If your child has recently started ABA therapy, you may find yourself wondering what actually happens during a typical session. Who works with your child? Who makes the decisions? And how does all of it support your child’s growth in a meaningful way?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how children communicate, interact, and experience the world around them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is identified with autism (CDC, 2023).
Because every child is different, support must be individualized. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most researched, evidence-based approaches used to support children on the autism spectrum (National Autism Center, 2015). ABA services are delivered by a team, typically including a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Behavior Technician (BT).
Understanding how these roles work together can help you feel more confident about your child’s care.
Understanding the ABA Team Supporting Your Child
ABA therapy is never delivered by one person working alone. It is a supervised, structured model designed to ensure safety, accountability, and individualized care.
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
A BCBA is a master’s-level clinician who:
• Conducts comprehensive assessments
• Develops your child’s individualized treatment plan
• Sets measurable goals
• Provides parent training
• Reviews progress data
• Adjusts goals as needed
• Supervises and trains Behavior Technicians
BCBAs are certified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and licensed according to state regulations (BACB, 2023).
The BCBA is responsible for clinical decision-making. They design and oversee your child’s program.
The Behavior Technician (BT)
The Behavior Technician works directly with your child during sessions.
• They implement the treatment plan created by the BCBA
• Practice targeted skills with your child
• Collect data during each session
• Share observations with the supervising BCBA
The BT does not independently create or modify treatment plans. Instead, they carry out the program under BCBA supervision.
This partnership ensures your child receives both hands-on support and ongoing clinical oversight.
What Does an ABA Therapist Do During a Typical Day?
When your child attends therapy, much of the session involves practicing specific skills identified in their individualized treatment plan.
Sessions are structured, but they are also responsive to your child’s mood, energy level, and engagement that day.
A typical session may include:
• Practicing communication skills
• Engaging in structured or play-based learning
• Building social interaction skills
• Working on daily living routines
• Reinforcing adaptive behaviors
If your child becomes frustrated or overwhelmed, therapists are trained to adjust the activity while maintaining therapeutic goals.
How Skills Are Taught
ABA uses research-based teaching strategies that are carefully selected by the BCBA and implemented by the BT.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
This method breaks skills into small, clear steps. It is structured and helpful when introducing new concepts.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
Skills are practiced during everyday routines such as playtime or snack time. This helps children use skills in real-life situations.
Task Analysis
Larger activities such as brushing teeth or getting dressed are broken into manageable steps to support independence.
The goal is not to change who your child is. The goal is to help your child build skills that increase independence, reduce frustration, and improve quality of life.
The Role of Data in Your Child’s Progress
You may notice therapists taking notes during sessions. This is part of ABA’s data-driven approach.
Behavior Technicians collect objective data during each session. The BCBA reviews this data regularly to:
• Track progress
• Identify patterns
• Adjust goals
• Modify teaching strategies if needed
This ongoing review ensures therapy stays individualized and responsive.
Why Parent Involvement Matters
ABA therapy is most effective when families are active partners.
Parent training is provided by the BCBA and may include:
• Reviewing your child’s progress
• Teaching strategies you can use at home
• Supporting skill generalization across environments
• Addressing specific concerns or goals
Your insight into your child’s strengths, preferences, and challenges is essential. Therapy works best when it aligns with your family’s priorities.
Ethical and Respectful Practice
Modern ABA practice emphasizes:
• Respect for neurodiversity
• Family-centered goal setting
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Meaningful, functional skill development
Current literature highlights the importance of focusing on autonomy, communication, and safety rather than prioritizing changes to traits that are not impacting well-being or functioning (Leaf et al., 2022).
At its core, ABA should support your child in navigating their world more comfortably and confidently.
How Capable Cubs Approaches ABA Therapy
At Capable Cubs, ABA services follow a structured team model:
• Licensed BCBAs conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Behavior Technicians provide one-on-one therapy under BCBA supervision.
• Parent training is provided by the BCBA.
• Programs are reviewed regularly and adjusted based on measurable outcomes.
This model ensures your child receives consistent, supervised, and individualized care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who creates my child’s ABA treatment plan?
A licensed BCBA conducts assessments and develops your child’s treatment plan.
Who works directly with my child during sessions?
A Behavior Technician works one-on-one with your child under BCBA supervision.
How often is progress reviewed?
BCBAs review session data regularly and make program adjustments when needed.
Is ABA therapy the same for every child?
No. Each program is individualized based on assessment results and family priorities.
What if my child feels frustrated during therapy?
Therapists are trained to recognize signs of frustration and adjust activities to keep learning supportive and manageable.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). (2023). BCBA and RBT certification requirements.
National Autism Center. (2015). National Standards Project.
Leaf, J. B., et al. (2022). Contemporary Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Final Thoughts
As a parent, it is natural to want clarity about who is supporting your child and how decisions are made.
An ABA therapist plays an important daily role in teaching and reinforcing skills. Behind that daily work is a supervising BCBA who designs, monitors, and adjusts the treatment plan to ensure your child’s therapy remains individualized and evidence-based.
When delivered ethically and collaboratively, ABA therapy can support communication, independence, and confidence while respecting your child’s individuality.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice. Families are encouraged to consult licensed professionals to determine appropriate services for their child.