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Your Child’s First ABA Therapy Session: What to Expect

Your Child’s First ABA Therapy Session: What to Expect

Introduction: A New Chapter Begins

When your child begins ABA therapy, it marks the start of a journey—one filled with hope, progress, and plenty of learning, not just for your child but for your whole family. At Prism Learning Center, we understand that those first steps can be filled with questions and emotions. That’s why we work hard to ensure your child’s first ABA session is a positive, welcoming experience for everyone involved.

Whether you’re brand new to applied behavior analysis or have been preparing for this day for weeks or months, this guide will walk you through what to expect from the very first session—and how to help your child feel comfortable and supported.

What Happens Before the First Session

While the therapy officially begins when your child steps through our doors, much of the foundation is laid in advance. Prior to the first session, you’ll typically have:

  • An intake consultation to gather background information and discuss insurance or funding
  • A parent interview to explore developmental history, behavioral concerns, strengths, and goals
  • Scheduling coordination to determine the frequency and location of sessions (center-based or in-home)

This prep work helps our team tailor the experience and sets the stage for a productive first day.

Arrival and Introductions

When you arrive for the first session:

  • A behavior technician or front desk staff member will greet you and your child.
  • You’ll likely be introduced to the BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) who oversees your child’s therapy.
  • The environment will be designed to feel child-friendly and calm, reducing the chance of sensory overload or anxiety.

This initial phase is about building trust. We allow your child to explore the space at their own pace while staff members observe and begin rapport-building through play or conversation.

The Initial Assessment: Playful, Not Pressured

The first session is not about strict instruction—it’s an opportunity for your therapy team to observe how your child engages with their environment, communicates, follows simple directions, and responds to new people. The BCBA may:

  • Present toys or activities to gauge preferences and motivation
  • Observe social interaction and language use
  • Watch for specific behaviors that may need support or redirection
  • Use standardized assessment tools, like the ABLLS-R or VB-MAPP, depending on your child’s age and skill level

This observation phase can last from 1–2 hours and is designed to feel natural and low-pressure for your child.

Parent Participation: Your Role Matters

While your child is being assessed, you may be asked to:

  • Fill out additional forms or behavior rating scales
  • Answer more detailed questions about routines, sleep, diet, and social history
  • Share specific challenges (e.g., tantrums, communication delays, toileting difficulties)

The BCBA will also begin outlining treatment priorities based on your goals. Whether you’re hoping to improve communication, reduce self-injurious behaviors, or build independence with daily routines, your insights are critical to the development of a meaningful therapy plan.

After the First Session: What Comes Next

At the end of the session, you’ll receive a debrief from the BCBA. They’ll:

  • Provide a summary of observations
  • Discuss preliminary goals for therapy
  • Outline the next steps in creating a formal treatment plan
  • Go over logistics such as scheduling, caregiver involvement, and documentation

A full treatment plan is typically developed within 1–2 weeks following the initial assessment. Once finalized, ongoing ABA sessions begin—usually ranging from 10 to 40 hours per week, depending on your child’s needs and availability.

How to Help Your Child Prepare

Every child reacts differently to new environments. Here are a few ways to support a smoother transition:

  • Talk about the session ahead of time in simple, reassuring language
  • Bring comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket
  • Practice separating for short periods if your child is not used to being apart from you
  • Stay calm and encouraging—your child will mirror your energy

We also recommend arriving a few minutes early so your child can adjust to the setting without being rushed.

Conclusion: You’re Not Alone in This

The first ABA therapy session is a major step toward helping your child thrive. At Prism Learning Center, we believe in meeting each child where they are—and walking alongside you every step of the way. With patience, consistency, and a personalized plan, your child’s journey toward meaningful progress is already underway.

Ready to begin ABA therapy in Passaic, NJ?

Contact Prism Learning Center today to schedule your intake and learn more about our evidence-based, child-focused services.