How We Made ABA Home Therapy Fun for Our Child: A Parent’s Journey
When our son was diagnosed with autism, we were flooded with information and anxiety. Like many families in Texas, we started hearing about ABA home therapy—but didn’t know where to start.
We eventually chose to begin ABA in home therapy in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, where we live. That decision turned out to be life-changing—not just for our child, but for our entire family.
If you’re still wondering whether this approach works, I highly recommend reading this before-and-after story that helped guide our early decision.
Why ABA Home Therapy Was Right for Us
Many parents in cities like Austin, Houston, or Oklahoma City face the same dilemma: Should we do clinic-based ABA or try in-home sessions?
Here’s why we chose the latter:
- Our child was most comfortable at home, away from the noise and unpredictability of a clinic.
- In-home sessions allowed for real-life learning, like brushing teeth, eating meals, and playing with siblings.
- We got to participate directly, something we wouldn’t have been able to do easily at a center.
In San Antonio, TX, we found a local ABA provider who tailored the plan around our home life and family values.
The First Two Weeks: Getting Started Isn’t Always Pretty
The therapist arrived at our door in Week 1 with a warm smile and a crate full of toys and data sheets. Our child? Not interested.
There were tears. There were tantrums. And there was a lot of self-doubt.
But then came Week 2—and with it, the tiniest shift: He sat in the chair. He matched pictures. He giggled at a silly voice. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress.
We held on to stories like this real family journey from Maryland as motivation to keep going.
Turning Therapy Into Playtime
We didn’t want ABA therapy to feel like a chore. So we made it fun:
- We swapped flashcards for toy trains and dinosaurs.
- Movement breaks included trampoline time and dancing to Baby Shark.
- Our therapist used silly songs for transitions and rewards.
By transforming our home into a learning-friendly environment, we helped our child build skills while still being a kid.
In Tulsa, OK, another family in our support group shared similar tips—proving this approach works across households and cultures.
Our Typical ABA Home Therapy Routine
Here’s what a typical morning looks like in our Houston home:
| Time | Activity |
| 9:00 AM | Warm-up game (puzzles or matching) |
| 9:15 AM | Targeted learning (labels, requests) |
| 9:45 AM | Break (trampoline or water play) |
| 10:00 AM | Life skills (snacks, tooth brushing) |
| 10:30 AM | Cool-down (reading, music) |
We keep a visual schedule on a whiteboard with Velcro icons. It creates predictability, even on chaotic mornings.
The Real-World Challenges of ABA at Home
While there are many upsides, ABA home therapy also came with its challenges:
- Therapist consistency: Finding the right fit took time.
- Parental burnout: Being part of every session was emotionally and physically draining.
- Sibling support: Our younger daughter often felt left out and needed her own attention.
- Time commitment: Coordinating work-from-home schedules with 20+ therapy hours wasn’t easy.
Families in Manassas, VA we connected with through an online autism group also echoed these concerns—especially when navigating multiple therapies across providers.
Milestones That Melted Our Hearts
Here are just a few milestones that made us cry (in a good way):
- Our child said “More bubbles, please” without prompting.
- He looked his sister in the eyes and said her name.
- He went to the bathroom independently for the first time.
- He began labeling emotions like “happy” and “mad.”
These weren’t just therapeutic wins—they were life wins. And they all happened through ABA in home therapy.
What Helped Us the Most Along the Way
If you’re just starting out, here are our tried-and-true tips:
✅ Set up a therapy zone
We cleared out a corner in our living room and added a rug, table, and visual schedule.
✅ Choose your therapist wisely
It’s okay to try a few before finding the right fit. We interviewed three in Denver, CO before committing.
✅ Participate at your own pace
Sometimes we joined the sessions, sometimes we just watched from the kitchen.
✅ Celebrate everything
A spontaneous “Hi, Mama!” was enough for a mini dance party and a cupcake.
✅ Stay connected
Parent forums, support groups, and reading other real stories made a big difference.
Local Resources That Helped in Different Cities
Wherever you live—whether it’s Baltimore, MD or Oklahoma City, OK—local support matters. Here’s what we found helpful:
- [Local ABA provider name] in Austin, TX – For culturally responsive care
- State Medicaid ABA Waiver (TX, OK, MD) – For therapy funding assistance
- Parent Meetups in Manassas, VA – Monthly emotional check-ins
- Denver Sensory Toy Store – Best place for tools like chewy necklaces and compression swings
These local touches made the therapy feel like it belonged to us, not just some program.
Cultural Fit and Family Dynamics
We’re a bilingual, multigenerational household. ABA had to work with our values—not against them.
- Sessions included English and Spanish commands
- Grandma was trained in basic ABA strategies
- Preferred reinforcers included tamales, mariachi music, and garden time
One BCBA in San Antonio even tailored programs around our family meals and community traditions, which made therapy more relatable for everyone involved.
Looking Back: What We’ve Gained
One year in, here’s what we know for sure:
- ABA home therapy gave our son the tools to connect with the world.
- It gave us the confidence to parent more intentionally.
- And most of all, it made our home a place of growth, not just struggle.
Final Thoughts: Start With Love, Stay With Purpose
If you’re in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Virginia, or Maryland—you have access to great in-home ABA options. The key isn’t just starting therapy.
It’s making it your own.
Therapy should work with your child’s personality, your family’s culture, and your home’s natural rhythm. When it does, the progress is incredible—and sometimes even fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is ABA home therapy effective in rural areas?
Yes—especially in underserved regions. In-home therapy bridges access gaps in areas like Tulsa and rural Maryland.
What if my child doesn’t engage at first?
That’s common. Stick with it, make sessions playful, and stay consistent. Small wins add up.
Is this therapy covered in all states?
Most states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Colorado, have insurance mandates or Medicaid programs that help cover ABA.