Top 20 Questions Parents Ask Our San Francisco ABA Team

Starting ABA therapy for your child can feel overwhelming. Between assessments, insurance approvals, therapy schedules, and new faces coming into your home, there’s a lot to take in. Over the years, our San Francisco ABA team has answered hundreds of questions from parents and many of them come up again and again.

This guide pulls together 20 top questions parents ask our ABA team (and real answers) so you can feel more prepared, supported, and confident as you step into this process.

Whether you’re just beginning your search or already in therapy, I hope these answers make ABA feel a little more approachable and a lot less confusing.

Bonus: Before you commit to any ABA company, rates, ABA hours here are additional questions you can ask your ABA provider.

1. What is ABA therapy, and how does it work?

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It’s a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. Simply put, ABA helps children build new skills and reduce barriers by breaking tasks down into small steps, reinforcing success, and practicing consistently.

For example, if we want a child to brush their teeth independently, we’ll break it into steps (pick up toothbrush, apply toothpaste, brush top teeth, brush bottom teeth) and teach each one systematically. Over time, these small wins build into bigger independence.

2. How do I know if ABA therapy is right for my child?

Parents often ask, “How do I know if ABA therapy is right for my child?” The answer usually comes from two places: your child’s needs and your family’s goals.

If your child has delays in communication, daily living skills, social play, or behavior regulation, ABA can provide structured support. It’s also flexible enough to adapt to your child’s age, strengths, and personality.

The best way to know for sure is to complete an autism assessment in San Francisco and talk directly with a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) who can recommend next steps.

3. How many hours of ABA therapy does my child need each week?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some children thrive with 10–15 hours of ABA each week, while others benefit from 30 or more. Your BCBA will design a schedule based on your child’s age, developmental goals, and what’s sustainable for your family.

Think of hours as a tool, not a number to chase. What matters most is consistency and focus. How many hours of ABA therapy your child needs each week depends on where they are now and where you want them to grow.

4. Is 35–40 hours of ABA really necessary for toddlers?

This is one of the most common questions we hear: Is 35–40 hours of ABA really necessary for toddlers?

The research often recommends high-intensity therapy for very young children because the early years are a critical window for learning. But the reality is, not every toddler or every family can handle that many hours. Some children thrive with fewer, especially when parents are highly involved.

At Celeration ABA, we prioritize sustainable schedules over rigid numbers. Progress happens when kids are engaged and families feel supported, not burned out.

5. How is my child’s therapy plan individualized?

Every child with autism is unique, so how is my child’s therapy plan individualized?

Your BCBA starts by gathering input from you, teachers, and other providers, alongside direct observations and assessments. Goals are built around what matters most: communication, independence, social skills, and reducing challenges that impact daily life.

Plans are updated regularly, often every few weeks, to make sure progress stays on track. Nothing is “cookie-cutter” ; your child’s plan should feel like it belongs to them.

6. What is the role of the BCBA in my child’s therapy?

The BCBA is like the lead architect of your child’s ABA program. So, what is the role of the BCBA in my child’s therapy?

They design your child’s treatment plan, train therapists, monitor progress, and adjust strategies as needed. At Celeration ABA, every program is overseen directly by a BCBA, which means your child always has professional, expert guidance.

Think of the BCBA as your go-to partner. If you have questions or concerns, they’re the person who helps connect all the dots.

7. Will my child always work 1:1 with a therapist?

In most cases, yes. ABA therapy is typically provided one-on-one, especially in the beginning. Will my child always work 1:1 with a therapist? Not forever.

Over time, sessions may include siblings, peers, or group settings to build social skills.

But the foundation usually starts with one-on-one support to maximize learning and attention.

8. What should I expect during the first month of ABA therapy?

Parents often wonder, “What should I expect during the first month of ABA therapy?”

The answer: a lot of building foundations.

The first 30 days often focus on trust, rapport, and small skill-building wins. You’ll see therapists learning what motivates your child, setting up routines, and introducing goals gradually. Don’t expect dramatic changes overnight instead, look for increased comfort, smoother routines, and early signs of progress.

9. How will progress be measured and shared with me?

One strength of ABA is its focus on data. How will progress be measured and shared with me? Through clear, consistent data collection.

Therapists record how often skills are demonstrated, how independently they’re performed, and how consistent they are over time. Your BCBA reviews the data weekly and shares updates in parent meetings so you know exactly where your child stands.

