Getting Started with ABA Therapy

Making the decision to start ABA therapy can bring a mix of big emotions! Many parents feel hopeful, but it’s also completely normal to feel overwhelmed, nervous, or unsure about what comes next.

The First Step is Getting to Know Your Child

Before therapy begins, your ABA provider will spend time learning all about your child and your family’s goals.

During the intake process, you’ll likely talk about:

• Your child’s strengths and interests
• Communication skills
• Daily routines
• Areas of concern
• Family priorities
• Medical and educational history

This is also a great time to ask questions and share what matters most to your family. Every child is different, and therapy should be built around their unique needs!

Documents To Have Ready

Most insurance providers require:

• Autism diagnostic documentation
• A referral from your child’s physician
• Insurance information
• IEP or 504 Plan, if applicable

Your ABA provider can help explain any specific requirements.

The ABA Assessment Process

One of the first things that will happen is a comprehensive assessment completed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

During the assessment, the BCBA may observe your child playing and interacting, evaluate communication and daily living skills, learn about your child’s interests and motivations, and identify challenges that may be affecting learning or independence. Depending on your child’s age and needs, some activities may look more like play than testing.

The assessment process may also include parent or caregiver questionnaires. Many insurance companies require these standardized questionnaires as part of the authorization process. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be asked to complete one or more questionnaires about your child’s skills, behaviors, and daily functioning. For example, families with TRICARE often complete several caregiver questionnaires before services can begin.

Creating a Personalized Treatment Plan

After the assessment, the BCBA reviews all of the information gathered and develops an individualized treatment plan. This plan serves as a roadmap for therapy and outlines the skills your child will be working on.

Goals may focus on areas such as:

• Communication
• Social interaction
• Play skills
• Daily living skills
• Emotional regulation
• Safety skills
• Independence at home and in the community

The treatment plan should reflect your family’s priorities, not just clinical recommendations. If there are specific skills that would make daily life easier for your child and family, be sure to share those with your BCBA!

Meeting Your Child’s ABA Therapy Team

Once services are approved, your provider will begin scheduling sessions and matching your child with a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). The RBT is often the person your child will spend the most time with during therapy.

Many parents worry about how their child will respond to a new therapist. This is completely normal. Building trust and developing a positive relationship takes time, and experienced therapy teams understand the importance of moving at a pace that feels comfortable for the child.

What Happens During the First ABA Session?

The first week of ABA therapy sessions are usually centered around building rapport and helping your child feel comfortable.

For example, your child’s therapist may play with their favorite toys, join them in preferred activities, learn what motivates them, and practice simple skills.

The goal is to establish trust and create an environment where learning can happen naturally.

Some children jump right in, while others need more time to adjust. Both responses are completely normal.

What Does the BCBA Do?

While the RBT works directly with your child during many sessions, the BCBA oversees the entire treatment program.

The BCBA is responsible for:

• Designing the treatment plan
• Training and supervising the RBT
• Monitoring progress
• Reviewing data
• Updating goals
• Supporting caregivers
• Collaborating with schools and other professionals when appropriate

You will likely have regular opportunities, either in person, or via remote telehealth, to meet with your BCBA to discuss progress, ask questions, and address concerns.

Your Role as a Parent

One of the most important things to know is that parent involvement in ABA therapy is essential.

Therapists may see your child for several hours each week, but you are there for the everyday moments where learning naturally happens.

You can support progress by:

• Communicating openly with the therapy team
• Practicing skills during daily routines
• Attending parent training sessions
• Sharing successes and challenges
• Celebrating progress along the way

You do not need to become an expert in ABA. Your role is simply to work collaboratively with the team and help create opportunities for learning throughout daily life.

My Final Thoughts

Starting ABA therapy is an important milestone, but you don’t have to navigate it alone!

At Learning and Behavior Consulting, we take a collaborative, supportive, and focused approach with the goal of helping your child build meaningful skills that improve everyday life. From the initial assessment to the first therapy session and beyond, your family’s input and involvement are valuable parts of the process!

Remember, the goal isn’t simply to complete therapy. The goal is to help your child gain skills, confidence, and independence while supporting your family’s unique needs and priorities along the way.