Starting a new chapter in your child’s developmental journey can be filled with a mix of hope, anticipation, and many questions. For parents new to the world of autism support, hearing about Applied Behaviour Analysis, or ABA therapy, is common. It is recognized as one of the most effective evidence-based interventions, but the process of getting started can feel like stepping into the unknown. Understanding what the initial phase entails can help demystify the experience and empower you as your child’s best advocate.
If you are a parent in Southwestern Ontario considering or beginning this journey, you are likely wondering what the first few months will look like. The first 90 days of ABA therapy are a foundational period focused on assessment, relationship-building, and creating a personalized plan for your child. This guide will walk you through what you can expect during this critical initial phase, from the first meeting to the start of targeted therapeutic activities.
The First Month: Assessment and Building Rapport (Days 1-30)
The first month is dedicated to getting to know your child and your family. Before any formal therapy begins, the focus is on building a positive and trusting relationship, a concept known as “pairing.” A Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and the therapy team will spend time engaging with your child through play and preferred activities. This process helps your child see the therapists as fun and reinforcing people, making them more receptive to learning later on. It’s a crucial step to ensure therapy is a positive and enjoyable experience.
During this time, the BCBA will conduct a comprehensive initial assessment. This is not a test with right or wrong answers, but rather a way to understand your child’s current skills, strengths, and areas where they need support. The assessment will look at various developmental domains, including communication, social skills, self-help skills (like dressing or feeding), and play skills. It also involves observing your child in different settings, such as at home or in the clinic, to understand their behaviour in their natural environment.
As a parent, your input during this phase is invaluable. You are the expert on your child. The BCBA will spend significant time talking with you to understand your family’s goals, priorities, and concerns. This collaborative conversation ensures that the therapy plan will be meaningful and relevant to your child’s daily life and your family’s values.
The Second Month: Goal Setting and Plan Development (Days 31-60)
With the information gathered from the assessment and family interviews, the second month is focused on creating a detailed and individualized treatment plan. The BCBA will synthesize all the data to identify specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your child. This plan is a roadmap for your child’s ABA therapy journey. It will break down complex skills into small, manageable steps, a core principle of ABA.
You will have a meeting with the BCBA to review this plan in detail. This is a collaborative process. The therapist will explain the proposed goals and the strategies that will be used to teach them. For example, if a goal is to improve communication, the plan might outline steps to teach your child to request a desired item using words, signs, or a communication device. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and ensure the goals align with what is most important to you.
Once the plan is finalized, direct therapy sessions will begin to incorporate these specific learning targets. The therapy will still be play-based and fun, but the activities will be strategically designed to work on the goals outlined in the treatment plan. The therapy team, under the supervision of the BCBA, will start collecting data during every session to track your child’s progress on each goal.
The Third Month: Implementation and Progress Monitoring (Days 61-90)
In the third month, the therapy program is in full swing. The therapy team will be consistently implementing the strategies outlined in the treatment plan. Sessions will be structured yet flexible, following your child’s motivation and interests to keep them engaged. You will start to see the systematic approach of ABA therapy in action, as therapists use techniques like positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours and skills.
A key component of this phase is ongoing data collection and analysis. The data collected during each session is not just filed away; it is graphed and reviewed regularly by the BCBA. This allows the team to see objectively whether a particular teaching strategy is effective or if it needs to be modified. If your child is mastering a skill quickly, the team can move on to the next step. If they are struggling, the team can adjust the approach to provide more support.
Parent training and involvement are also a major focus during this period. The BCBA and therapists will work with you to teach you the strategies they are using in therapy. This is crucial for ensuring consistency and helping your child generalize their new skills from the therapy setting to home, school, and the community. You will have regular meetings to discuss progress, review data, and learn how to support your child’s learning in your everyday routines.
The first 90 days of ABA therapy are a dynamic and collaborative period of discovery, planning, and initial implementation. It’s a time for building trust, setting meaningful goals, and establishing a strong foundation for your child’s future progress. While it may seem like a lot of information, a good therapy provider will guide you through every step of the process with clarity and compassion.
At ABA Compass, we are committed to partnering with families to create effective and compassionate ABA therapy services that make a real difference. Our dedicated team understands that every child is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the individual needs and goals of your child and family. We believe in working together to help your child reach their full potential.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how ABA therapy can support your child, reach out today. We are here to answer your questions and guide you on your journey.