If you work as a behavior analyst or RBT, you’ve likely experienced moments when a parent pauses during a conversation and expresses uncertainty about therapy. Sometimes it’s a direct question about ABA itself. Other times it’s hesitation about the number of hours recommended, how therapy sessions work, or what expectations will look like at home. […]
When families begin working with our team at True Progress Therapy, one of the first questions we hear is: “How long does it take for ABA to work?” It’s rarely just curiosity. It’s usually coming from a place of exhaustion, hope, and uncertainty. Parents want to know when communication will improve. When transitions will feel […]
When families first reach out to me about ABA therapy, they’re often focused on behaviors — meltdowns, aggression, refusal, shutdowns. But underneath those concerns is something deeper: they want their child to feel calmer, more confident, and more emotionally secure. Over the years, I’ve seen how ABA therapy and emotional well-being are deeply connected. […]
If you’re wondering whether 7 is too old to start ABA therapy, the short answer is no — it’s not too late. While early intervention is ideal, children can benefit from ABA therapy at many ages, including school age. If your child is 7 and you’re just now exploring options, you still have time to […]
The phrase negative reinforcement often causes confusion, especially in ABA therapy. Many people assume it means punishment, but that’s not the case at all. I believe behavior makes more sense when we understand what a child is trying to escape or avoid. That perspective changes everything. Negative reinforcement focuses on teaching better ways to handle […]
A Functional Behavior Assessment, often called an FBA, is a tool used to understand why a behavior is happening. Instead of focusing only on what a child is doing, an FBA looks at the reason behind the behavior so support can actually work. When I first learned about Functional Behavior Assessments, it changed how I […]
Play therapy and ABA therapy can absolutely be combined, and for many children, this blended approach works very well. When done thoughtfully, the two can support emotional growth and skill-building at the same time. Families don’t have to choose one or the other. The key is using each approach in the right way, for the […]
The psychological effects of ABA therapy aren’t always obvious at first glance. They tend to show up gradually, in quieter ways—like increased confidence or a calmer response to change. From my perspective, those internal shifts are just as important as any measurable outcome. They’re often the foundation that allows real progress to happen. Building a […]
Key Highlights What a typical day in ABA therapy actually looks like across different settings How data collection and research guide daily clinical decisions The balance between structured teaching and natural learning opportunities How challenging behaviors are addressed with compassion and evidence-based strategies Why collaboration with caregivers, educators, and clinical teams is essential How flexibility […]
If you’re a parent looking into ABA therapy, you might be wondering: Can my child work with more than one ABA provider at the same time? It’s a common question, especially when you’re trying to get the best possible support across home, school, and the community. The honest answer is: sometimes, yes—but it needs to […]
Is ABA Therapy Harmful?
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is often considered the gold standard for supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, some families wonder if ABA therapy can be harmful. Concerns usually stem from older practices that focused heavily on compliance without considering the individual’s voice. Modern ABA, however, has evolved significantly. Today, ABA therapy emphasizes […]
What Can I Do Instead of ABA?
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most widely recommended therapy for autism, but some families explore alternatives or complementary approaches. Instead of ABA, parents may consider therapies such as speech therapy, which builds communication skills, or occupational therapy, which focuses on daily living and sensory integration. Social skills groups and counseling can also provide valuable […]