We’re still very new to ABA, but even in this short time I’ve been able to see such a positive shift in Kay. I wanted to share an update because she is genuinely loving it. Every day she goes in smiling, and every day she comes out the same way. It’s been such a relief to watch her enjoy something that is not only helping her, but also feels safe and manageable for her.
I really think a huge part of that comes from the one-on-one attention she gets. Kay thrives when she has someone who can meet her exactly where she is—someone tuned into her cues, her energy, and her needs. Even when she engages with peers during her sessions, it’s done in small, intentional ways. Nothing is chaotic. Nothing is rushed. It’s just enough social interaction to help her grow without overwhelming her. That balance has made all the difference.
On the other hand, school has been especially challenging for her lately. More than what’s typical, even for a child who already navigates so much. I’ve been thinking a lot about why this might be happening, and the more I watch her, the clearer it becomes: she is surrounded by so many kids, so much noise, and so many demands all at once. And for Kay, who is still developing ways to express when she’s feeling overwhelmed, that’s a lot.
When she can’t communicate that she’s overstimulated or needs a break, her body does the talking instead. She acts out—not because she’s “being bad,” but because it’s her way of escaping a situation that feels too big for her to handle. It’s her coping mechanism in an environment that doesn’t yet know how to meet her needs the way she needs them met.
Seeing the contrast between ABA and school has been eye-opening. In an environment designed for her, she flourishes. In one that’s too loud, too fast, or too crowded, she struggles. And while that’s hard to witness, it also gives me so much insight into how to advocate for her moving forward. She deserves spaces where she’s understood, supported, and able to be her full self without feeling overwhelmed.
We’re still learning, still observing, and still growing through this process—but for now, I’m grateful to see her happy, supported, and truly enjoying something designed with her in mind.