What to Expect in Your Child’s First Month of ABA Therapy

Week 1-2: The Assessment Phase

Before therapy officially begins, your child’s clinical team will conduct a comprehensive intake assessment. This is one of the most important steps in the entire process, and it takes time for good reason.

During the assessment, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will:

• Observe your child in both structured and natural settings
• Evaluate communication, social, behavioral, and daily living skills
• Review records from your child’s pediatrician, school, or other providers
• Gather detailed information from you about your child’s strengths, challenges, and daily routines

Your input as a parent is not just welcomed,  it is essential. You know your child better than anyone, and that knowledge directly shapes the treatment plan.

Do not be discouraged if your child does not respond perfectly during the assessment. Therapists are trained to observe across a range of situations, and early hesitation or resistance is completely normal.

Week 2-3: Building the Treatment Plan

Once the assessment is complete, the BCBA will develop an Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) tailored specifically to your child’s unique profile. This plan identifies priority goals across areas like:

• Communication and language development
• Social skills and peer interaction
• Self-care and daily living skills
• Reducing challenging behaviors
• Building focus, flexibility, and emotional regulation
  
  

You will review this plan with the clinical team before therapy begins. This is a great time to ask questions, share concerns, and make sure the goals align with what matters most to your family.

Week 3-4: The Warm-Up Period

When active therapy sessions start, the first priority is not skill-building, it is relationship-building. Your child’s therapist will spend the early sessions simply getting to know your child: learning what motivates them, what they enjoy, and how they communicate.

This phase is called pairing, and it is the foundation of everything that follows. A child who feels safe, comfortable, and genuinely connected to their therapist will learn faster and more effectively than one who is anxious or resistant.

During this period, sessions may look more like play than formal therapy. That is intentional. Trust comes first.

What Progress Looks Like in the First Month

One of the most common questions parents ask is: how will I know if it is working?

In the first month, progress is often subtle but meaningful. You may notice:

• Your child warming up to their therapist and looking forward to sessions
• Small gains in communication, like making more eye contact or using a new word
• Fewer or shorter meltdowns during specific transitions or activities
• Increased engagement with toys, tasks, or instructions
  
  

At CBAT, every session is tracked with data. You will never be left guessing. Our team provides regular updates so you always know exactly how your child is progressing, and what comes next.

A Note for Parents: Give It Time

The first month of ABA therapy is a foundation, not a finish line. Progress in ABA is cumulative and each session builds on the last. Be patient with the process, and be patient with yourself. Learning a new system takes adjustment for the whole family.

If you ever have concerns or questions during this period, speak up. Your CBAT team is your partner in this journey, and open communication between therapists and families is one of the most important factors in long-term success.

Ready to take the first step? Contact Chivalry Behavioral and Autism Therapy today to begin the enrollment process. We serve families throughout Houston and the surrounding areas.