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

Starting ABA therapy can feel like a big step — and it’s normal to have questions. What will the session look like? How will my child react? Will it feel more like school, or play? At Sunny Skies ABA, we want every parent to feel confident and informed. Here’s what you can expect during that very first session.

Step 1: Warm Welcome and Comfort First

Your child’s first session isn’t about jumping into drills. It’s about creating trust. Our therapists take time to:

• Say hello gently and respectfully
• Observe your child’s mood and comfort level
• Let your child explore the space or toys freely
• Begin building a relationship without pressure

This is what we call “pairing” — helping your child associate therapy with fun, safety, and connection.

Step 2: Getting to Know Your Child

Every child is unique. That’s why we use the first few sessions to learn:

• What your child enjoys (puzzles, music, toys)
• How your child communicates (words, gestures, sounds)
• What might frustrate or upset them
• How they respond to praise, attention, or redirection

This information helps us build a truly personalized therapy plan.

Step 3: Starting Simple, Positive Activities

Once your child feels more at ease, we introduce simple, age-appropriate learning tasks. This might include:

• Matching objects
• Requesting a favorite item
• Following one-step directions
• Practicing waiting or taking turns

Each task is broken down into small, doable steps. Success is celebrated — even if it’s just sitting for a few seconds or making eye contact.

Step 4: Frequent Breaks and Play

We keep sessions upbeat and engaging. If your child needs a break, they get one. If a certain toy motivates them, we use it in learning. ABA therapy isn’t rigid — it’s flexible, responsive, and led by what works best for your child.

Step 5: Communicating With You

At the end of the session, your therapist will meet with you briefly to share:

• What your child did well
• What we learned about them
• Any challenges that came up
• How you can support learning at home

You’re not just an observer — you’re part of the team.

The Goal: A Positive Start to a Positive Journey

That first ABA session is the beginning of a relationship — not a test. We aim to build trust, gather insight, and help your child feel safe and empowered to learn. With time, each session becomes a building block toward independence, communication, and confidence.