What Does ABA Therapy Look Like?

Signs to look for, questions to ask, and how ABA can help children with autism thrive

Brave Steps ABA Blog

If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you might be hearing a lot of recommendations including ABA therapy. But how do you know if it’s the right fit? What does it actually help with? And when is the right time to get started?



At Brave Steps ABA, we specialize in supporting military families in the Tampa area with high-quality, in-home ABA therapy. This guide breaks down when ABA may be helpful and how to take the next steps.

What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, a therapy rooted in the science of learning and behavior. It’s designed to help children build meaningful life skills like communication, daily routines, and social interactions while also reducing behaviors that may interfere with their learning, safety, or relationships. 

👉 Want to learn more about what ABA therapy is? Click here to read a more detailed explanation of Applied Behavior Analysis.

When ABA Therapy May Help

Every child is unique, but here are some common areas where ABA can provide meaningful support:

Building Communication Skills
Whether your child is non-speaking, learning to use a communication device, working on back-and-forth conversation, or learning to ask for help, ABA can help strengthen language and functional communication.



Improving Daily Routines
ABA helps your child learn to follow routines like getting ready for bed or sitting at the dinner table by breaking down these tasks into manageable steps and encouraging consistent participation tailored to your child’s pace and needs.

Supporting Social Development

If your child has trouble engaging with peers, taking turns, or navigating play, ABA can build the foundational skills that support social confidence.

Navigating Transitions or Changes

Difficulty moving between activities or handling changes in routine? ABA offers strategies to support flexibility and emotional regulation.

Reducing Challenging Behaviors

Behaviors like aggression, self-injury, or elopement (running off) often signal a communication or environmental need. ABA helps identify what’s driving the behavior and teaches safer, more effective alternatives.

These are just a few examples! ABA therapy is highly individualized and developed through a formal assessment process with input from the family.

What If My Child Receives Other Therapies?

ABA therapy can work hand-in-hand with speech, occupational, and physical therapies to support your child’s overall development. When these services complement each other, children often make the best progress. That’s why collaboration between providers is so important. 



At Brave Steps ABA, our team values working closely with other therapists to share insights and coordinate efforts, ensuring your child benefits from a unified approach tailored to their unique needs.

What Are the First Steps to Getting Started With ABA Therapy?

If your child has received an autism diagnosis and you’re wondering if ABA therapy is the right next step, you’re not alone.

Most insurance providers, including TRICARE, require a formal autism diagnosis and a referral for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services from a medical provider.

Once your insurance authorizes ABA services, families begin with an initial ABA assessment where we get to know your child, discuss your goals, and develop individualized treatment recommendations.

At Brave Steps ABA, we guide families through every part of this process. Once your referral is in place, we’ll help you request the initial assessment and start services. Our team is here to make the journey as smooth as possible.

A Note for Military Families

We understand the unique stressors and transitions military families face. Depending on your sponsor’s military status (active duty, reserves, retired), there are important steps to coordinate services, including navigating EFMP, ECHO, and ASN processes. That’s why our services are designed to offer flexible, consistent support while helping you manage the insurance and coordination process.

We provide in-home ABA therapy throughout the Tampa area and collaborate with schools and other providers as needed, based on your child’s needs and insurance authorization.

Still Wondering If ABA Is Right for Your Family?

If you’re noticing that your child is still developing key skills or experiencing behaviors that make daily life harder, ABA might be a helpful next step. You don’t need to have it all figured out - we’re here to help you explore your options and support your child’s growth.