As a parent, there’s nothing more important than seeing your child thrive. But when your child starts ABA therapy, it’s completely normal to wonder:

• How will I know if this is helping?

• What should progress actually look like?

• What if we’re not seeing big changes right away?

These are great questions – and the truth is, progress in ABA therapy is rarely instant or dramatic. It’s personal, gradual, and deeply meaningful in ways that go beyond charts and checklists.

This guide will help you understand how ABA therapy defines success, how to track your child’s growth, and what to expect as your child moves forward.

Progress in ABA Isn’t Always a Straight Line

Let’s start here: progress doesn’t always look like a perfect upward trend. There may be good days and hard days. Some goals may take weeks or months. Other times, your child may surprise you and master something you thought you’d never see.

That’s okay. It doesn’t mean ABA isn’t working. It means your child is human, and that real progress is about building lasting skills, not rushing to check off boxes.

What Does Progress Look Like?

It depends on the child and the family. But here are some common signs that ABA therapy is helping:

1. Improved Communication

Your child might:

• Use more words or gestures to express needs

• Cry or tantrum less when frustrated

• Begin using assistive communication devices more effectively

2. Daily Routines Get Easier

Things like:

• Brushing teeth with less resistance

• Transitioning from preferred to non-preferred tasks with fewer negative behaviors.

• Sleeping more consistently or tolerating mealtime better

3. Safer or More Independent Behavior

Progress might mean:

• A reduction in self-injurious behavior

• Fewer incidents of elopement 

• Improved ability to follow safety routines like holding hands or stopping at crosswalks

4. More Connection and Engagement

You may see:

• More shared smiles

• Your child playing with others, not just near them

• Interest in new activities or the ability to focus longer on familiar ones

5. You Feel More Empowered as a Parent

Real progress includes your own confidence growing:

• You know how to respond to challenging behavior

• You’re using strategies at home that actually help

• You feel supported, not judged, by your child’s care team

What You Should See from Your Provider

A quality ABA provider should do more than show you data, they should explain it in ways that make sense and feel meaningful.

You should expect:

• Clear, individualized goals for your child — not generic milestones

• Regular progress updates from your BCBA

• Parent input built into goal selection and treatment planning

• Visible change over time that matches what matters most to your family

If you’re not getting these things, it’s okay to ask questions or reevaluate the fit.

How Long Does It Take to See Progress in ABA?

There’s no universal timeline, but many  engaged families begin to notice small changes within the first few weeks to months. The most important thing is consistency, communication with your team, and making sure the therapy stays aligned with your child’s evolving needs.

Redefining Success

Success in ABA therapy isn’t about making your child “fit in”,  it’s about helping them build confidence, skills, and independence in a way that honors who they are.

At Spectrum of Hope, we celebrate every small win- from first words to first high-fives -because we know those moments add up to something big.

If you’re wondering whether ABA therapy could help your child take the next step forward, we’re here to talk through it -no pressure, just partnership.

Let’s explore what progress could look like for your family.

About the Author:

Karley Marsden is the VP of Marketing and Business Development at Spectrum of Hope, where she’s dedicated to helping families find clarity, confidence, and connection on their autism journey. With 20 years of experience in behavioral health and marketing, Karley blends strategy with heart to ensure families feel seen, supported, and empowered.