Author: Sarah Coffey, Vice President of Operations
When I think about the impact of ABA therapy on the families we serve, I am filled with a deep sense of pride. As a parent of a child with autism, you want the best for your child. You want them to gain independence, communicate their needs, and experience life to the fullest. Beyond that, you want your entire family to thrive—enjoying outings without stress, sharing in special traditions, and finding moments of connection and joy in everyday life.
At Behavioral Innovations, we hold our clinicians to a high standard—not just in terms of clinical expertise, but in their ability to create meaningful, lasting change for the entire family unit. We recognize that autism affects not just the child but also the daily lives, routines, and relationships within the family. That’s why we’ve developed a unique family journey roadmap, ensuring that we support families through every step of their child’s ABA therapy experience.
From celebrating small wins to navigating big challenges together, we see firsthand how ABA therapy strengthens family bonds, empowers parents, and opens doors to experiences that might have once seemed out of reach.
One day, while visiting a center, I noticed a scooter in the hallway. Intrigued, I asked the BCBA about it. She explained that one of her families cherished their evening walks together, but their child with autism found walking difficult and would often refuse to participate. The family struggled with carrying him, making this daily routine stressful instead of enjoyable. The BCBA created a program to teach the child how to ride a scooter, and soon enough, he was happily riding alongside his family. Today, that child is older and now rides a bike—independently participating in his family’s treasured routine.
Another moment that stands out to me was seeing a therapist helping a child put on snow pants. In Texas, we don’t get much snow, so I was intrigued. The BCBA explained that this child’s family takes an annual ski trip, but the previous year had been tough. The child refused to wear cold-weather gear, making it impossible for them to enjoy the trip as a family. The BCBA worked with the child on tolerating and wearing snow gear, preparing them for the next trip. That year, the family had an entirely different experience—the child was fully dressed, engaged, and having fun in the snow with their loved ones.
Then, there was the bittersweet graduation of a client who transitioned to school full-time. The BCBA shared that the child cried on their last day—not out of sadness for leaving therapy, but because they would miss their friends and “teachers” at BI.
Over the past six years at Behavioral Innovations, I’ve witnessed countless similar success stories that reinforce why we do what we do. Knowing that our centers are not just places for skill-building but also spaces where children feel safe, supported, and valued speaks volumes about the impact of ABA therapy.
Our approach is not just about helping a child communicate, follow instructions, or develop independence; it’s about understanding what matters to each family.
For some, it’s improving daily routines so a child can play independently while parents cook dinner. For others, it’s fostering sibling relationships, helping parents feel more confident in outings, or creating opportunities for shared experiences that once felt impossible. By working closely with families, we ensure that the skills learned in our centers transfer into their homes, communities, and everyday lives.
Parents and caregivers are the heart of a child’s journey in ABA therapy. When families are actively involved, something truly magical happens—therapy doesn’t just stay within the walls of a center; it becomes woven into the fabric of daily life. We see it in the parent whose child finally says “I love you” for the first time. We hear it in the joy of a sibling who can finally share a game with their brother or sister. We feel it in the relief of a family who can sit down for a meal together without meltdowns.
We don’t see therapy as something that happens in isolation. Instead, it’s a shared journey, where every small step forward creates a ripple effect that transforms the entire family’s future.
Our team is constantly inspired by the stories of families whose lives have been changed by ABA therapy. Every week, we feature success stories from parents, therapists, and BCBAs. These stories remind us why we do this work. Seeing the impact we make—not just in therapy sessions but in the everyday lives of families—fuels our passion.
Ultimately, ABA therapy is not just about skill acquisition; it’s about creating opportunities for children and their families to thrive together. The moments of joy, progress, and newfound independence we witness every day reaffirm our commitment to this work. And as we look to the future, we remain dedicated to shaping even more success stories—one family at a time.
