What to Expect at Your Child’s First ABA Session

The first ABA session is a big day, for your child and for you. It’s normal to wonder what will happen, who will be there, and whether your child will enjoy the experience. Here’s what a first session usually looks like, and a few simple ways to help it go smoothly.

If you’d like the bigger picture of getting started, from your first call to the first few weeks, see our guide What Happens in the First Weeks of ABA at Attain?

Before the first session: the assessment

Therapy doesn’t start out of nowhere because we need to establish what is priority for you and your child. First, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) does an assessment. The BCBA gets to know your child: what they enjoy, how they communicate, what comes easily, and where they could use support. They’ll also ask you a lot of questions, because you know your child best and we want to make sure that therapy is meeting your needs.

From there, the BCBA writes a treatment plan with goals that matter to your family. Most insurance plans, including Health First Colorado, need to review that plan before therapy begins (e.g., this can sometimes take 4+ weeks, so we keep you informed ongoing). Once it’s approved, sessions can start.

Who you’ll meet

Most ABA teams have two main roles. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs your child’s plan, checks progress and supervises RBT implementation of the case. At Attain SLB, BCBAs provide supervision at least once per week, and a supervisor is always available on-site to support at our Fort Collins clinic. The BCBA also meets regularly with caregivers to discuss programming and client progress and is the main point of contact for caregiver questions and concerns. A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is the provider who usually works with your child day to day. You’ll likely see the RBT on a daily or weekly basis, as multiple RBTs may work with your child throughout the week. Our guide Who Is Working With Your Child? Get to Know RBTs and BCBAs explains both roles in more detail.

What the first session actually looks like

Many parents are surprised by how much the first session looks like play, but this is done on purpose! Early sessions focus on building trust and rapport. ABA teams often call this “pairing”: the therapist becomes someone fun and safe, linked with the things your child already loves. Pairing is an important process at the start of therapy and it’s equally important to continue to pair ongoing so that your child finds learning enjoyable and wants to return for more fun.

So, in the first session, you’ll probably see your child’s therapist:

• Playing with your child’s favorite toys and following their lead
• Learning what your child likes, so they can use it to make learning fun (they may continue to ask you questions to further get to know your child)
• Keeping demands low, so your child isn’t pushed too fast
• Taking quiet notes, because ABA is built on watching what works

Skill-building comes gradually, once your child feels comfortable. If the first session looks “easy” and your child wants to return to therapy soon, that’s usually a good sign.

Clinic or home: what changes

At our clinic for ABA therapy in Fort Collins (1224 E. Elizabeth St), your child comes to a space set up for kids. At home, the therapist comes to you, and sessions fit around your family’s real routines. Attain provides in-home ABA anywhere in Colorado, and families can choose the clinic, home, or a mix depending on location. We offer after-school and full-day sessions, with flexible scheduling as opposed to one-size-fits-all therapy.

How to help your child feel ready

• Keep it simple. A short, calm explanation works best, like “Today a new friend is coming to play.” If desired, encourage a discussion after the session (and ongoing) to talk about what they thought of therapy. It’s so important that your child also finds this time meaningful!
• Use pictures if they help. A photo of the clinic or a simple picture schedule can make a new place less scary. We may be able to share photos of the staff that your child will be working with ahead of time so that they can prepare for new faces.
• Bring (or have out) favorite things: a toy, a snack, a comfort item.
• Dress for play, in comfortable clothes your child can move in.
• Plan a quiet rest of the day. New people and places can be tiring.

Your part in the session

You’re part of the team. Share with the RBT what a typical day looks like, what calms your child, and what’s hardest right now. Ask why the therapist is doing something; a good ABA team can explain it in plain words. Caregiver training is available.

After the first session

Some children jump right in. Others need more time, and that’s okay. Early progress often looks small, like a smoother hello or a little more time playing together. Those small steps matter.