Therapy

When Sofia (name changed for privacy), a 7-year-old girl with autism, first joined our ABA program, she faced a significant challenge—she refused to drink water. No matter how thirsty she was, she would only drink juice, and if juice wasn’t available, she would go without drinking anything at all. This raised serious concerns for her parents, as dehydration was becoming a real issue.

Her parents had tried multiple strategies before coming to ABLE, including using different cups, adding ice, and even offering flavored water, but nothing worked. Sofia’s refusal was not just a matter of preference—it was a sensory and behavioral challenge that needed a structured approach.

Understanding the Challenge

Through careful assessment, our BCBAs team identified key factors contributing to Sofia’s water aversion:

Sensory Sensitivity: She had a strong preference for sweet flavors and rejected the neutral taste of water.
Rigid Preferences: Sofia was used to drinking only juice, and any change caused anxiety and resistance.
Lack of Exposure: Since she had refused water for so long, she never had the opportunity to get used to it.
Fear of the Unknown: The appearance and texture of water in a cup seemed unfamiliar and unappealing to her.

The ABA Therapy Approach

To help Sofia become comfortable with water, our team implemented a personalized ABA therapy plan that included:

✅ Gradual Exposure & Desensitization: Instead of forcing a sudden change, we started by introducing small amounts of water mixed with her favorite juice, reducing the juice concentration over time.

✅ Positive Reinforcement: Every small step—touching the cup, bringing it to her lips, and eventually taking a sip—was celebrated with praise, tokens, and her favorite rewards.

✅ Modeling & Peer Interaction: Therapists and family members demonstrated drinking water in front of her, making it look fun and normal. Seeing other kids enjoy water also encouraged her to try.

✅ Choice & Control: We allowed Sofia to choose her own cup, straw, or bottle to increase her comfort level and reduce resistance.

✅ Routine Building: Drinking water was incorporated into her daily schedule at predictable times, helping her build familiarity and expectation around the habit.

✅ Sensory Desensitization: Therapists experimented with different water temperatures and cups to find what worked best for her.

Challenges Along the Way

Sofia’s progress was not immediate—at first, she would only tolerate the cup being placed in front of her but refused to take a sip. She had days where she became frustrated and pushed the cup away. However, by staying consistent and patient, our therapists and her parents continued reinforcing small wins.

One of the biggest breakthroughs came when she was allowed to drink from a colorful water bottle with a bright pink straw, which made the experience more exciting. Slowly, she started accepting water on its own without needing it mixed with juice.

A Huge Milestone: Sofia Drinks Water Daily!

After several weeks of consistent ABA therapy, Sofia now drinks water every day without hesitation. Not only that, but she has also become more open to trying new beverages like milk and smoothies, which was something she had never done before.

Her parents are beyond thrilled, as this has improved her hydration, digestion, and overall health. Most importantly, Sofia has gained confidence in trying new things, an essential skill that will benefit her in many areas of life.

ABA Therapy Can Help Your Child Thrive

Every child faces unique challenges, but ABA therapy can provide the right tools and support to help them overcome obstacles. Whether your child struggles with food aversion, communication difficulties, or behavioral challenges, we are here to help.

At ABLE, we are proud to provide ABA therapy in Lakeland, Brandon, Tampa, and Clearwater, helping children with autism from Central Florida reach new milestones every day. With a compassionate, Spanish-speaking team and the ability to accept most insurance plans like Simply, Sunshine, etc, we are dedicated to making ABA therapy accessible to all families.

Now Accepting New Clients in Lakeland, Brandon, Tampa & Clearwater!
✅ We take most insurance plans
Spanish-speaking team available

Contact us today to start your intake process: (863) 619 2809

intake@applied-behavioral.com

(Note: The child’s name has been changed to protect privacy.)