Getting started on your ABA JOURNEY

How to Get Started with ABA Therapy

If you are new to ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) and wondering where to begin, here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Start by learning about how ABA works and what a quality ABA program should include.
Familiarise yourself with:

• The background of ABA
   
• The key methods used
   
• The principles of behaviour analysis
   

Understanding the basics will help you feel more confident and better equipped to support your child throughout their therapy journey.

There are many introductory ABA courses available online — and we highly recommend that parents complete one of these courses.

These courses will help you:

• Understand the foundations of ABA
   
• Support your child at home
   
• Play an active role in your child’s therapy
   

Parent involvement is one of the most important factors in the success of any ABA program.

Your next step is to research and contact a few different BCBA (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst) or ABA Consultants to see who is the best fit for your child’s individual needs.

Your chosen Consultant will:

• Conduct an initial assessment of your child
   
• Develop an individualised ABA program
   
• Conduct an initial workshop with your family and therapy team
   
• Provide ongoing supervision and support (usually on a monthly basis)
   

👉 See the Services We Provide section for more details about our workshop process.

You may also choose to hire ABA Tutors (Behaviour Technicians) to support your child’s program alongside your family’s involvement.

If you are hiring tutors, it is essential to check that they have:

• An up-to-date DBS check
   
• Appropriate insurance
   
• Relevant qualifications
   
• References from previous employers
   

We also recommend choosing tutors who:

• Are members of the UKSBA (UK Society for Behaviour Analysis)
   
• Hold an RBT (Registered Behaviour Technician) qualification
   

👉 You can also view some of our available Behaviour Therapists on our Meet the Team page.

To begin your child’s ABA program, you will need some basic resources, including:

• Reinforcers (motivating toys or items your child loves)
   
• Learning materials (e.g. flashcards, visual supports, program-specific items)
   
• A small table and chair for structured teaching
   
• A quiet, distraction-free space where therapy sessions can take place
   

Your BCBA/ABA Consultant will provide you with a tailored list of recommended items once your child’s assessment has been completed and their individual program is created.

Parent involvement is key to the success of your child’s ABA program.

This can include:

• Actively delivering therapy on a daily basis
   
• Preparing materials and resources
   
• Participating in team meetings and workshops
   
• Supporting skill generalisation across home and community settings
   

The more you engage with the program, the more value it will bring to your child’s development and progress.