ABA

Written By Jessica Zuniga

What Is ABA Therapy? A Parent-Friendly Guide for Families 

If you’ve recently heard about the term ABA therapy and felt overwhelmed, confused, or unsure what it really means, you’re not alone. Many parents start this journey with lots of questions and very little clear information. 

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. At its core, ABA therapy helps children build meaningful skills that support independence, communication, learning, and daily life. 

Most importantly, ABA therapy is warm, playful, individualized, and centered around your child and family. 

Let’s break it down in simple terms. 

 

What Does ABA Therapy Help With? 

ABA therapy can support children with a wide range of skills, including: 

  • Communication and language development 

  • Social skills and play 

  • Following directions and routines 

  • Attention and school readiness 

  • Reducing challenging behaviors 

  • Emotional regulation 

  • Daily living skills like dressing, toileting, and feeding 

Every child’s program is personalized based on their strengths, needs, and family goals. 

 

What Does an ABA Session Look Like? 

Many parents imagine therapy as sitting at a table doing drills, but modern ABA looks very different. 

Sessions include: 

  • Play-based learning with appropriate toys 

  • Games and movement 

  • Natural conversations and interactions with peers and adults 

  • Practicing independent living skills like hand washing or toileting  

  • Lots of positive reinforcement and encouragement 

  • Sensory Regulation 

BCBAs and RBTs meet children where they are and follow their motivation while still targeting meaningful goals. 

Learning happens during play, routines, and everyday moments. 

 

How Does ABA Actually Work? 

ABA focuses on understanding behavior and learning patterns so we can teach new skills in ways that make sense for each child. 

RBTs and BCBAs: 

  • Observe what motivates your child 

  • Break skills into manageable steps 

  • Practice consistently 

  • Celebrate progress 

  • Adjust strategies as your child grows 

Progress is tracked with data so decisions are based on real results not guesswork. 

 

Is ABA Only for Autism? 

While ABA is commonly used for children with autism because most insurance companies require an autism diagnosis to cover services, the principles support most learning and developmental needs. The strategies focus on helping children learn how to communicate, interact, and navigate their world more successfully.  

 

How Involved Are Parents? 

Parents are an essential part of ABA therapy. You’ll receive guidance, strategies, and support, so skills carry over into everyday life and not just during sessions. 

Our goal is to empower families, not overwhelm them. 

Jessica Zuniga