Starting ABA therapy can feel overwhelming for both you and your child. Many families wonder what will happen during that first session, especially when services are provided in their home environment. In-home ABA services offer the unique advantage of working within your child’s natural environment, where they’re most comfortable and where learned skills can be immediately applied to daily routines. Understanding what to expect can help ease anxiety and prepare your family for this important step in your child’s development journey.

Before the First Session: Preparation and Paperwork

Your ABA journey actually begins before the therapist arrives at your door. The clinical team will likely contact you to schedule the initial assessment and gather preliminary information about your child’s history, current challenges, and family goals. You’ll receive intake forms asking about your child’s medical history, previous therapies, current behaviors, and daily routines.

Take time to complete these forms thoughtfully. Include specific examples of behaviors you’d like to see improved, skills you’d like your child to develop, and any concerns about the therapy process. This information helps the behavior analyst tailor the assessment to your child’s unique needs and your family’s priorities.

The Initial Assessment Process

The first session typically focuses on assessment rather than formal therapy. Your Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will arrive with assessment materials and a structured plan to observe and interact with your child. This initial meeting usually lasts 2-3 hours, allowing adequate time for comprehensive evaluation without overwhelming your child.

The assessment begins with a parent interview where you’ll discuss your child’s developmental history, current functioning, and specific concerns in detail. The BCBA will ask about your child’s communication abilities, social skills, daily living skills, and any challenging behaviors. They’ll also want to understand your family’s routines, priorities, and previous therapy experiences.

During this conversation, don’t hesitate to share your concerns, hopes, and questions. The BCBA needs to understand not just your child’s abilities but also your family’s culture, values, and goals. This collaborative approach ensures that therapy targets are meaningful and relevant to your child’s daily life.

Direct Assessment and Observation

Following the parent interview, the BCBA will conduct direct assessment activities with your child. These assessments are designed to look like play or natural interactions rather than formal testing. The BCBA might present toys, books, or simple tasks to observe how your child responds, communicates, and interacts.

Your child may be asked to follow simple instructions, identify objects, or engage in play activities. The BCBA will observe your child’s communication attempts, social interactions, and any repetitive or challenging behaviors. They’ll also note your child’s attention span, learning style, and preferred activities.

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t cooperate perfectly or displays challenging behaviors during the assessment. These observations provide valuable information about your child’s current functioning and help identify areas where support is needed. The BCBA is trained to work with children who may be anxious, resistant, or overwhelmed by new situations.

Environmental Assessment

Since services are provided in your home, the BCBA will also assess your home environment. They’ll identify spaces that could serve as therapy areas, noting factors like lighting, noise levels, and available materials. They’ll also observe family routines and interactions to understand how therapy can be integrated into your daily life.

This environmental assessment helps ensure that therapy materials and strategies are appropriate for your home setting. The BCBA might suggest simple modifications to create an optimal learning environment or recommend specific materials that could support your child’s learning.

Goal Setting and Treatment Planning

After completing the assessment, the BCBA will discuss their initial observations and begin the goal-setting process. They’ll explain their findings in understandable terms, highlighting your child’s strengths and identifying areas where growth is needed. This discussion forms the foundation for developing your child’s individualized treatment plan.

Goals are developed collaboratively, incorporating your family’s priorities with clinical recommendations. The BCBA will explain how potential goals align with your child’s developmental needs and your family’s daily routines. Goals might address communication skills, social interactions, daily living skills, or reducing challenging behaviors.

Each goal will be broken down into smaller, measurable steps that allow for systematic progress tracking. The BCBA will explain how progress will be measured and how often goals will be reviewed and updated. This systematic approach ensures that therapy remains focused and effective.

Understanding the Therapy Process

The BCBA will explain how ABA therapy works, including the principles of positive reinforcement, systematic instruction, and data collection. They’ll describe how therapy sessions will be structured and what techniques will be used to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.

You’ll learn about the role of different team members, including behavior technicians who may provide direct therapy under the BCBA’s supervision. The BCBA will explain how they’ll monitor your child’s progress and adjust treatment strategies as needed.

What Happens Next

Before leaving, the BCBA will outline next steps in the process. This typically includes scheduling regular therapy sessions, ordering necessary materials, and beginning the formal treatment plan. They’ll also discuss how parents can support therapy goals between sessions and how to communicate with the therapy team.

The BCBA will provide you with initial recommendations for supporting your child’s progress at home. These might include simple strategies for encouraging communication, managing challenging behaviors, or incorporating learning opportunities into daily routines.

Addressing Your Concerns

The first session is an ideal time to voice any concerns about the therapy process. Ask about confidentiality, emergency procedures, and how to communicate with the therapy team. Discuss any cultural considerations, family preferences, or specific concerns about having therapists in your home.

The BCBA should address your questions thoroughly and help you feel comfortable with the process. Remember that this is the beginning of a collaborative relationship focused on your child’s success.

Moving Forward with Confidence

The first ABA session sets the stage for your child’s therapy journey. While it may feel overwhelming initially, remember that this comprehensive assessment ensures that your child receives individualized, effective treatment. The BCBA’s expertise, combined with your knowledge of your child, creates a powerful foundation for growth and development.

Trust the process, communicate openly with your therapy team, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Your child’s first ABA session is the beginning of a journey toward greater independence, communication, and skill development that will benefit them throughout their life.