What to Expect at Your Child’s First ABA Session in Minnesota

1. The Hardest Part Is Already Behind You

If your child is about to start ABA therapy, take a moment to recognize how far you’ve already come. You noticed something. You asked questions. You navigated screenings, evaluations, and paperwork. For many Minnesota families, that journey includes a Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE), insurance authorizations, and choosing a provider—none of which are simple.

Now comes the part that often feels the most uncertain: What actually happens on day one?

The short answer is that the first ABA therapy session is designed to be low-pressure and relationship-focused. Your child won’t be tested or drilled. Instead, the therapist will spend time getting to know your child—their interests, their communication style, and what makes them feel comfortable. Research shows that a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most reliable predictors of positive outcomes in early behavioral intervention. (Crone & Mehta, 2016 — NIH)

The first session isn’t about performance. It’s about connection. Your child’s therapist is there to learn who your child is—not to evaluate what they can’t do.

2. Before the First Session: How to Prepare

A little preparation goes a long way toward making the first day comfortable for both you and your child. Here’s what to do in the days leading up to the session:

Gather Your Documents

Your ABA provider will likely ask for copies of your child’s diagnostic evaluation, CMDE results (if your family uses the EIDBI benefit), and any previous therapy or school records. Having these ready saves time and helps the clinical team build a complete picture from the start.

Write Down What Matters to You

Before the session, take a few minutes to jot down:

• Your child’s strengths—what they enjoy, what they’re good at
• Specific behaviors or challenges that concern you
• Daily routines, including sleep and mealtimes
• What your child finds comforting or distressing
• Goals you have for therapy, even if they feel broad

This information is invaluable for the BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) who will design your child’s treatment plan. Nobody knows your child like you do, and your observations are the starting point for everything that follows.

Talk to Your Child

Use simple, positive language to explain what’s coming. Something like, “A new friend is coming to play with you and help you learn new things” works well for younger children. Avoid framing therapy as a consequence or correction—the goal is for your child to associate sessions with positive experiences from the very first day.

Set Up the Space (for In-Home Sessions)

If your child will receive in-home ABA therapy, you don’t need to rearrange your house. The therapist is trained to work in real-life environments. That said, having a relatively calm area with a few of your child’s favorite toys or activities within reach can help the first session go smoothly.

3. What Happens During the First Session

The first ABA therapy session typically lasts between one and three hours, depending on your provider and your child’s age. Here’s a typical flow:

Meeting the Team

You’ll meet your child’s Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)—the person who will work directly with your child during most sessions—and the supervising BCBA. The BCBA is the clinical lead who designs the treatment plan, sets goals, and oversees all therapy. (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)

Rapport Building (Pairing)

The RBT will spend most of the first session on what therapists call “pairing”—building a positive association with your child. This looks like play. The therapist might sit on the floor, join your child in an activity they enjoy, follow their lead, or simply be present without making demands.

Pairing is not filler. It’s a deliberate, evidence-based strategy. When a child feels safe and connected to their therapist, they’re more motivated to engage, more willing to try new things, and more responsive to teaching. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis confirmed that systematic pairing procedures significantly improve a child’s cooperation and reduce escape-related behaviors during early therapy sessions. (Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis)

Gentle Observation and Assessment

While your child plays, the BCBA and RBT are quietly observing. They’re noting things like:

• How your child communicates (words, gestures, sounds, devices)
• What activities and items your child gravitates toward
• How your child responds to simple requests or transitions
• Sensory preferences—what textures, sounds, or movements they seek or avoid
• Social engagement—how they interact with adults and their surroundings

This observation is the beginning of the functional behavior assessment, which forms the foundation of your child’s individualized treatment plan. None of this feels like a test to your child—it’s simply the therapist learning who they are.

Parent Conversation

Sometime during or after the session, the BCBA will sit down with you to discuss your observations, answer your questions, and begin aligning on goals. This is your chance to share the details you prepared earlier—routines, concerns, what you hope therapy will help with. The BCBA will also explain how sessions will be structured going forward and what to expect in the coming weeks.

It’s okay if the first session doesn’t go perfectly. Some children warm up quickly. Others need more time. A meltdown on day one is not a setback—it’s data. Your therapist has seen it before and knows how to adjust.

4. The First Week and Beyond: What the Early Weeks Look Like

The first session is just the beginning. Here’s a realistic timeline of what to expect during the early weeks of ABA therapy:

Week 1–2: Building Trust

The RBT will continue pairing—following your child’s lead, introducing themselves through play, and gradually building a relationship. Sessions may still feel mostly like playtime, and that’s exactly right. The BCBA may also conduct formal assessments (like the VB-MAPP or ABLLS-R) to measure your child’s current skill levels across communication, social, and adaptive domains.

