Part of iCAN’s Autism Acceptance Month Blog Series
At iCAN, no two days of ABA therapy look exactly the same because every child has different needs, interests, and goals. Our approach is all about adapting sessions in real-time — making sure each moment of therapy is meaningful, engaging, and designed to help your child grow at their own pace. Below, we’ll walk you through what a typical day could look like, while keeping in mind that each day truly is unique to the child we’re serving.
Arrival and Warm Welcome
We begin each day with a friendly greeting, helping every child feel comfortable and excited to start. Parents and caregivers can share any new updates or concerns with our therapists—this open communication helps us customize the session right from the start.
“Every single aspect of his life, I can come and talk to his therapist and say, ‘Here’s what I’m struggling with.’ And instantly — even if they can’t handle it that day — they’ll come up with ideas on how we can work with it. Everything in his life is just making it easier because we know that Crystal will always be with us.”
– Stephanie Perkins, iCAN Parent
Play-Based Activities and Personalized Goals
Before diving into the day’s activities, our therapists assess where each child is at—emotionally, physically, and developmentally. From there, they decide how to incorporate the child’s favorite interests into the session.
Your Child Loves “Paw Patrol”? We might center turn-taking games or language exercises around those familiar characters.
Big Fan of Music? We’ll use rhythm games or dance breaks to teach and reinforce new skills.
This play-based, child-centered approach keeps learning fun and ensures that therapy never feels forced.
“We want Rowan to be in an environment where it’s play-based, where he is not being forced to do things he doesn’t want to do. We want people that want to get to know Rowan and learn what he loves and base his therapies off the things that he loves… That’s why we wanted to go there.”
– Catie Krautkramer, iCAN Parent
Skill-Building in Action
During each session, you’ll see our therapists working side by side with the child—using toys, games, or activities that naturally pique the child’s interest. These moments are structured to teach essential life and communication skills, but always in a way that feels natural to the child.
“We always look for opportunities to incorporate a child’s interests and activities that bring them joy into their sessions to make learning fun and engaging. When we find something a child is really interested, we can engage with them and show them different features of the toy, how to use it in various ways, and to take turns.”
-Sarah Varillas, BCBA, Chief Clinical Officer at Inner Circle Autism Network
Because no child is identical, our therapists pivot as needed. If a certain activity isn’t clicking, we switch it up. If the child shows interest in something new, we adapt on the spot to keep them engaged.
Positive Reinforcement and Encouragement
Throughout each activity, our therapists provide immediate, positive feedback and celebrate every success—big or small. This consistent reinforcement helps children see the direct connection between their efforts and positive outcomes, which boosts their confidence to try new things.
If a child struggles or becomes frustrated, the therapist will gently adjust the approach based on each child, offer breaks, or introduce a new game. Because each session is tailored to the child’s mood and progress, we can adapt in real-time to ensure therapy remains both effective and enjoyable.
Wrap-Up and Family Involvement
Before your child heads home, therapists typically review the day’s triumphs and challenges with you. This might include:
Sharing which activities sparked the most interest or progress.
Discussing strategies you can try at home to reinforce newly learned skills.
Addressing any concerns or questions you have, so you feel empowered to support your child beyond the therapy center.
This open dialogue creates consistency for your child and ensures the entire family is on the same page.
Embracing the Journey
At iCAN, no single day of ABA therapy is the same, just as no two children are alike. We celebrate each child’s individuality by creating a supportive, dynamic environment that encourages growth at every turn. Every session is a chance to build skills, share excitement, and plant seeds for long-term success.
During Autism Acceptance Month, we invite you to embrace your child’s unique journey and join us in celebrating the small, everyday victories that pave the way for a brighter future.
Ready for a Peek into Your Child’s Future at iCAN?If you’re curious about how ABA therapy could fit into your child’s life, contact us to learn more or schedule a tour. Let’s partner together to help your child reach their full potential—one fun, personalized session at a time.