How to Prepare Your Child for ABA Therapy: Tips for Parents

Starting ABA therapy is an exciting step toward helping your child build important skills and grow more independent. However, the transition can feel a little overwhelming for both you and your child. Preparing in advance can make the process smoother and set your child up for success.

Here are some helpful tips to get ready for ABA therapy:

1. Talk to Your Child About What to Expect

Even if your child has difficulty understanding complex explanations, talking to them in simple terms can help ease worries. For example:

• Explain What Therapy Is: “You’ll go to a place where friendly helpers will play games and practice important skills with you.”
• Describe the Schedule: “We’ll go a few times a week, and it’ll be a time to learn new things and have fun.”

If your child uses visual supports, try using pictures to help them understand what the therapy sessions will look like.

2. Meet the BCBA and RBT

Before starting sessions, arrange a meeting or visit to introduce your child to their BCBA and RBT or therapy space. Familiar faces and environments can help reduce anxiety.

• If possible, let your child see the clinic or meet the therapist ahead of time.
• Introduce the therapist as someone who’s there to help them learn and have fun.

3. Set a Routine

Children thrive on routine, so establishing a consistent schedule for therapy can help make it feel like a normal part of their day.

• Prepare for New Schedules: Practice getting ready and leaving for therapy at the same time each day.
• Use Visual Schedules: For children who benefit from seeing their day mapped out, use a picture schedule to show when therapy happens.

4. Bring Comfort Items

Starting something new can be stressful, so let your child bring a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or other comforting item to the therapy sessions.

• Having something familiar can help them feel secure.
• Talk with the therapist about incorporating these items during the session if needed.

5. Communicate With the Therapy Team

Sharing information about your child will help the therapy team understand their unique needs and strengths.

• Discuss Preferences: Let the therapist know what motivates or comforts your child.
• Talk About Triggers: Mention situations or noises that might upset them.
• Set Goals: Work together to identify the skills you’d like your child to develop.

6. Stay Positive and Patient

Children pick up on their parents’ emotions, so staying calm and positive can help them feel more comfortable.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize progress, no matter how small.
• Be Patient: It takes time to see results. Every child learns at their own pace.

7. Reinforce Skills at Home

Therapy is just one part of the learning process. Practicing new skills at home helps your child make faster progress.

• Ask for Homework: Your therapist might suggest activities or strategies to practice outside of sessions.
• Make It Fun: Incorporate learning into games or daily routines.

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Follow these tips to help your child adapt to this new stage of their life.

Starting ABA therapy is a big step, but with preparation and support, your child can feel comfortable and ready to learn. At ABLE, our team of the best BCBAs and RBTs is here to guide your family every step of the way, in all of our clinics across in Central Florida.

If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We would love to help you prepare your child to ABA Therapy by touring them around our installations in either Lakeland, Tampa, Clearwater or Tampa clinics, so they get familiar with our spaces and make this big step easier and more  comfortable for them. 

Let’s work together to help your child grow, learn, and thrive!

Contact us at: intake@applied-behavioral.com to learn more how your child can start their journey with ABA Therapy.