Tracking your child’s progress in ABA therapy is one of the most important things you can do to support their development. It helps you see if therapy is working, what’s improving, and where more support may be needed. At The Play Base, we believe parents play a key role in helping children meet their goals—and we’re here to make that process clear and simple.
Why ABA Therapy Progress Tracking Matters
ABA therapy is built around data. Every small step your child takes—like making eye contact, following a routine, or learning a new skill—is important. But how do you know what counts as progress?
According to Frances Fishman, founder of The Play Base, “Progress isn’t always about big leaps. Sometimes, it’s as simple as your child using a new word or showing less frustration in a routine. Tracking helps us notice the small wins that lead to bigger breakthroughs.”
What Parents Should Watch For
When looking at your child’s growth in ABA therapy, keep an eye on:
- Communication changes – Are they using more words, signs, or gestures?
- Social improvements – Are they playing more, responding to others, or making eye contact?
- Daily living skills – Are they dressing themselves, using the toilet, or following directions?
- Behavior changes – Are challenging behaviors happening less often or lasting a shorter time?
How to Track ABA Therapy Milestones at Home
Parents can support progress by using simple tracking tools. You don’t need a degree in data collection—just clear goals and a way to note what you see.
Here are a few ways to do that:
- Use a printed ABA milestone tracking chart to check off new skills
- Keep a daily or weekly behavior journal
- Use behavior data sheets to track changes at home
- Ask your ABA team for progress report templates to help guide your notes
- Take short videos (with therapist approval) to document milestones over time
Frances Fishman adds, “We always encourage families to share what they see at home. Even a simple note like ‘He said hello to his sister today’ can show us something important. Home progress matters just as much as clinic progress.”
Tools and Services That Can Help
Your ABA therapy team should give you access to clear and helpful tools. At The Play Base, we offer:
- Customized ABA progress tracking plans
- Parent training sessions on ABA tracking
- Autism development tracking services
- Behavior assessments with step-by-step explanations
- Scheduled behavior progress reviews to adjust goals if needed
If you’re just starting, ask your provider to help you track autism therapy goals from the beginning. That way, you’ll see how things change week by week.
Tips for Measuring ABA Therapy Success Over Time
- Be patient—progress may take time and come in small steps
- Celebrate every win, no matter how small
- Focus on long-term goals but recognize short-term improvements
- Communicate regularly with your ABA team
- Use both data and your observations to understand growth
Frances Fishman reminds families, “You know your child best. When parents and therapists work together, we can set realistic goals and measure success in a way that’s meaningful.”
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re looking to better understand your child’s growth or want tools to help measure progress, we’re here to help. You can:
- Book an ABA therapy consultation
- Schedule a behavior progress review
- Request parent training on ABA tracking
- Download an ABA milestone tracking chart
- Find an ABA therapy center near you
Visit The Play Base today to get started with a personalized plan that fits your family’s needs. We’ll support you every step of the way.
