As a parent of a young child with autism, starting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a significant step toward helping your child develop critical skills. The first year of Cleveland ABA therapy is an important time for building a strong foundation for your child’s progress, but it’s also crucial to have realistic expectations. Understanding what to expect during this initial phase can help you stay informed, involved, and supportive throughout your child’s journey.

The Purpose of Cleveland ABA Therapy

ABA therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to improve specific behaviors and skills in children with autism. The therapy focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors and reducing those that may interfere with learning and daily life. ABA therapy is highly individualized, meaning that the goals and strategies used will be tailored to your child’s unique needs.

During the first year of ABA therapy, the primary focus is often on establishing a rapport between the therapist and your child, assessing their current skills and behaviors, and setting realistic goals for improvement.

Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

Before therapy begins, your ABA therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your child’s current abilities. This assessment typically covers areas such as communication, social skills, self-care, and play behavior. The purpose of this assessment is to identify your child’s strengths and areas that need improvement.

Typical Goals for the First Year:

1. Establishing Basic Communication Skills:
   • One of the primary goals in the first year of ABA therapy is to develop basic communication skills. For non-verbal children, this might involve learning to use alternative communication methods like sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. For children who are verbal, the focus might be on expanding vocabulary, improving speech clarity, or learning to make requests and express needs.
2. Increasing Social Interaction:
   • Social interaction can be challenging for children with autism. Early goals may include increasing eye contact, responding to their name, and engaging in simple turn-taking games. The therapist may also work on helping your child initiate interactions with others, such as greeting people or asking for help.
3. Developing Play Skills:
   • Play is an essential part of learning for young children. In the first year, ABA therapy may focus on developing play skills, both independent play and play with others. This can include teaching your child how to use toys appropriately, engage in pretend play, and participate in structured play activities with peers or siblings.
4. Reducing Problematic Behaviors:
   • ABA therapy also addresses challenging behaviors that may interfere with learning and daily activities. The therapist will work on identifying the triggers for these behaviors and teaching your child more appropriate ways to express themselves. For example, a child who frequently engages in tantrums might be taught to use words or gestures to communicate their frustration instead.
5. Building Daily Living Skills:
   • Another key focus during the first year of ABA therapy is teaching daily living skills. These are the basic self-care tasks that your child will need as they grow. Goals might include toilet training, dressing, eating with utensils, and brushing teeth. The therapist will break down these tasks into small, manageable steps and use positive reinforcement to encourage progress.
6. Enhancing Focus and Attention:
   • Improving your child’s ability to focus and attend to tasks is crucial for learning new skills. The therapist may work on increasing your child’s ability to sit and attend to a task for longer periods, follow simple instructions, and complete activities with minimal prompting.

Milestones to Look For

While every child is different, there are some common milestones that many children achieve during the first year of ABA therapy. These milestones represent important progress – and are cause for celebration! Examples can include:

• Increased Communication: Whether through words, signs, or pictures, your child may start to communicate more effectively, leading to fewer frustrations and more positive interactions.
• Improved Social Skills: You may notice your child engaging more with family members, making eye contact more frequently, or showing interest in playing with others.
• Reduction in Challenging Behaviors: Over time, you may see a decrease in problematic behaviors like tantrums, aggression, or self-injury as your child learns more appropriate ways to express their needs.
• Greater Independence in Daily Tasks: Your child may begin to show more independence in self-care tasks, such as using the toilet or feeding themselves.
• Better Focus: Your child may be able to complete tasks with less prompting, follow multi-step instructions, or sit through activities without becoming easily distracted.

The Importance of Patience and Consistency

It’s important to remember that progress in ABA therapy is often gradual. Some goals may take weeks or months to achieve, and it’s normal for children to make faster progress in some areas than others. Consistency is key—both in the therapy sessions and in reinforcing learned behaviors at home.

Your involvement as a parent is also crucial. Regular communication with your child’s ABA therapist, practicing skills at home, and staying positive and encouraging can make a significant difference in your child’s progress.

Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

While the first year of ABA therapy can be rewarding, it may also come with challenges. Some children may resist new routines or have difficulty adjusting to therapy. It’s important to work closely with your therapist to address these challenges and adjust the therapy plan as needed.

If you ever feel uncertain about the progress your child is making, don’t hesitate to speak with your therapist. They can provide insight into your child’s development, adjust goals, and offer strategies for overcoming obstacles.

Looking Ahead

The first year of ABA therapy is just the beginning of your child’s journey toward improved communication, social interaction, and independence. While the progress may sometimes feel slow, each step forward is an important achievement. With patience, persistence, and the right support, your child can continue to build on the skills they’ve gained and achieve new milestones in the years to come.

By setting realistic goals and working closely with your child’s ABA therapist, you can help create a positive and productive therapy experience that sets the stage for lifelong growth and success.

Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – provides ABA therapy to children in Akron, Cleveland, Brecksville-Broadview Heights and surrounding communities. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational counseling and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email.

Additional Resources:

Patient Outcomes After Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jan. 1, 2023, Journal of Developmental Pediatric Behavior

More Blog Entries:

How to Become an ABA Therapist in Cleveland, Ohio, July 12, 2024, Northeast Ohio ABA Therapy Blog