Beginning ABA therapy is a major milestone in your child’s developmental journey. For many parents, it begins with a lot of questions and a fair share of anxiety—especially when it comes to the first assessment. What will it look like? How can you prepare? What exactly are the professionals looking for?
This blog is here to walk you through what to expect in your child’s first ABA assessment. Whether you live in Atlanta, Georgia or anywhere else, this guide will help you approach the experience with clarity and confidence.
An ABA assessment is the first step in creating a personalized therapy plan for your child. Conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), this evaluation helps identify your child’s strengths, challenges, and behavioral goals.
The assessment process is data-driven, and it helps professionals develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs and developmental level.
ABA assessments often consist of several components. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically expect:
You will likely begin the process by speaking with the BCBA about your child’s history, current behaviors, medical background, developmental milestones, and concerns.
Why this matters:
Provides essential context
Helps the BCBA understand your goals
Builds a picture of the child’s daily routine and environment
The BCBA will spend time observing your child in a natural setting—either at home, in a clinic, or a school. The goal is to see how your child interacts, responds to instructions, and engages with others.
What they observe:
Communication and social skills
Problem behaviors and triggers
Attention span and task completion
Your child may be assessed using standardized tools such as:
VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program)
ABLLS-R (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills)
AFLS (Assessment of Functional Living Skills)
These tools help determine your child’s level in various developmental areas including communication, play, self-help, and academic readiness.
If your child exhibits challenging behaviors, the BCBA will conduct an FBA to determine the function or purpose of those behaviors.
Common functions include:
Attention seeking
Escape or avoidance
Access to items or activities
Sensory stimulation
Understanding the “why” behind a behavior is essential to developing effective interventions.
Once the assessment is complete, the BCBA will analyze the data and create an individualized treatment plan. This plan includes:
Specific, measurable goals
Behavior intervention strategies
Reinforcement systems
Parent training recommendations
Session frequency and setting (home, school, or clinic)
You will typically review this plan together and have an opportunity to ask questions or suggest modifications based on your family’s needs.
To help the assessment process go smoothly, here are a few things you can do as a parent:
Be honest and thorough during the parent interview.
Keep a behavior log of any concerns you’ve observed (what happened, when, and how your child responded).
Bring relevant documents like school reports or medical records.
Make sure your child is well-rested and has had a snack before the session.
Myth 1: The assessment will label my child.
Reality: The goal is to understand your child’s behavior and skills, not to apply labels.
Myth 2: There’s a pass or fail outcome.
Reality: It’s not a test. It’s a foundation for building a supportive, personalized therapy plan.
Myth 3: I need to “prepare” my child so they perform well.
Reality: It’s best for the BCBA to see your child’s natural behavior to build an accurate plan.
The first ABA assessment is not something to fear—it’s the start of a meaningful journey. By collaborating with trained professionals, you are laying the groundwork for your child to grow, learn, and thrive.
Families in Atlanta, Georgia, have access to experienced ABA professionals who understand the unique needs of each child. With the right support, your child’s path to progress begins here.