What To Expect During Your First ABA-VB Therapy Session: A Parent’s Guide

Starting ABA-VB therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s your first time navigating early intervention for your child. For parents, the first ABA-VB therapy session often brings a mix of hope, anxiety, and a lot of questions. What will happen? How will my child respond? Will I be involved? These are all valid concerns. That’s why understanding what to expect upfront is not just helpful — it’s empowering. Being prepared can reduce stress, help your child feel more at ease, and allow you to be an active, informed part of their therapy journey.

At AUTISMSTEP, we know how important that first step is. We work closely with families to make sure both the child and the parents are supported from day one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through typical first ABA-VB therapy session expectations, and share practical tips to help you and your child get the most out of the process.

Parents’ Guide To ABA-VB Therapy Session: What To Expect On The First Day

Starting ABA-VB therapy can be a big step for both you and your child. Knowing what to expect sets you up for a smoother experience. The first session is all about building trust, gathering information, and creating a strong foundation for progress. Below is a clear breakdown of what typically happens during your child’s first ABA-VB therapy session.

• Warm Welcome and Settling In

During the first ABA therapy session in Singapore, the therapist will warmly welcome you and your child to create a calm and inviting environment. This part of the session isn’t about jumping into therapy right away — it’s about helping your child get familiar with the space, people, and overall routine. Some clinics offer observation rooms or allow you to sit in during the first few minutes to ease the transition for both you and your child.

• Rapport Building Through Play

The therapist will begin to build rapport by joining your child in activities they naturally enjoy, such as playing with blocks, puzzles, or singing songs. This process, called “pairing,” is foundational in any ABA therapy session for kids, as it associates the therapist with positive reinforcement instead of demands or pressure. Rather than issuing instructions, the therapist simply follows your child’s lead to build trust.

• Observation and Behaviour Sampling

As your child explores the room and interacts with the therapist, the latter will quietly observe how the former responds to the surroundings, communicate, and manage transitions. The therapist may take note of how your child makes requests (mands), labels things (tacts), or reacts to prompts, capturing baseline data for future sessions. These insights are critical for developing a tailored therapy plan that addresses your child’s strengths and needs.

• Gentle Introduction to Structure

Once your child starts to feel comfortable, the therapist may gently introduce simple tasks using well-established ABA methods like Discrete Trial Training (DTT) or Natural Environment Teaching (NET). These early trials help assess how your child responds to simple prompts, rewards, and routines, without adding pressure.

• Parent Involvement

Parents play a crucial role, even in the very first session. You may be asked to share recent behaviours, preferred items, or triggers to help fine-tune the therapist’s approach. Whether you observe or wait outside, your insights are a vital piece of the puzzle and help shape a more effective therapy program from the start.

• Feedback and Next Steps

After the session, the therapist will come back to you to give a detailed summary of how your child did — what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next. This conversation may cover how your child responded to reinforcement, handled transitions, or engaged in tasks. It is always recommended to work with the therapist to set a consistent therapy schedule, as a strong routine is essential in ABA-VB therapy to ensure steady progress and reinforce new skills.

It’s quite common for children to feel shy, resistant, or overwhelmed during their first session — and that’s okay. These early emotional reactions are part of the adjustment period and don’t mean the therapy isn’t working.

However, you’re not expected to figure it all out alone. AUTISMSTEP offer ongoing parent training, regular check-ins, and open communication so that you feel informed and involved every step of the way. Your commitment and collaboration are essential to your child’s long-term success in ABA-VB therapy.

3 Tips For A Smooth ABA-VB Therapy Experience in Singapore:

1. Be Honest and Detailed in Intake Forms

The intake forms are your child’s first introduction to the therapy team — don’t treat them as just paperwork. Be open and thorough when describing your child’s behaviours, triggers, communication methods, likes, and dislikes. Honest information gives the therapists a clear starting point and helps tailor the session to avoid unnecessary stress and maximize comfort from the beginning.

2. Ensure Your Child Is Well-Rested and Fed

A tired or hungry child may have a harder time adjusting to a new setting and engaging with a new person. Try to schedule the session after a meal or snack, and make sure your child gets enough rest the night before. Physical comfort directly impacts cooperation and focus, especially during the very first session.

3. Manage Your Expectations

It’s natural to want instant results, but progress in ABA-VB therapy is built over time — think in weeks and months, not days. Your child might not participate fully in the first session, and that’s okay. It’s a steady process where trust is built, routines take shape, and communication skills grow one step at a time.

Summary:

The first ABA-VB therapy session sets the stage for your child’s developmental progress, starting with trust-building, observation, and gentle structure. It’s normal to feel nervous, but understanding what to expect during ABA therapy helps you walk in prepared and confident. Every child adjusts at their own pace, and early sessions are just the beginning of a long-term journey. With the right guidance and support, your involvement can make a lasting impact.

Reach out to AUTISMSTEP today— we’re here to guide you every step of the way.