You walk into the room with questions you haven’t said out loud.
Will my child cooperate?
Will they be judged?
What if they don’t respond?
If this is how you’re feeling before your child’s first ABA therapy session, you’re not alone. And here’s the most important thing to know:
The first session is not about fixing your child. It’s about understanding them.
Let’s walk through what actually happens—moment by moment.
The First Few Minutes: No Tables. No Tests. Just Connection.
There’s no clipboard in your child’s face.
No instructions barked out.
Instead, the therapist may sit on the floor.
Toys appear.
Bubbles. Blocks.
Cars. Crayons.
This is intentional.
In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy), the first step is rapport—because learning only happens when a child feels safe.
Your child is not being observed to find what’s “wrong.” They’re being observed to discover how they engage with the world.
Play Is the Language (Especially for Young Children)
As your child plays, the therapist gently notices things parents often sense—but can’t always explain:
- How does your child communicate needs?
- Do they seek help or try independently?
- What catches their interest?
- How do they react to change or waiting?
- Do they imitate, explore, or withdraw?
This is assessment through play, not pressure.
There is no pass or fail here.
“What If My Child Doesn’t Respond?”
This is one of the biggest fears parents carry.
Here’s the truth:
Not responding is also information.
If your child:
- walks away
- avoids eye contact
- doesn’t follow instructions
- prefers to play alone
The therapist isn’t alarmed. They’re learning.
ABA therapy is designed to meet the child where they are, not where a chart says they should be.
Where You Fit In as a Parent
You’re not just a spectator.
During the first ABA therapy session, parents may:
- answer questions about daily routines
- explain behaviors seen at home
- join play briefly
- observe interaction styles
This collaboration matters because therapy doesn’t live only in sessions—it lives at home.
Your insight shapes the therapy plan.
What the First Session Is NOT
Let’s clear the noise:
- It’s not a diagnosis
- It’s not rigid training
- It’s not labeling your child
- It’s not about making your child “normal”
Instead, it’s about clarity.
After the Session: When Things Start to Make Sense
After observing, the therapist steps back—not with conclusions, but with understanding.
You may hear things like:
- “Your child learns best through movement.”
- “They respond well to visuals.”
- “Communication attempts are there—we’ll build on them.”
This is when uncertainty turns into direction.
Why This First Step Matters More Than You Think
Early ABA assessment and therapy can support:
- Communication skills.
- Emotional regulation.
- Attention and learning readiness.
- Social interaction.
- Independence
But more than that—it gives parents confidence.
Confidence replaces guessing.
Clarity replaces waiting.
A Gentle Reminder for Parents
Your child’s first ABA therapy session is not a verdict.
It’s a beginning.
A moment where someone says:
“Let’s understand your child better—together.”
And sometimes, that understanding changes everything.
Praveena Raveendran
About the Author
Praveena Raveendran is the Founder of RISE Development Centre with over 23 years of experience in speech-language pathology and developmental intervention. A Registered Speech-Language Pathologist (RCI), BASLP, and BCaBA (BACB, USA), she integrates ABA with speech and language therapy to support children with communication, behavioural, and developmental challenges through evidence-based, family-centred approaches.
