Name: Alina
Age at Start of ABA Therapy: 3
Primary Challenges: Limited speech, developmental delays, sensory sensitivities, emerging social challenges
Alina was around two years old when her pediatrician first noticed some developmental concerns. After completing a routine developmental screening, her family was referred to a neurologist, and she was later diagnosed with autism. She began speech and occupational therapy in the home, but meaningful communication still felt out of reach.
Her mother’s biggest worry was her speech. Alina knew her letters, colors, and numbers, but she wasn’t using meaningful words; she could not say “mama,” there were no greetings, and no simple requests. That silence was hard. When she turned three, her family enrolled her in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy at Behavioral Innovations. From the start, they felt welcomed and supported.
In those early months, the focus was on communication, connection, and laying the foundation for independence. Alina began to gain speech in ways her family had been waiting and hoping for. Simple words started to form. Short phrases followed. For the first time, her mother felt true hope, not just that progress was possible, but that it was happening. It was remarkable to see how quickly she gained language because the team at Behavioral Innovations really paid attention to Alina.
Her team tailored goals around communication growth, early social engagement, and daily living skills, always keeping her family’s priorities at the center.
As Alina’s speech emerged, her mother shared a new goal: helping her become toilet independent to prepare for school. One challenge was Alina’s sensory response to loud flushing sounds. These events were something that caused fear and made Alina shutdown Instead of forcing a standard approach, the team listened and designed a desensitization plan built around her comfort and readiness. That flexibility made all the difference.
When Alina turned four, her schedule shifted to include preschool a few days each week, while still receiving ABA at Behavioral Innovations. The team worked closely with the family to make that transition supportive and smooth, keeping her therapy goals active across both environments.
Progress didn’t happen all at once, but it was steady and meaningful. Alina began using full sentences and expressing herself more clearly. Her sensory sensitivities started to soften over time. Things like toilets flushing, the garage door opening, hair dryers, and vacuum cleaners once caused fear where she’d cover her ears and panic. Now, while some sounds still bother her, she’s coping better and showing resilience.
Socially, she has always leaned toward solitude, but that is starting to change as well. Instead of resisting interaction, she is showing curiosity and interest in playing with other children on the playground, even if it’s in small steps.
When she turned five, she started kindergarten and surprised everyone with how quickly she adapted. She loves school now. Academically, she’s right on track with her peers and even above average in some areas. Her creativity has also blossomed. She loves to draw and constantly fills pages with her imagination. Even when her family can’t immediately tell what the drawing is, they can see her vision come to life through art.
Throughout her journey, Behavioral Innovations kept Alina’s family involved every step of the way. Her mom felt included in curriculum planning, goal updates, and decision-making. Regular meetings ensured that everyone stayed aligned, and the team always explained what they were working on and how to work on those skills at home to support progress. When questions about behavior came up, the family felt heard and supported and no longer overwhelmed. Alina’s mom remembers the sense of community and inclusion that came from the weekly group parent meetings that were offered. All the families would come together to discuss different questions.
Behavioral Innovations offered these educational programs specifically to support families. Parents had the chance to meet other parents, share their successes, talk about challenges, and give advice to one another. The clinical team gave parents guidance during these sessions, which brought families together to realize they were not the only ones struggling with certain behaviors or scenarios.
Today, the challenges Alina faces are far less significant than the ones they started with, and her family feels confident navigating them.
Alina’s progress shows what happens when therapy is personal, responsive, and rooted in partnership with families. Her mother shared this message for others who may be just starting the journey:
“Without this therapy, we would not have made this kind of progress. I would recommend ABA therapy at BI because it is the most important treatment for personal care and real support.”
From uncertainty to connection. From silence to speech. From fear to confidence.
We are so proud of you, Alina, and honored to be part of your story.
