From Assessment to Progress: What to Expect in Your First ABA Therapy Session with Advanced Behavioral Specialists

Starting ABA Therapy: What Parents Need to Know

Beginning ABA therapy for a child can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first experience with behavioral interventions. At Advanced Behavioral Specialists (ABS) in Riverside, our goal is to make this process clear, supportive, and personalized. Understanding what happens during the initial assessment and therapy planning can help families feel confident and prepared.

ABA therapy is evidence-based and highly individualized. Each child’s needs, strengths, and goals guide the development of their treatment plan. The first session is not only a chance to assess behavior and learning patterns but also an opportunity for parents and therapists to collaborate, ask questions, and establish a foundation for long-term success.

The Role of the ABA Therapy Assessment

The first session at ABS begins with a comprehensive ABA therapy assessment in Riverside, designed to gather critical information about your child. This assessment often includes structured observations, interviews, and data collection to understand the child’s skills, preferences, and behavioral challenges.

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

One of the most important components of the initial session is the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). The FBA is a systematic process that identifies the reasons behind specific behaviors. By understanding the “why” of a behavior—whether it is communication-based, attention-seeking, sensory-related, or task-avoidant—therapists can design strategies that are effective, respectful, and sustainable.

The FBA involves:

• Observing the child in various activities and settings

• Collecting data on frequency, duration, and triggers of behaviors

• Identifying skills gaps and areas of strength

• Collaborating with caregivers to gather historical and contextual information

This assessment ensures that the resulting treatment plan is rooted in evidence and tailored to the child’s unique needs.

Collaboration with BCBAs

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) play a critical role in guiding ABA therapy. At ABS, BCBAs work directly with families to translate assessment findings into actionable treatment goals.

During the first session, parents can expect:

• A discussion of the child’s strengths, challenges, and interests

• Explanation of the FBA findings in clear, understandable language

• Opportunities to ask questions about therapy methods and goals

• Introduction to the therapy team and their roles

This collaborative approach ensures families are fully informed and actively involved in their child’s progress. Parents’ insights and feedback are central to developing a plan that is realistic, meaningful, and achievable.

Developing an Individualized Treatment Plan

After completing the assessment and FBA, the ABS team uses this information to develop an individualized treatment plan. Each plan is tailored to the child’s developmental level, learning style, and behavioral needs.

Key elements of a treatment plan include:

• Specific, measurable goals for skill acquisition and behavior reduction

• A breakdown of teaching methods, including discrete trial training, Natural Environment Teaching, and other evidence-based strategies

• Recommendations for frequency and duration of therapy sessions

• Strategies for generalization of skills across home, school, and community settings

The plan is designed to provide a clear roadmap, giving families a tangible sense of progress and expectations from the start.

What Happens During Your First ABA Therapy Session

While assessments can vary depending on a child’s needs, a typical first session may include:

1. Initial Observation and Engagement Therapists observe the child during play or structured activities to evaluate attention, communication, and social skills.

2. Interaction and Skill Sampling Activities are designed to assess the child’s current abilities and responses to prompts, reinforcement, and guidance.

3. Caregiver Interview and History Review Parents provide context about routines, preferences, behavioral concerns, and previous interventions.

4. Behavioral Data Collection Therapists collect baseline data to track behaviors and skills over time.

5. Family Discussion The session concludes with a discussion of observations, initial recommendations, and next steps. Families are encouraged to ask questions, express concerns, and participate in decision-making.

This process ensures that therapy begins in a supportive, transparent, and structured way, setting the stage for measurable progress.

Supporting Families Through the Process

Starting ABA therapy is not only about the child it’s also about empowering families. ABS focuses on making parents and caregivers feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Families can expect:

• Clear explanations of therapy techniques and goals

• Guidance on how to reinforce skills at home

• Practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors

• Open lines of communication with therapists and BCBAs

This emphasis on family involvement helps ensure continuity between therapy sessions and home life, maximizing the child’s growth and success.

Tracking Progress and Adjusting Plans

ABA therapy is dynamic. As children learn and develop, treatment plans are continuously reviewed and refined. Progress monitoring is an essential part of ABS’s approach, involving:

• Regular collection of data on targeted skills and behaviors

• Frequent review by BCBAs to adjust strategies or goals

• Collaboration with families to share insights and celebrate successes

• Periodic updates to treatment plans to reflect developmental changes and new priorities

By tracking progress closely, ABS ensures therapy remains effective, personalized, and focused on meaningful outcomes for each child.

What Makes Advanced Behavioral Specialists (ABS) Different

At Advanced Behavioral Specialists, our ABA therapy assessment in Riverside is designed to be more than a checklist it is the beginning of a partnership. Our team combines clinical expertise with compassionate care, focusing on both skill development and family support.

Families can expect:

• Individualized, evidence-based programming

• A highly trained team of BCBAs and therapists

• Transparent communication and clear explanations

• A family-centered approach that values collaboration and trust

This comprehensive support helps families feel confident and informed as they begin their child’s therapy journey.

Next Steps for Families

Starting ABA therapy is a major step, and ABS is here to guide families through every stage. If you are ready to begin the process, scheduling an initial consultation is the first step. During this consultation, your child’s needs will be evaluated, and the ABS team will outline next steps in a clear, supportive manner.

Families can visit our Clinic Application or Contact page to schedule a consultation and start their child’s individualized ABA therapy journey.