A Day in the Life of an ABA Client at SPACE Therapy & Gym
What does a typical day look like for a child receiving ABA therapy at SPACE Therapy & Gym? While every child’s schedule is individualized to their unique goals and needs, each day is designed to provide a balance of learning, play, movement, social interaction, and plenty of opportunities to have fun.
Starting the Day
The day begins in our carpool line, where each child is warmly greeted by their Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Caregivers share important updates about how their child’s morning is going, helping our team start the day with the information they need to support each child.
Once inside, children head to their lockers to unpack any materials they’ve brought from home. From there, they transition to their classroom and get ready for the day ahead.
Before beginning structured learning activities, RBTs give children the opportunity to choose preferred toys or activities. These preferred items can be used as reinforcers throughout therapy, helping make learning engaging and motivating.
Learning Through Play
Throughout the day, children work toward individualized goals through a combination of structured and natural learning opportunities. ABA therapy isn’t limited to sitting at a table; children learn and practice skills across a variety of settings and activities.
Our therapists balance focused learning, including discrete trial training, with opportunities for movement, play, social interaction, and natural environment training. Children may explore our large sensory gym, play outdoors, practice communication skills, work on daily living skills, or interact with peers.
Snack, Circle Time & Movement
In the morning, children gather in our Creation Station for snack and circle time. This is an opportunity to practice routines, communication, group participation, and social skills in a fun and supportive setting.
After circle time, children participate in a structured movement activity. Depending on the season, the day may also include special activities such as holiday-themed arts and crafts.
Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
For some children, their ABA day also includes occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy services. Having access to multiple therapeutic services during the day can help create a collaborative approach to supporting a child’s development.
Parents are always welcome to participate in these sessions, either in person or virtually, so they can see their child’s progress and learn strategies they can use at home.
Snack, Circle Time & Movement
In the morning, children gather in our Creation Station for snack and circle time. This is an opportunity to practice routines, communication, group participation, and social skills in a fun and supportive setting.
After circle time, children participate in a structured movement activity. Depending on the season, the day may also include special activities such as holiday-themed arts and crafts.
Practicing Everyday Skills
Daily routines provide valuable opportunities for learning. For children working on toilet training, bathroom routines may be incorporated throughout the day, with frequent practice in our child-friendly bathrooms.
An Afternoon of Learning & Play
Around midday, it’s time for lunch. Some children may also have an opportunity to take a nap before jumping back into their afternoon activities.
The afternoon continues with a mix of peer play, individualized learning, and discrete trial training (DTT), a step-by-step approach therapists use to teach and strengthen specific skills.
Peer play provides children with opportunities to practice social communication, sharing, turn-taking, cooperation, and other important skills in a supportive environment. Throughout these activities, RBTs individualize support based on each child’s goals.
Parent Training with Your BCBA
Parents also participate in virtual parent coaching sessions with their child’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) every week. These sessions give caregivers an opportunity to discuss progress, ask questions, and learn strategies for supporting their child outside of the therapy setting.
Wrapping Up the Day
Before it’s time to head home, children enjoy an afternoon snack and begin preparing for the transition home. They help clean up their materials, gather their belongings, and get ready to meet their caregiver back in the carpool line.
And just like that, another day of learning, growing, playing, and building new skills comes to an end!
Every Day Is a Little Different
While this gives you a glimpse into a typical day at SPACE Therapy & Gym, no two days are exactly alike. Our team creates individualized experiences that meet each child where they are while helping them work toward meaningful goals.
From the moment children arrive to the moment they head home, our goal is to make therapy a positive, engaging, and supportive part of their day.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to SPACE Therapy & Gym!
Physical Therapy