What to expect in your child’s first month of ABA therapy

Starting ABA therapy can feel like a lot: new people and new routines, plus a whole new vocabulary. Knowing the usual sequence makes the first month less stressful for you and for your child.

It begins with an assessment. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) meets your child, talks with you about daily life, and looks at skills such as communication, play, self-care, and how your child handles transitions. You will be asked what matters most to your family, and those priorities shape the plan.

Next comes the treatment plan. The BCBA turns the assessment into a short list of specific, measurable goals, such as asking for help with words or pictures, or moving from play to the table without distress. If you use insurance, the plan is typically submitted for authorization before sessions begin.

The first sessions are mostly about building trust, often called pairing. The team plays, follows your child’s interests, and becomes someone your child is happy to see. It can look like “just playing,” but it is the foundation that makes teaching possible.

By the end of the first month you should know who supervises your child’s program, what the current goals are, and how progress is being tracked. If any of that is unclear, ask. A good ABA team expects those questions.