If you're new to ABA therapy, you might be wondering: What does a typical ABA therapy session look like? Understanding what your child will experience during Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can help ease concerns and prepare your family for a successful journey toward growth and independence.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what happens during a standard ABA therapy session, including the types of activities involved, the role of therapists and clinical leadership, and a general daily schedule.
What Is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-based approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. It is commonly used to support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), helping them build communication, social, academic, and daily living skills.
What Happens During an ABA Therapy Session?
Every ABA therapy session is tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual child, but most sessions include a mix of the following:
1. Play-Based Learning
Children learn best through play, especially in early childhood. ABA therapy often begins with structured play activities that are both fun and educational. These play-based interactions help build trust, encourage communication, and teach valuable skills such as turn-taking, eye contact, and requesting items.
- Example activities: Pretend play, building blocks, puzzles, or matching games.
2. Table Time and Structured Teaching
In addition to play, your child may spend short, focused periods at a table working on specific goals, such as identifying colors, letters, or emotions. These moments are brief and engaging, designed to keep your child focused without feeling overwhelmed.
- Table time is usually balanced with breaks and reinforcing activities to maintain motivation.
3. Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
Many ABA sessions incorporate learning into everyday environments. This might mean practicing social skills during snack time, brushing teeth in the bathroom, or playing at the park. These real-world situations help your child generalize new skills outside of structured therapy.
4. Behavior Support and Reinforcement
Throughout the session, therapists observe and support your child’s behavior. Positive reinforcement—such as praise, high-fives, or favorite toys—is used to encourage helpful behaviors and reduce those that are challenging or harmful.
5. Ongoing Support from BCBAs and Clinical Leaders
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are responsible for designing your child’s treatment plan and overseeing its implementation. They regularly observe therapy sessions (in person or via video), update goals, and provide feedback and coaching to your child’s therapists.
Clinical leadership may also join sessions periodically to ensure high-quality care and consistent progress.
General Daily Schedule for ABA Therapy
While schedules may vary depending on your child’s age, needs, and therapy setting (home, center, or school), here’s a sample full-day ABA therapy schedule:
Time & Activity
8am-8:30am: Morning Session Arrival - 1:1 Therapy
8:30am-9am: Pairing - 1:1 Therapy Targeting Individual Goals
9am-9:30am: Snack - Meal Time & Social Skills
9:30am-10am: 1:1 Therapy Targeting Individual Goals
10am-10:30am: Circle Time with Peers
10:30am-11am: Group and 1:1 Art - Fine Motor & Group Instruction
11am-11:30am: Group Gym - Social Skills Play Activity with Peers
11:30am-12pm: Lunch - Meal Time & Social Skills
12pm-12:30pm: Afternoon Session Starts - 1:1 Therapy
12:30pm-1pm: Circle Time with Peers
1pm-1:30pm: 1:1 Therapy Targeting Individual Goals
1:30pm-2pm: Group Gym - Social Skills Play Activity with Peers
2pm-2:30pm: Snack - Meal Time & Social Skills
2:30pm-3pm: Group and 1:1 Art - Fine Motor & Group Instruction
3pm-3:30pm: 1:1 Therapy Targeting Individual Goals
3:30pm-4pm: Pick-Up Routine and Debrief with Caregivers
Half-day sessions follow a similar structure condensed into a shorter time frame.
Why This Structure Works
ABA therapy is most effective when it's consistent, personalized, and engaging. By combining structured activities with playful, real-world experiences, therapists can help children make meaningful progress in communication, behavior, and social interactions.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for “what to expect in an ABA session” or “ABA therapy daily routine,” we hope this guide gives you a clear, encouraging overview. Whether your child is just beginning therapy or you're exploring your options, knowing what a typical ABA therapy session looks like can help you feel more confident and informed.
Want to learn more about how ABA therapy could support your child’s development? Reach out to our team today!