ABA First 30 Days Checklist
Our ABA first 30 days checklist provides a week-by-week roadmap for families starting therapy. Ensure insurance, records, and your child's transition stay on track.
Clinical Resource
PDF + Word Intake Pack Included
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Enter your email to receive our comprehensive ABA intake roadmap. We've condensed years of experience into a simple, week-by-week guide that keeps your family organized during this critical transition.
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Enter your details below to receive the printable First 30 Days Checklist.
What’s in the Checklist
The full PDF breaks down each week with checkboxes you can use at home.
Week 1: Insurance and records
- • Confirm benefits, copays, deductibles, and any prior authorization requirements.
- • Collect diagnosis paperwork, recent evaluations, and your current IEP or 504 plan.
- • Start a simple notes file so every call reference number lives in one place.
Week 2: Compare providers
- • Interview 2–3 ABA clinics and ask about openings, turnover, and supervision.
- • Request parent observation policies and examples of how goals are updated.
- • Check whether the clinic can serve your schedule, location, and insurance plan.
Week 3: Complete intake
- • Submit intake forms, consent paperwork, and any required physician documents.
- • Schedule the initial assessment and ask when your treatment plan will be reviewed.
- • Clarify who your BCBA contact is and how often you should expect parent training.
Week 4: Prepare your child
- • Use a social story or short visit to make the new routine familiar.
- • Set expectations for the first session and pack comfort items if the clinic allows them.
- • Write down your first-month questions so you can review progress with the care team.
Download the Printable PDF
Get the full first-30-days checklist with every step in one place. Print it and check off items as you go.
A Parent-First Resource
Special Needs USA is a family resource network. We built this checklist so you have a clear path from “we’re going to do ABA” to “we’re in the door and prepared.”
Next steps: ABA therapy cost by state, ABA intake checklist (questions to ask clinics), ABA insurance appeal templates, find ABA clinics, and free resources by state.
Frequently Asked Questions: First 30 Days of ABA
What should I do in the first 30 days after deciding on ABA?
Focus on four areas: (1) Verify insurance coverage and gather records (diagnosis, IEP, reports). (2) Find and compare 2–3 ABA providers; ask about openings, waitlists, and quality. (3) Complete prior auth and intake paperwork; schedule the initial assessment. (4) Prepare your child with a visit or social story and schedule a consultation. Our free checklist breaks this down week by week.
What records do I need to start ABA therapy?
Typically you’ll need a diagnosis or autism evaluation report, and often your child’s IEP or 504 plan and any previous therapy or school reports. The ABA clinic and your insurance may ask for additional forms. Our first-30-days checklist includes a full list so you can gather everything in one go.
How do I prepare my child for the first ABA session?
If possible, visit the clinic before the first session. Use a simple social story or visual schedule (e.g., “First we go to the clinic, then we play, then we go home”). Pack a comfort item or preferred reinforcer if the clinic allows. Talking about the visit in positive, concrete terms can reduce anxiety.
Is the first 30 days ABA checklist free?
Yes. Our first 30 days ABA checklist is free. Enter your email to receive the printable PDF with week-by-week steps and checkboxes—no cost.