If you have a child that has been diagnosed with autism or some other behavioral problem, you might seek out therapy to help your child manage his or her emotions that are promoting negative or unhealthy behaviors. One type of therapy is ABA therapy, which will help your child learn skills that will allow him to seek out positive behaviors and outlets for his or her emotions, rather than his previous unhealthy ones. Your child might be nervous or otherwise resistant to the idea of going to this therapy. Here are some tips to help make the first ABA therapy session a success.

1. Tell Your Child a Story About What's Going to Happen

Describe what your child is going to do at the therapy session in vivid detail, starting from when your child gets in the car to go to the appointment, through waiting in the waiting room, and ending at the end of his or her therapy session. This can help your child get used to the idea of going to see and talk to a therapist and make him or her more willing to pay attention.

2. Have Your Child Use the Bathroom Ahead of Time

If your child needs to use the bathroom during the session, he or she is likely not going to be willing to speak up for him or herself due to nerves or due to a dislike of going to the bathroom in an unfamiliar place. Unfortunately, having to go to the bathroom is going to distract your child from the session and might make it much less effective. Having your child go to the bathroom ahead of time will allow your child to remain focused throughout the session.

3. Allow Your Child to Bring an Item for Security

Allow your child to bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket in order to help him or her feel more secure at this first meeting. After the first few meetings, he or she should feel confident enough to not need the blanket. Having something tactile to settle his or her nerves will help him or her focus on the therapist and work with him or her more effectively.

For more information, talk to your child's ABA therapist, such as Eyas Landing. He or she might have exercises that you should be working through with your child at home. He or she might also like to have you actively participate in some of the sessions.