Progress is never a mystery. It’s transparent and trackable.

10. What are signs that ABA is working for my child?

So, what are signs that ABA is working for my child? Look for small but meaningful changes. Maybe your child transitions more smoothly, uses a new word, or tolerates a daily routine with less resistance.

ABA progress is often gradual, but consistent. Over time, these small steps lead to bigger independence and confidence.

11. How can I be involved in my child’s therapy sessions?

Parents ask us all the time: “How can I be involved in my child’s therapy sessions?” The answer: in every way possible.

Your role is to observe, learn, and practice. Many sessions include parent coaching, where you’re guided on how to reinforce strategies at home. The more you’re involved, the faster progress happens, especially in part-time ABA models.

12. Can ABA therapy happen at home, school, or in the community?

Yes. Can ABA therapy happen at home, school, or in the community? Absolutely.

In-home ABA therapy helps with daily routines like meals and bedtime. School-based support addresses classroom behaviors and learning. Community sessions help practice skills like ordering food, playing at the park, or handling transitions in public.

Flexibility is one of ABA’s greatest strengths.

13. What happens if my child resists therapy or has meltdowns?

Resistance is normal. What happens if my child resists therapy or has meltdowns? The therapist adapts.

ABA is built on understanding motivation. If your child resists, we adjust strategies, change reinforcers, or step back to simpler skills. Meltdowns aren’t failures, they’re communication. With time, trust, and consistency, resistance decreases.

14. How does ABA support communication and language development?

Parents often ask: “How does ABA support communication and language development?”

ABA focuses on functional communication, the ability to express needs, wants, and thoughts. For some kids, this means spoken words. For others, it may mean using pictures, devices, or sign language.

Every communication attempt is reinforced, creating motivation to keep trying. Over time, communication becomes more consistent and meaningful.

15. Will ABA therapy help with social skills and play?

Yes. Will ABA therapy help with social skills and play? Absolutely.

Play is how children learn, and social interaction is often one of the biggest challenges for kids on the spectrum. ABA therapy builds these skills by practicing turn-taking, sharing, imaginative play, and peer interactions in structured but fun ways.

This is one of the most joyful parts of ABA, watching kids connect and play more fully.

16. How does insurance approval for ABA hours work?

Insurance can feel overwhelming. How does insurance approval for ABA hours work?

After your child’s autism diagnosis and assessment, your BCBA recommends a treatment plan with suggested hours. That plan is submitted to insurance, which reviews and approves coverage. Sometimes it takes a few weeks, but your ABA team can guide you through the process.

17. Can ABA be combined with speech or occupational

therapy?

Yes, and it often works best this way. Can ABA be combined with speech or occupational therapy? Absolutely.

We collaborate with speech and OT providers all the time. If your child is working on fine motor skills in OT, ABA can reinforce those skills in daily routines. If speech is building articulation, ABA can help practice those sounds during play. Integration makes therapy more consistent and effective.

18. What happens if my child gets tired or shows signs

of burnout?

ABA should never push a child past their limits. What happens if my child gets tired or shows signs of burnout? We adapt.

Therapy sessions can include breaks, flexible pacing, and activities that feel fun and motivating. If burnout shows up, your BCBA will adjust hours or strategies to keep therapy sustainable. Progress only happens when children are engaged and supported.

19. How do you make therapy sessions fun and engaging?

This is one of the most important questions: How do you make therapy sessions fun and engaging?

ABA works best when kids don’t even realize they’re “in therapy.” Sessions often look like play,  building with blocks, playing pretend, or practicing turn-taking games. Motivation drives learning, so therapists use your child’s favorite activities and items to keep sessions enjoyable.

20. What’s the long-term goal of ABA therapy for my child?

Finally, parents want to know: “What’s the long-term goal of ABA therapy for my child?”

The ultimate goal is independence. That looks different for every child, but it often means communicating needs, building friendships, handling daily routines, and gaining confidence in the world.

ABA isn’t about changing who your child is, it’s about helping them thrive as who they are.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve likely asked some (or all) of these questions yourself.

ABA therapy can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Celeration ABA, we believe in honest answers, collaborative care, and building therapy around your family’s real life in San Francisco.

Contact us today to schedule your autism assessment in San Francisco and start your journey with a team that listens, supports, and cares about your child’s growth.