🧠 AI Summary:

Starting ABA therapy for your child can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the autism diagnosis journey. This step-by-step guide walks parents through what to expect from the intake process to the start of therapy, offering clarity, peace of mind, and encouragement—especially when you choose a provider like On Target ABA that gets you started ASAP.

What to Expect When Starting ABA Therapy: A Parent’s Step-by-Step Guide

When your child receives an autism diagnosis, it’s natural to feel a mix of motions—uncertainty, fear, hope, and determination. One of the first recommendations many families hear is “Start ABA therapy.” But what does that mean? What does the process look like?

At On Target ABA, we understand how overwhelming this journey can feel—and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. That’s why we’ve created this simple, transparent guide for what to expect as you begin Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for your child.

Even better? With us, you won’t be waiting months to start. You can get started usually within days, not weeks. 🎯

Step 1: 🧾 The First Contact – Intake & Information Gathering

Your journey begins with a phone call or online inquiry. During this initial contact, you’ll speak with a friendly intake coordinator who will ask a few basic questions:

• Your child’s age and diagnosis

• Insurance information

• Your location and preferred therapy setting (home, clinic, or both)

• Any immediate concerns or goals you have

👉 Visit our Contact Us page to start the process today.

Step 2: 📋 Insurance Verification

After gathering your basic info, our team will verify your insurance benefits—fast. 🏃‍♂️💨

We work with most major providers, including:

• CareSource

• Aetna

• Humana

• Buckeye Health Plan

• ambetter

• Cigna

• Molina

• Medical Mutual

We are also Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarship providers.

We’ll explain exactly what your insurance covers, what’s out-of-pocket (if anything), and go over payment options.

✅ No surprises. Just clarity.

Step 3: 🧠 Initial Assessment with a BCBA

Once insurance is confirmed, we’ll schedule an assessment with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This is a crucial step in understanding your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs.

The BCBA will:

• Observe your child’s behavior

• Interview you about routines, triggers, and goals

• Assess communication, social, and adaptive skills

• Recommend goals and therapy hours

This session is play-based and non-invasive. Most children enjoy it—and you’ll feel empowered by the insights it provides. 

For our Cleveland locations, we provide ABA therapy assessments in our clinic, in home or in your child’s daycare. For our Columbus locations, we currently provide ABA therapy assessments in our clinic only.

Step 4: ✍️ Developing a Personalized ABA Therapy Plan

Using the assessment data, your BCBA will design an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child’s development, learning style, and family dynamics.

Common focus areas include:

• Functional communication

• Social interaction skills

• Reducing challenging behaviors

• Self-help routines like dressing, brushing teeth, and toileting

You can learn more about how we build goals around real-life needs on our Services page.

Step 5: 👩‍🏫 Meet Your Behavior Technician

Your child’s therapy will be carried out by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)—a trained professional who is matched with your family based on personality, experience, and logistics.

This person becomes a familiar, supportive presence in your child’s life. All RBTs are supervised regularly by your BCBA to ensure high-quality care.

Step 6: 🚀 Therapy Begins!

Here’s where On Target ABA shines: Most families begin services within a few days after their assessment is completed. No long waitlists. No delays.

Sessions typically happen:

• In-clinic, in a structured environment

• In-home, where your child is most comfortable

• School-based, integrated into your child’s daily academic routine

• Daycare-based, providing ABA support in a familiar childcare setting

• Or a combination, depending on your child’s needs

You can explore our flexible therapy formats here.

Step 7: 🤝 Ongoing Support, Parent Coaching & Progress Updates

ABA therapy isn’t just for your child—it’s for your whole family. You’ll be part of the process through:

• Regular check-ins with your BCBA

• Parent coaching to help extend skills into daily life

• Progress reports so you can celebrate wins and track growth

• Support during IEP meetings, school transitions, and beyond

If you’re wondering how we support parents directly, please reach out to us or ask about parent training during your intake call.

❤️ Real Impact, Real Results

Parents often ask, “How soon will I see results?”

Every child is unique, but many families report improvements in:

• Following directions

• Communicating needs

• Daily routines

• Reduction in aggressive or unsafe behaviors

• Emotional self-regulation

The earlier you start, the greater the opportunity for growth. And at On Target ABA, you start sooner.

🙌 Why Choose On Target ABA?

Here’s what sets us apart:

• ✅ Get started in days, not weeks

• ✅ In-home, in-school, in-daycare, or clinic-based ABA

• ✅ Individualized, evidence-based treatment plans

• ✅ Supportive, experienced staff

• ✅ Parent coaching & training

• ✅ Most insurances accepted

We serve families across Ohio with compassion, urgency, and a commitment to quality care.

📞 Ready to Get Started?

You don’t have to wait. You don’t have to feel stuck. Help is just a phone call—or click—away.

👉 Contact us today to start ABA therapy.