First 30 Days of ABA Therapy | What To Expect

Posted on: September 29, 2025 | Category: Autism Diagnosis

Starting ABA therapy for your child can feel like a big step. As a parent, you may be wondering: “What happens next?” or “How will this look for my family?” The first month of ABA therapy is designed to help your child and your family get comfortable, build trust, and set the foundation for success. Understanding what to expect in the first 30 days of ABA therapy can make the process feel smoother and less overwhelming.

At UNIFI Autism Care, we support children from 18 months through 18 years of age, guiding families through every stage of the ABA journey. Here’s what the first 30 days typically look like.

 

Initial Assessment for ABA Therapy

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) works with you and your child to understand their strengths, challenges, and goals. During this time, you can expect:

• A comprehensive evaluation of communication, behavior, and daily living skills
• Goal-setting conversations with parents and caregivers
• Development of a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs

This assessment is collaborative—you’ll play an important role in shaping the therapy plan.

 

Weeks 1& 2: Building Comfort and Rapport

The second week is about connection. Before real progress can happen, your child needs to feel safe and comfortable with their therapy team.

Here’s what you may notice:

• Sessions focus on fun, play-based activities to build trust
• Your child may begin short, structured learning tasks
• Therapists get to know your child’s preferences and motivators

Building rapport ensures that therapy feels positive, which is key to long-term success.

 

Weeks 3–4: Introducing Structured Learning

As comfort grows, more structured learning and skill-building activities begin. This stage focuses on applying strategies outlined in the treatment plan.

In weeks 3 and 4, you may see progress in:

• Communication skills (gestures, sounds, or words)
• Social interactions (taking turns, making eye contact, engaging in play)
• Daily living routines (self-care, following simple directions)
• Behavior support (replacing challenging behaviors with positive alternatives)

Therapists collect data during each session, tracking small improvements that build over time.

 

Parent Involvement Throughout the First 30 Days of ABA Therapy

Parents are essential partners in ABA therapy. During the first month, you can expect:

• Regular check-ins with the BCBA to review progress and make adjustments
• Parent training sessions to learn strategies that work at home
• Ongoing communication to ensure consistency across therapy, school, and home life

When families are involved, children make faster, more meaningful progress.

 

Progress in the First 30 Days of Therapy

Every child progresses at their own pace, but by the end of the first 30 days of ABA therapy, families notice:

• Improved eye contact and social responsiveness
• Increased attempts at communication
• A better understanding of routines and structure
• Reduced frustration and fewer challenging behaviors

Remember, ABA is a long-term process. The first 30 days are just the beginning of your child’s journey toward growth, confidence, and independence.

 

Take the Next Step

If you’re preparing for your child’s first sessions and wondering what to expect in the first 30 days of ABA therapy, know that this time is about building comfort, trust, and a strong foundation for progress.

Your child’s journey starts with one step—let’s take it together.

 

Get Started with UNIFI today by clicking the link below and help your child thrive with ABA therapy.

Get Started

Or Call Us:

(888) 717-5835