What to expect from your child's first ABA therapy session

The unknown is often the hardest part of starting therapy. Here's what a first ABA session actually looks like, so you can prepare your child — and yourself.

Before the session

A BCBA typically reviews any prior assessments and talks with you about what you're seeing at home. This isn't the therapy session itself — it's information-gathering that shapes what comes next.

During the first session

Expect observation more than instruction. The therapist watches how your child plays, communicates and responds to requests, often through natural play rather than a formal test. It can look deceptively relaxed — that's intentional.

What happens after

You should receive a clear summary of what was observed and a proposed starting point for goals, not a generic package. If a provider can't explain why they're recommending a specific plan for your specific child, ask more questions.

Setting expectations

Progress in ABA is usually gradual and measured in small, trackable steps — not overnight change. Regular review sessions should show you exactly how those steps are adding up over time.