If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you may be asking; what comes next? For many families, one of the first recommendations is applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is an evidence-based approach that helps children build meaningful skills for everyday life, from communication and social interaction to routines and independence. This is where we come in! At Little Spurs Autism Centers, we support families across San Antonio with both in-home and in-center ABA therapy.
Now that you have decided what type of ABA therapy is best for your child, you can get started! But wait, before therapy begins, there’s an important first step: the ABA therapy evaluation (also known as the Initial Assessment/IA). This is how your child’s care team begins to understand who they are, what they need, and how to best support them.
What is an Initial Assessment/IA?
An ABA therapy evaluation is the starting point of your child’s therapy journey. During this assessment, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) gets to know your child’s strengths, areas of need, and overall development.
At Little Spurs Autism Centers, this process is designed to be highly individualized because we know; no two children are the same! We believe that your child’s evaluation will reflect their unique personality, abilities, and your family’s goals. The purpose is to create a personalized roadmap for therapy that supports meaningful progress in your child’s everyday life.
ABA Therapy Evaluation vs. Autism Assessment: What’s the Difference?
It’s common for families to feel confused about the difference between an autism evaluation and an ABA therapy evaluation.
An autism evaluation is the diagnostic process used to determine whether a child meets the criteria for ASD. This is typically completed by a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or specialist. If you are looking for a diagnosis, we can help! Click here for more info and to find local resources.
An ABA therapy evaluation (Initial Assessment) happens after a diagnosis has been made and services are being set up. At this stage, you’ve already chosen a provider like Little Spurs Autism Centers, and the focus shifts from diagnosis to support. This evaluation helps build your child’s individualized therapy plan based on their specific needs and your family’s priorities!
What Happens During the ABA Therapy Evaluation?
Your child’s Initial Assessment typically takes place in-center and may last a few hours. The environment is designed to feel welcoming and supportive, helping your child feel as comfortable as possible.
During the evaluation, your child’s Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) will:
- Spend time observing and interacting with your child through play-based activities
- Ask questions about your child’s daily routines, communication, and behaviors
- Learn about your family’s priorities and any concerns you may have
For us here at Little Spurs, this process is meant to feel natural not clinical or overwhelming. Children often show their most authentic skills during play, which helps the BCBA get a clearer picture of how they learn and engage with the world. The evaluation focuses on understanding how your child communicates, interacts, and navigates daily life. Some of the key areas assessed include:
- Communication skills (verbal and nonverbal communication, making requests, understanding language)
- Social interaction (play skills, engagement with others, turn-taking)
- Daily living skills (following routines, independence with tasks like handwashing or cleanup)
- Learning readiness (imitation, attention, matching, and early academic skills)
- Behavioral patterns (any behaviors that may impact learning, safety, or daily functioning)
Just as important, your child’s BCBA works to understand the why behind behaviors. This helps guide the development of strategies that teach new skills and support positive outcomes.
What Happens After the Evaluation?
After the Initial Assessment, your child’s BCBA uses the information gathered to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan outlines specific goals, recommended therapy hours, and strategies tailored to your child’s needs and your family’s priorities.
At Little Spurs Autism Centers, families are an essential part of the process. Once therapy begins, you’ll participate in regular Caregiver Education sessions where you’ll:
- Learn about your child’s progress
- Gain strategies to support skills at home
- Stay actively involved in your child’s development
When Can My Child Start ABA Therapy?
The timeline from evaluation to starting therapy can vary, but the goal is always to begin services as soon as possible once everything is in place.
In general, the process looks like this:
- Autism diagnosis → Initial Assessment: Scheduled after diagnosis and insurance verification
- Initial Assessment → Treatment Plan: Developed shortly after the evaluation
- Treatment Plan → First Day of Therapy: Therapy begins once approvals are complete and scheduling is finalized
Your Little Spurs team will guide you through each step, ensuring clear communication along the way.
Taking the Next Step
Starting ABA therapy can feel like a big step but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The Initial Assessment is designed to help your family feel supported, informed, and confident about what comes next.
If you’re ready to learn more or schedule an evaluation, our team is here to help you get started.
