Key Highlights

• Understand each stage of the ABA therapy onboarding process

• Learn what happens during assessments, planning, and goal setting

• Discover how therapy sessions are structured for early success

• Find tips to stay involved and track your child’s progress

• Get a 30-day timeline to help set realistic expectations

Starting ABA therapy is an exciting and hopeful step for families of children with autism. But it’s also natural to feel unsure about what to expect—especially in the first month. The early days of therapy are all about getting to know your child, setting personalized goals, and laying the foundation for long-term success.

This guide will walk you through the first 30 days of ABA therapy—step by step—so you know exactly what happens and how you can best support your child’s journey.

What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a science-based approach that helps children with autism build skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and improve communication and independence.

It focuses on understanding how behavior works—what triggers it, what maintains it, and how to encourage positive alternatives.

Key principles include:

• Positive reinforcement: Rewarding desirable behaviors to increase their frequency.

• Individualized goals: Tailoring interventions to your child’s unique strengths and challenges.

• Data-driven strategies: Using measurable data to track progress and adjust techniques.

The First 30 Days of ABA Therapy: What to Expect

The first month of ABA therapy is all about assessment, planning, and building trust. Below is a breakdown of what usually happens week by week.

Week 1: Assessment and Observation

The first week focuses on understanding your child’s current abilities.

You’ll meet with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who will:

• Conduct interviews about your child’s behavior, routines, and preferences

• Perform structured assessments (e.g., ABLLS-R, VB-MAPP, or AFLS)

• Observe your child in different settings—home, school, or therapy center

This information helps create a baseline that guides the rest of your child’s ABA journey.

Parent Tip: Keep a behavior log before your first meeting. Note common triggers, strong motivators, and communication patterns. This will help the BCBA create a more accurate program.

Week 2: Goal Setting and Program Development

Once the assessment is complete, your BCBA will design a personalized treatment plan.

This plan typically includes:

• Skill-building goals: Communication, social interaction, self-help, and play

• Behavior reduction goals: Addressing tantrums, aggression, or self-stimulatory behaviors

• Teaching strategies: Discrete trial training, natural environment teaching, or task analysis

• Reinforcement systems: Identifying effective rewards that motivate your child

Parent Tip: Ask your BCBA how you can reinforce these goals at home to ensure consistency across environments.

Week 3: Starting Therapy Sessions

Once goals are set, your child will begin therapy sessions with an RBT, supervised by the BCBA.

Early sessions usually focus on:

• Building a trusting relationship between your child and the therapist

• Practicing simple, achievable goals

• Introducing structure and routines gradually

Sessions may include short play-based activities to make learning fun and engaging.

What You Can Expect:

• Data collection during each session

• Daily session notes or feedback

• Ongoing supervision and adjustments by the BCBA

Week 4: Collaboration and Progress Review

At the end of the first month, the team will review progress with you.

You’ll discuss:

• Which goals are being met successfully

• What challenges need new strategies

• How you can reinforce skills at home

Parent Tip: Stay engaged! Ask to see data trends or video examples. Understanding how your child learns helps you replicate success outside therapy sessions.

Your Role as a Parent

Parents play an essential role in making ABA therapy successful.

Here’s how you can stay involved:

• Communicate openly with your therapy team.

• Reinforce skills your child learns during sessions at home.

• Track behavior patterns and share updates regularly.

• Stay patient and positive—progress happens over time.

Common Challenges in the First Month

Why Early Consistency Matters

The first 30 days are foundational. Establishing consistent expectations, routines, and communication helps your child feel secure and ready to learn.

Children who receive consistent reinforcement across home and therapy environments tend to progress faster and maintain skills longer.

Beyond the First Month: What’s Next?

After the first 30 days, the BCBA will:

• Adjust the treatment plan based on progress

• Set new short-term and long-term goals

• Introduce more advanced skills like problem-solving and peer interaction

This ongoing process ensures your child’s therapy evolves alongside their growth.

Final Thoughts

Starting ABA therapy can feel like a big step—but it’s one filled with potential. By staying informed, involved, and patient, you’re giving your child the best chance to thrive.

At Blossom ABA Therapy, we guide families through every stage of the process—from assessment to long-term success—with compassion and expertise. Our goal is to help every child reach their fullest potential in a supportive, nurturing environment. Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to see results from ABA therapy?

   Every child is different. Some families notice progress in a few weeks, while others may see more gradual improvements over several months.

2. How many hours per week should my child have ABA therapy?

   Many programs recommend 10–40 hours per week, depending on your child’s age, goals, and needs.

3. Can ABA therapy be done at home?

   Yes! Many families choose in-home ABA therapy for comfort and convenience. It allows children to learn in familiar settings.

4. What should I do if my child resists therapy at first?

   This is common during adjustment. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and collaboration with your therapist can help.

5. How can I support my child outside of therapy sessions?

   Reinforce learned skills, create predictable routines, and celebrate small successes daily.

Sources:

• https://www.bacb.com/bcba/

• https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/assessment-and-diagnosis/criteria-and-tools-used-in-an-autism-assessment

• https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/what-discrete-trial-training

• https://www.bhcoe.org/2021/07/the-role-of-caregiver-involvement-in-aba-therapy/