What I Wish I Knew Before Starting In-Home ABA
When we started in-home ABA therapy, I didn’t know what I was doing, and honestly, I didn’t even know what I should be doing.
Our first RBT showed up with nothing. No plan. No tools. Just…Sit on the couch 🛋️
Telling me how there’s nothing she can really do with my son because, in her words “He’s just not interested in anything”
I’m just like…….😟
I assumed maybe that was part of the process, the “pairing” phase everyone talks about. But weeks went by, and nothing changed.
No structure. No progress. No communication.
Eventually, I called our BCBA to ask, “Is this normal?”
The answer? Absolutely not.
They immediately reassigned us, and it was like night and day.
Now, our new RBT is consistent, kind, and actually engaged in helping my child and teaching me how to support him too.
Here’s what I wish I had known before we started ABA at home:
🧩 Not every therapist brings materials, have your own sensory tools, fidgets, visuals, and rewards ready.
🗣 You’re not just the parent, you’re part of the team. Speak up. Ask questions. Your voice matters.
📅 Start building a routine early, even if it’s messy. Structure makes the hard stuff easier.
💛 You will be tired, but the progress is worth every ounce of it.
In-home ABA isn’t easy, but it’s powerful. You get to witness the growth.
The connection.
The tiny wins that feel like massive victories.
So if you’re just starting out, take a breath. You’ve got this.
And if you need help knowing what to buy, I’ve got a list of our favorite therapy tools linked in my profile.
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#autismtips #autismparents #autisticspectrum #lemom8creators
In-home ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is a personalized intervention designed to support children with autism by improving communication, social skills, and behavior. However, families often face unexpected challenges when starting therapy, such as therapists arriving unprepared or a lack of clear structure. This article highlights the importance of being proactive as a parent and advocating for your child’s needs. One key tip is to prepare your own sensory tools, fidgets, visuals, and rewards ahead of therapy sessions. Not all Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) bring these materials, yet they are vital in engaging children who may initially show disinterest. Having these at hand can facilitate the pairing phase, which builds positive associations between the child and therapy. Building a consistent routine early on, even if imperfect, can provide crucial structure. Structure helps children feel secure and reduces anxiety during sessions, making it easier to work through challenges. Parents’ active involvement is essential; you are not just observers but members of the therapy team. Communicating openly with your BCBA, therapist, and other professionals ensures tailored support and continual progress. Moreover, progress in ABA therapy often comes in small steps — the “quiet wins.” Celebrating these milestones reinforces motivation and highlights growth. While the experience can be exhausting, the long-term benefits for your child’s development are profound. Lastly, selecting effective therapy tools can be daunting, but having access to tested, recommended items can make a significant difference. Items such as sensory bins, visual schedules, and preferred rewards help create an environment conducive to learning. By understanding these aspects before starting in-home ABA therapy, parents can better navigate the complexities and foster meaningful improvements for their children on the autism spectrum.
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