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Why ABA Therapy Might Not Be Working (And How to Get It Back on Track)
October 27, 2025
If you’ve ever felt like ABA therapy isn’t working for your child, you’re not alone — and it doesn’t automatically mean ABA won’t help. I’ve met many parents who started to worry when progress slowed or results didn’t meet expectations.
The truth? ABA therapy is powerful and evidence-based, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all formula. Sometimes, the plan, environment, or even communication needs a little fine-tuning before real progress begins.
Understanding Why ABA Therapy Might Not Be Working
Every child with autism is unique, and so is their response to therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has decades of research proving its effectiveness — but when progress seems stuck, it’s worth exploring why.
There are several common reasons families feel like ABA isn’t working.
1. Progress Takes Time and Consistency
ABA therapy is about building new habits and skills step by step. It’s not an overnight fix. Some parents expect visible change within weeks, but behavioral progress often takes months of consistent effort. Regular sessions, predictable routines, and strong family involvement are key.
When therapy feels slow, it doesn’t mean it’s failing — it may mean your child is still in the learning phase. Even small changes, like making eye contact or using one new word, are signs of growth. Patience and persistence really do pay off.
2. Goals Might Not Be the Right Fit
ABA programs should be individualized. If therapy goals are too hard, too easy, or not meaningful to the child, motivation drops — and so does progress. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) should regularly review and adjust goals based on data and observations.
If you’re unsure whether goals are working, ask your BCBA to show you the data. ABA is driven by measurable outcomes — if the numbers aren’t improving, it’s time to rethink the plan.
3. Environment and Comfort Matter
Behavioral learning happens best in safe, predictable spaces. If sessions happen in a noisy clinic or unfamiliar setting, your child may resist or shut down.
That’s why many families see more success with in-home ABA therapy — where the child can learn skills in a familiar, comforting environment.
A calm space, trusted therapist, and engaging materials can make a world of difference.
4. Lack of Collaboration or Communication
ABA therapy isn’t just about the child and therapist — it’s a team effort. When parents, caregivers, teachers, and therapists all use consistent strategies, children learn faster. But when communication breaks down, progress often stalls.
Ask for regular team meetings or parent training sessions to stay in sync. The more united everyone is, the smoother therapy feels for your child.
What to Do When ABA Therapy Feels Stuck
It’s understandable to feel frustrated when you’re not seeing results. But before giving up, it helps to take a closer look at what might help restart progress.
Revisit the Treatment Plan
Ask your BCBA to review the program’s goals and methods. Sometimes, a few small adjustments — like changing reinforcement strategies or updating goals — can unlock progress. ABA is flexible by design.
Observe and Get Involved
Don’t hesitate to sit in on sessions. Watching therapy in action can help you understand your child’s challenges and see what’s working (or not). It also allows you to practice the same techniques at home, which is essential for long-term success.
Review the Data
One of ABA’s strengths is data collection. Reviewing charts and progress logs can show where your child is improving and where they’re plateauing. This evidence-based approach helps therapists make targeted changes instead of guessing.
Consider the Therapist–Child Relationship
The therapist’s connection with your child matters just as much as the strategy. Trust and comfort take time. If your child doesn’t “click” with a therapist, it’s okay to request a change. A strong bond builds motivation — and motivation drives progress.
Watch for Signs of Burnout
Children (and parents) can get overwhelmed. Too many hours or repetitive sessions can cause fatigue or resistance. If therapy feels like a battle, discuss adjusting the schedule, session length, or activities. Balance is key.
When It’s Time to Reevaluate ABA Therapy
Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, you may need to take a step back and reassess your child’s overall plan.
Signs It’s Time for a Change
- Your child hasn’t made measurable progress after several months
- Problem behaviors are increasing instead of improving
- Therapy sessions consistently cause distress or frustration
- You feel unheard or unsupported by the current provider
In these cases, consider requesting a comprehensive autism evaluation to reexamine your child’s needs. An updated assessment can reveal new goals, identify skill gaps, or suggest alternative strategies that may work better.
Exploring Other Supports Alongside ABA
If progress still feels slow, combining ABA with other evidence-based autism therapies — such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or social skills groups — can enhance development. The key is coordination between all providers to ensure a unified approach.
How to Get the Right ABA Support for Your Child
When ABA doesn’t seem to work, the answer usually isn’t to quit — it’s to adjust. The right provider will listen, personalize the program, and collaborate with you every step of the way.
Why Families Trust Divine Steps ABA
At Divine Steps ABA, our team understands how discouraging it can feel when ABA therapy doesn’t meet expectations. We specialize in creating tailored programs that fit each child’s unique strengths, challenges, and family routines.
We proudly provide high-quality ABA services across:
Our services include:
- Personalized in-home ABA therapy for comfort and consistency
- Comprehensive autism evaluations to ensure accurate diagnoses and goal setting
If you’re ready to see a difference in your child’s progress, contact Divine Steps ABA today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help your family move forward with confidence.
FAQs
Why is my child not improving with ABA therapy?
There could be several reasons — from mismatched goals and inconsistent implementation to environmental factors or therapist fit. It doesn’t mean ABA doesn’t work; it just means the approach may need adjustment.
How long should it take to see progress with ABA?
While some children show progress within a few weeks, most take several months to build and generalize new skills. Consistency, parent involvement, and clear communication with your BCBA can speed up progress.
What if my child resists ABA therapy?
Resistance is common, especially at first. Make sure therapy includes preferred activities, positive reinforcement, and frequent breaks. If resistance continues, it’s worth reviewing goals and considering a different setting, like in-home ABA therapy, where your child feels more comfortable.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10774556/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11487924/
- https://www.richtmann.org/journal/index.php/jesr/article/view/12943
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9458805/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11247253/
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