What Happens in an ABA Therapy Session? A Parent's Guide
If you've never seen ABA in action, it can feel like a mystery. Here's exactly what to expect—from hello to goodbye.
One of the most common questions we hear from new parents is: "What will my child actually be doing during therapy?" It's a fair question—especially if you've heard conflicting things about ABA online.
The truth is, no two sessions look exactly the same because every child's program is individualized. But there is a general structure. Let's walk through a typical 2-hour session.
Session Overview
Arrival & Transition
5-10 min
Structured Learning
30-40 min
Play & Natural Teaching
60-70 min
Wrap-Up
10-15 min
1. Arrival & Transition (5-10 minutes)
The therapist (called an RBT - Registered Behavior Technician) arrives and greets your child. This isn't just small talk—it's an opportunity to practice:
- Greetings: "Hi!" or waving
- Transitions: Moving from one activity (like watching TV) to therapy
- Following instructions: "Let's go to the playroom"
Real Example:
"Emma is watching Bluey when her therapist, Sarah, arrives. Sarah says, 'Hi Emma! Time for therapy!' Emma doesn't respond at first, so Sarah uses a visual timer to show 2 minutes left. When the timer beeps, Emma turns off the TV and follows Sarah to the therapy area. Sarah gives her a high-five and says, 'Great job transitioning!'"
2. Structured Learning (30-40 minutes)
This is often called "table time" (though it doesn't always happen at a table). The therapist works on specific skills from the treatment plan using a technique called Discrete Trial Training (DTT).
What It Looks Like:
"Touch red" (while showing color cards)
Child touches the red card
"Yes! That's red!" + sticker or high-five
Skills practiced might include:
- Identifying colors, shapes, letters
- Matching objects
- Following 1-2 step instructions
- Answering "wh-" questions (who, what, where)
Important:
Sessions include frequent breaks! After 5-10 trials, the child gets a break to play, move around, or have a snack. This keeps them motivated and prevents burnout.
3. Play & Natural Environment Teaching (60-70 minutes)
This is where the magic happens. The therapist embeds learning into play and daily routines. This is called Natural Environment Teaching (NET).
During Play:
- Building blocks: Practicing requesting ("more blocks"), turn-taking, following instructions ("put the red one on top")
- Pretend play: Using dolls to practice social scripts, emotions, daily routines
- Outdoor time: Practicing gross motor skills, following safety rules, exploring textures
During Routines:
- Snack time: Requesting food, using utensils, cleaning up
- Bathroom: Toileting steps, handwashing, independence
- Transitions: Moving between activities, following a visual schedule
Real Example:
"Liam loves cars. His therapist sets up a racetrack and 'hides' the cars. To get a car, Liam has to say 'car please' (working on requesting). They take turns racing (social skills). When Liam crashes his car, the therapist models 'Uh oh! Crash!' and waits for Liam to imitate (language). It looks like play—but every moment is intentional."
4. Wrap-Up & Parent Debrief (10-15 minutes)
At the end of the session, the therapist:
- Helps the child transition back to their regular routine
- Gives you a quick update: What went well, what was challenging, any wins to celebrate
- Records data: The therapist logs progress on specific goals (you'll see detailed reports from the BCBA weekly or monthly)
- Answers questions: This is your chance to ask about strategies you can use at home
Pro Tip:
Ask your therapist to show you one strategy you can practice between sessions. Parent involvement dramatically accelerates progress!
What About Data Collection?
You might notice the therapist frequently marking things on a tablet or clipboard. This isn't busywork—it's how we track progress scientifically.
For each goal, the therapist records:
- Did the child respond correctly?
- Did they need a prompt (help)?
- How long did it take?
This data helps the BCBA know when to make a skill harder, easier, or move on to something new.
Common Parent Questions
Q: Will my child be sitting at a desk the whole time?
A: No! Most of the session is play-based. Table time is usually 20-30% of the session, with frequent breaks.
Q: Can I watch the session?
A: Yes! We encourage it. Some parents observe from another room at first (if their presence is distracting), but the goal is for you to learn the strategies too.
Q: What if my child refuses to participate?
A: That's normal, especially at first! The therapist is trained to use motivation strategies (like offering preferred toys) and to respect your child's "no" while gently encouraging participation. We never force compliance.
See ABA in Action
The best way to understand ABA is to experience it. At Buzz ABA, we offer observation sessions at our Concord clinic and through in-home visits in Manchester, Nashua, and throughout NH. See exactly how we work with your child before committing.
Schedule Free Consultation