Week 2–4: Assessment and Goal Setting

Using data from the initial sessions and formal assessments, the BCBA will develop your child’s individualized treatment plan. This includes specific, measurable goals tailored to your child’s needs—things like requesting preferred items, following two-step instructions, or playing alongside a peer. You’ll review these goals together and have the opportunity to provide input.

Month 2+: Structured Teaching Begins

Once rapport is established and goals are set, sessions gradually shift to include more structured teaching alongside natural play. Your child’s RBT will use techniques like Discrete Trial Training (DTT) for focused skill-building and Natural Environment Teaching (NET) to practice skills in real-life contexts. Sessions should always feel engaging and positive—not like drills.

The American Psychological Association notes that ABA therapy is most effective when it is individualized, data-driven, and delivered in a positive, relationship-based context. (APA — Autism Spectrum Disorder)

5. In-Home vs. Center-Based: How the Setting Shapes the First Day

Where your child receives therapy affects what the first session feels like. Both settings have distinct advantages, and many Minnesota families use a combination of both.

First Session at Home

• Your child is in a familiar environment, which can reduce anxiety
• The therapist observes your child in their natural setting—their toys, their room, their routines
• Siblings, pets, and everyday distractions are part of the picture (and that’s useful data)
• You have easy access to the therapist for questions

First Session at a Center

• The space is designed specifically for therapy, with structured areas for different activities
• Opportunities for peer interaction from the start
• The BCBA and clinical team are on-site for closer supervision
• Your child may need extra time to adjust to a new environment

We wrote a detailed comparison in our post on in-home vs. center-based ABA therapy if you’re still deciding which option fits your family best. Either way, the core of the first session—rapport building and observation—remains the same.

6. Your Role as a Parent During Therapy

One of the most common questions parents ask is, “What should I be doing while therapy is happening?” The answer depends on your provider and your child’s needs, but here are some general guidelines:

• Stay nearby during early sessions. Your presence helps your child feel safe during the transition. As your child builds trust with their therapist, you can gradually step back.
• Participate in parent training. Good ABA providers include regular parent training as part of the program. This teaches you strategies to reinforce skills at home—consistent routines, prompting techniques, and how to respond to challenging behaviors. Research consistently shows that parent involvement amplifies therapy outcomes. (Crone & Mehta, 2016 — NIH)
• Ask questions. You should always feel welcome to ask your BCBA what’s being worked on, why a particular approach is being used, and how your child is progressing. Transparency is a hallmark of quality ABA.
• Share what you see at home. If your child starts using a new word, handles a transition better, or has a tough day, tell the team. This information helps the BCBA adjust the plan in real time.

You are not a bystander in your child’s therapy. You are a partner. The best outcomes happen when parents and therapists work together as a team.

7. How EIDBI Connects to Your Child’s First Session in Minnesota

If your family accesses ABA therapy through Minnesota’s EIDBI (Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention) benefit, there are a few things unique to your situation:

• CMDE results inform the treatment plan. The Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation your child completed provides the clinical foundation for therapy goals. Your BCBA will use these results alongside their own assessments. (Minnesota DHS — EIDBI)
• No cost for qualifying families. EIDBI services are covered by Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare, and MA-TEFRA. If your child qualifies, there are no copays or out-of-pocket costs for ABA therapy.
• Authorized hours determine session frequency. Your child’s CMDE and treatment plan will specify recommended hours per week. This can range from 10 to 40 hours depending on your child’s needs. The BCBA will discuss the recommended schedule with you during the intake process.
• The provider handles most paperwork. Enrolled EIDBI providers manage authorization requests and reporting requirements, so you can focus on your child rather than navigating bureaucracy.

Not sure if your family qualifies for EIDBI? Our guide on what EIDBI is in Minnesota walks through eligibility, the CMDE process, and how to get started.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Starting ABA Therapy with Ability Avenues

If you’re a family in Minneapolis or the surrounding Twin Cities area preparing for your child’s first ABA session, we want you to feel confident and supported from the very first day.

At Ability Avenues, every new family receives:

• A dedicated BCBA who gets to know your child and your family before sessions begin
• A thoughtful onboarding process that prioritizes your child’s comfort and your peace of mind
• Flexible service options—both in-home ABA therapy and center-based ABA therapy
• EIDBI enrollment—we handle the paperwork so families on Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, or MA-TEFRA can access services at no cost
• Ongoing parent training so you can reinforce progress at home with confidence