5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Starting ABA Therapy – TEST
Starting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy with Creekside is a big step. If you’re a parent at the beginning of this journey, you’re likely navigating a mix of hope, uncertainty, and a deep desire to do the very best for your child. First, take a moment to breathe. You’re not alone. Many families in Georgia and across the country have walked this path and found support, growth, and progress through ABA therapy.
At our clinic, we work with families just like yours—moms, dads, and caregivers who are learning to understand their child’s needs in new ways. Whether your child has just received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or you’re seeking support for behavioral challenges, ABA can be a powerful tool. But like any meaningful process, it takes time, consistency, and partnership.
To help you start off on the right foot, here are five things every parent should know as they begin ABA therapy.
1. Your Involvement Matters More Than You Think
ABA therapy isn’t something that “happens” to your child—it’s a collaborative process. As a parent, your involvement is key to your child’s progress. While a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) will be working directly with your child during therapy sessions, the greatest impact often comes from what happens outside the therapy room.
You are your child’s most consistent and trusted person. By learning the strategies used in ABA and reinforcing them at home, in the grocery store, at grandma’s house, or during bedtime routines, you help create consistency—and children thrive with consistency.
Many clinics, including ours, offer caregiver training as a regular part of services. Take advantage of these opportunities. Ask questions. Share your observations. The more involved and informed you are, the more aligned the therapy will be with your family’s unique goals and values.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to speak up. If something doesn’t feel right, or you want to understand more about a strategy being used, ask. Your voice matters.
2. Progress Looks Different for Every Child
It’s natural to want to see big changes quickly. We all want the best for our children, and when we commit to something like ABA, we hope it’ll lead to immediate improvements. While many children do make rapid progress in certain areas, it’s important to remember that growth looks different for every child.
ABA is highly individualized. Your child’s program will be tailored to their unique strengths, needs, and developmental level. That means your child may focus on skills like communication, reducing challenging behaviors, increasing independence, or improving social interactions—each at their own pace.
There will be days when things click beautifully. Other days may feel slow or even frustrating. That’s okay. Progress in ABA is often measured in small, meaningful steps that build over time.
Tip: Celebrate every success—no matter how small. A new word, a shared smile, a calm transition from one activity to another—these are real wins.
3. ABA Is About Teaching, Not “Fixing”
One of the most common misconceptions about ABA therapy is that it’s meant to “fix” a child or eliminate autistic traits. That is not the goal.
At its core, ABA is about teaching functional, meaningful skills that help your child thrive in their environment. It’s about understanding the why behind behaviors and using evidence-based strategies to support positive change. That might mean helping your child learn to request what they need, reduce frustration-driven outbursts, or become more comfortable in social situations.
ABA should never feel like it’s erasing who your child is. It should feel like it’s opening doors—helping them access more of the world and giving them tools to express themselves.
A compassionate ABA provider will respect your child’s individuality and neurodiversity while focusing on helping them reach their fullest potential. If you’re ever concerned that your child’s therapy feels too rigid, compliance-focused, or out of sync with your family’s values, bring it up with your clinical team. You deserve a space where your child is seen and accepted, not just evaluated.
Tip: Look for providers who use child-led approaches, incorporate natural play, and prioritize your child’s happiness and emotional well-being.
4. The Learning Doesn’t Stop After the Session Ends
ABA therapy doesn’t start and stop with a scheduled appointment. In fact, some of the most meaningful learning happens in your everyday life—through routines, challenges, play, and connection.
Your ABA team will likely help you build “generalization” into your child’s goals. This means making sure the skills your child learns in therapy carry over into real-life settings. For example, a child learning to ask for help during a structured session should also be able to do so at home, at school, or while visiting a playground.
That’s why parent coaching and collaboration are such crucial parts of the ABA model. The more you’re able to carry strategies into the home and community, the more confident and capable your child becomes in different environments.
Tip: Ask your BCBA to help you create simple, realistic goals for home routines. Whether it’s smoother mealtimes or better transitions at bedtime, small steps can make a big difference.
5. This Is a Journey—Be Kind to Yourself
Perhaps the most important thing to remember: you’re doing the best you can.
Parenting a child with special needs can feel overwhelming. From juggling appointments to researching therapies, advocating at school, and managing daily life, it’s a lot. Add the emotional weight of wanting to “get it right,” and it’s easy to feel stretched thin.
Give yourself grace. There’s no such thing as a perfect parent. You will learn as you go. Some strategies will work beautifully. Others may take time—or need adjusting. That’s okay. ABA therapy is a process, and your child’s team is there to walk alongside you.
Try to carve out space for your own well-being. Even a few minutes of deep breathing, a quiet coffee break, or a walk with a friend can recharge you. You’re a vital part of your child’s team, and your emotional health matters, too.
Tip: Consider joining a local parent support group or online community. Connecting with other families can provide encouragement, resources, and the reassurance that you’re not alone.
A Note from Our Team
At our John’s Creek-based ABA clinic, we know how much love and effort you’re putting into supporting your child. Beginning ABA therapy can feel like stepping into a new world—but we’re here to make sure you’re supported every step of the way.
We believe that therapy works best when families and clinicians work together. We’re committed to listening, learning, and creating a plan that fits your child’s needs—and your family’s values.
You don’t have to know all the answers today. You just have to keep showing up, asking questions, and being the loving, committed parent your child already knows you to be.
Final Thoughts
ABA therapy can open new possibilities for your child—and for your family. As you begin this journey, remember:
- Your involvement is essential and powerful.
- Progress looks different for every child.
- ABA is about growth, not “fixing.”
- Everyday moments matter just as much as therapy sessions.
- You deserve support, grace, and compassion, too.
You are not alone in this. And you’re doing an incredible job.
If you’re in the John’s Creek and Alpharetta area, and have questions about starting ABA therapy, we invite you to reach out. We’d be honored to learn about your child and help you take the next steps.