Beginning ABA therapy is a meaningful step for families seeking support for a child with autism. For many parents, the decision comes with a mix of hope, anxiety, and a desire for clarity about what the process will look like. At Horizon Bridge Behavioral Therapy in Bloomington, MN, we understand that the first session sets the tone for the entire therapeutic journey. That is why our team focuses on making this initial experience calm, welcoming, and informative—for both the child and the family.
Whether your child is starting therapy for the first time or transitioning from another provider, this guide will walk you through exactly what happens during that first ABA therapy session, how your child will be supported, and what you as a parent can expect from the process.
A Warm and Supportive Welcome
When you arrive for your child’s first ABA session, the atmosphere is intentionally calm and inviting. Families are greeted by the front desk or directly by a member of the therapy team. One of the most important goals of the first meeting is simply helping your child feel comfortable in the new environment.
Children with autism often need time to adjust to unfamiliar spaces. Because of this, your child won’t be rushed into structured activities. Instead, the first few minutes are dedicated to settling in—giving your child space to explore the room, look around, or engage with toys that catch their interest. The therapists may sit on the floor with them, gently introduce themselves, and allow your child to set the pace. This helps build trust and a sense of safety from the very beginning.
During this time, parents are also reassured about the process. The therapist may explain how the session will unfold and answer any questions before getting started.
Building Connection Through “Pairing”
One of the most essential parts of early ABA therapy is a technique called pairing. Pairing means the therapist joins your child in activities they already enjoy so that the therapist becomes associated with positive, fun experiences. This step is crucial because ABA therapy relies heavily on cooperation, trust, and motivation—none of which can happen effectively without a strong relationship between the child and therapist.
Pairing may include:
- Playing with preferred toys
- Exploring sensory items
- Joining in pretend play
- Engaging in motor activities like jumping or climbing
- Singing songs or doing simple interactive games
These activities are not random—they are carefully chosen based on what helps your child feel confident and open to interaction.
For some children, pairing happens quickly. For others, it may take the majority of the first session, or even several sessions. This is completely normal. At Horizon Bridge, we never force interaction or push a child into tasks before they are ready. Building a trusting foundation is always the priority.
Gentle Observation and Understanding Your Child
While pairing is happening, the therapist is also observing your child—not in a clinical, pointed way, but through natural engagement. These observations help the team begin understanding your child’s strengths, challenges, and emerging patterns of behavior.
Therapists might take note of:
- How your child communicates their needs
- What kinds of toys or activities they gravitate toward
- How they respond to transitions
- Their social awareness and eye contact
- Their sensory preferences (visual, tactile, auditory, etc.)
- Any behaviors that may signal frustration or discomfort
These early insights guide the assessment process and help the BCBA design an individualized treatment plan that fits your child’s unique personality and developmental needs.
Light, Child-Led Structured Activities
If your child feels comfortable and engaged, the therapist may introduce simple, playful activities that support early skill assessment. These activities are not tests, and your child is not expected to “perform.” Instead, they give the therapist a sense of how your child learns and communicates.
Examples might include:
- Matching colors or basic shapes
- Sorting toys by size or category
- Following simple one-step directions
- Participating in imitation games (clapping, tapping, copying sounds)
- Taking short turns in a simple game
If your child is not ready for these activities, they are never forced. ABA therapy is always individualized, and the pace is adjusted to the child’s comfort level. The goal is to gently introduce learning opportunities while preserving the positive, fun environment established through pairing.
Reinforcement: Encouraging Success in a Meaningful Way
A noticeable feature of ABA therapy—even during the first session—is the use of positive reinforcement. Reinforcement is anything that increases the likelihood of a desired behavior happening again. For children with autism, reinforcement is an incredibly powerful tool because it helps them connect effort with reward.
Reinforcers may include:
- Verbal praise delivered warmly
- Access to a favorite toy
- A short sensory break
- A sticker or token
- A high-five or smile
- Extra time doing a preferred activity
Reinforcement is always personalized. What motivates one child may not motivate another, which is why the pairing process and early observations are so important—they help identify what truly encourages your child.
Early reinforcement builds confidence and helps your child associate ABA therapy with success rather than pressure.
Parent–Therapist Collaboration
Your involvement during the first session is essential. ABA is most effective when the therapy team and family work together toward shared goals.
During the session, the therapist may ask you about:
- Your child’s daily routines
- Sleep and feeding patterns
- School or daycare experiences
- Communication strengths and challenges
- Behavioral concerns
- Your goals and hopes for therapy
Parents often bring important insights that help shape the treatment plan. At the same time, the therapist may provide early guidance or reassurance to help you understand how ABA will support your child’s development.
Introducing the Therapy Space
If your child is receiving therapy in the center, the therapist may gently show them other parts of the environment so they feel familiar with the space.
This may include:
- Sensory rooms or calming spaces
- Activity areas
- Play structures
- Therapy tables
- Group learning rooms (if applicable)
Children do not need to explore everything on the first day, but the gradual exposure helps reduce anxiety and improves transitions in future sessions.
Reviewing Next Steps and the Treatment Plan
At the end of the session, the BCBA will typically review what happened, share initial impressions, and outline what the next steps will look like. This conversation may include:
- Early observations about your child
- A general timeline for completing the assessment phase
- What the individualized treatment plan will include
- How goals are chosen and measured
- How parents will receive updates
- What a typical future session will look like
This is also your time to ask questions—whether about scheduling, clinical goals, long-term progress, or how to support your child at home.
How Parents Can Prepare for the First ABA Session
Preparing for the first session can make the experience smoother. Parents often find it helpful to:
- Bring snacks, comfort items, or anything familiar
- Share favorite toys, videos, or activities with the therapist in advance
- Discuss fears or worries openly
- Keep the first day’s schedule relaxed
- Reassure your child in simple, positive language
Even small steps can make a big difference in easing the transition.
A First Session That Builds Confidence and Connection
The purpose of the first ABA therapy session is not to test, evaluate, or push your child into structured learning. Instead, it is designed to build trust, establish comfort, and allow the therapist to understand your child’s personality, preferences, and natural strengths.
At Horizon Bridge Behavioral Therapy, our goal is for both your child and your family to walk away from the first session feeling supported, informed, and hopeful. As the therapy journey continues, this early foundation becomes the basis for meaningful growth—helping children develop communication, independence, confidence, and lifelong skills.
