What to Expect at an ABA Assessment
You’ve made the call, your child has an ABA assessment on the calendar, and now you’re wondering what actually happens. Will your child be tested? Do you need to bring anything? What happens after?
The first ABA assessment is a get-to-know-you visit led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BCBA talks with you, spends time with your child, and looks at their skills and needs. Then they use what they learn to build a treatment plan with goals made for your child and your family.
From First Call to First Session
How getting started with ABA usually works, step by step.
- 1Intake callShare your child's needs, diagnosis, and insurance.
- 2Insurance checkThe provider confirms benefits and gets approval for the assessment.
- 3AssessmentA BCBA talks with you, watches your child play, and checks skills.
- 4Treatment planGoals for your child, recommended hours, and goals for you as a parent.
- 5Insurance approvalThe plan goes to your insurer to approve therapy hours.
- 6Therapy beginsYour child is matched with a therapist and sessions start.
Who Does the Assessment?
A BCBA leads the assessment. This is the clinician who will design your child’s program and supervise the therapist who works with your child day to day, usually a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
Depending on the provider, the assessment may happen at home, in a clinic, at school, or across more than one place. It’s often split into more than one visit so your child isn’t asked to do too much at once.
What Happens During the Assessment?
Most assessments include three parts.
1. Talking with you. The BCBA will ask about your child’s history, daily routines, strengths, interests, and what’s hardest right now. They’ll also ask what you most want to see change. Your goals shape the whole plan, so share honestly, even the things that feel small or embarrassing.
2. Watching and playing with your child. The BCBA spends time with your child in a relaxed way: playing, offering toys, and seeing how your child communicates, plays, and handles everyday moments like waiting or switching activities.
3. Checking skills. The BCBA may use structured skill checklists to see where your child is with communication, play, social skills, and daily living skills like dressing or toileting. Some of this happens through simple activities, and some through questions you answer. If your child has challenging behaviors, the BCBA will also look at when they happen and what may be causing them.
None of this is a pass-or-fail test. It’s a starting point, so the BCBA knows exactly where to begin.
Optional questions to bring to the conversation
- What did you notice about my child’s strengths?
- Which goals will we start with first, and why?
What Should I Bring?
Having these ready saves time and helps the BCBA get a full picture:
Your child’s autism diagnosis report
Your insurance card
School reports, like an IEP or 504 plan, if your child has one
Reports from speech, occupational, or other therapists
A short list of your top concerns and goals
Short phone videos of behaviors you want help with, if you have them
What to Bring
Having these ready saves time and helps the BCBA get a full picture:
- Your child’s autism diagnosis report
- Your insurance card
- School reports, like an IEP or 504 plan, if your child has one
- Reports from speech, occupational, or other therapists
- A short list of your top concerns and goals
- Short phone videos of behaviors you want help with, if you have them
How Can I Help My Child Feel Comfortable?
Tell them what’s coming in simple words. “Someone new is coming to play with you today.”
Pick a good time. Avoid nap time or right before meals if you can.
Have favorites on hand. Favorite toys and snacks help your child relax and show the BCBA what motivates them.
Let your child be themselves. You don’t need to prepare them or make them “behave.” The BCBA needs to see a normal day.
If your child gets upset during the visit, that’s okay. It helps the BCBA understand what’s hard for your child. Our guide on autism meltdowns vs. tantrums explains how those moments differ.
What Happens After the Assessment?
The BCBA writes a treatment plan. It usually includes:
Goals for your child, like asking for help, playing with siblings, following routines, or using the toilet
Recommended therapy hours each week
Where therapy happens, such as at home or school
Parent training goals, so you can use the same strategies between sessions
The plan is then sent to your insurance company for approval. Once it’s approved, your child is matched with a therapist and sessions begin. Your BCBA will reassess your child’s progress over time and update the goals as your child grows.
Optional questions to bring to the conversation
- How many hours do you recommend, and why that number?
- How will I be involved, and how often will we meet?
Questions to Ask Your BCBA
What did you notice about my child’s strengths?
Which goals will we start with first, and why?
How many hours do you recommend, and why that number?
How will I be involved, and how often will we meet?
How will we track progress?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need an autism diagnosis before the assessment?
For insurance to cover ABA, most plans require an autism diagnosis. If your child doesn’t have one yet, diagnosis support is usually the first step.
Can I stay in the room during the assessment?
Yes. Parents are usually part of the assessment, and the BCBA will want to talk with you and see how your child interacts with you.
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on your insurance plan and how quickly approvals come through. Your provider can give you an estimate after checking your benefits.
Get Started With America ABA
America ABA provides in-home and in-school ABA therapy for children ages 2–18 across Florida, and our team handles the insurance steps for you. Call 786-471-3091 or visit americaaba.com to start enrollment.