Every child's day is thoughtfully structured to support growth, joy, and connection. Here's a peek into what a typical session might include: always tailored to meet each child where they are. 

Arrival & Pairing

We start every session by building and maintaining connection. Therapists spend time during session building connections through pairing: joining the child in play, offering preferred items, and creating a warm, trusting environment. This sets the tone for a positive, productive day. 

Skill Building Through Play & Routine

Throughout session, we target key developmental areas:

• Communication: Expressing wants, needs, and ideas through vocal and non-vocal requests, addressing delays in functional language and social communication.

• Daily Living/Adaptive Skills: Building independence in routines like handwashing, dressing, and toileting by addressing deficits in motor planning, executive functioning, and sensory processing that interfere with age-appropriate self-care.

• Social Interaction: Developing foundational skills like joint attention, turn-taking, and peer engagement to address impairments in reciprocal social behavior.

• Emotional Regulation: Teaching calming strategies and emotional identification to reduce maladaptive behaviors stemming from poor self-regulation, limited coping skills, and difficulty tolerating change. 

We use naturalistic teaching as often as possible, embedding learning into everyday moments, play, and transitions to promote generalization and functional use of skills across settings. 

Social Group Activities

Once established as a client, each child participates in at least one social group, which may include:

• Circle Time: a familiar morning routine with songs, calendar, and group participation

• Social Groups: a structured, 4-activity social group consisting of 4-5 peers, where we target table activities such as crafts or worksheets, away-from-table activities, such as scavenger hunts or reading books together, physical activities such as movement games like Simon Says, and play activities such as cooperative board games or pretend play. 

• Mind & Motion Mini Activities: 15-minute daily activities that include an art project, physical movement games, attending to a story, and a sensory corner break.

These groups foster peer interaction, flexibility, and shared fun!

Playroom: A Sensory Wonderland

Our playroom is designed to delight and regulate. It includes:

• Dramatic Play Center: playhouse, kitchen sets, and imagination galore

• Sensory Corner: seasonal sensory bins, fun textures, and calming tools

• Play Zone: Jungle gym, slide, climbing structures, and ample space to run, jump, and stim freely

We believe play is powerful and essential!​

Reinforcement & Transitions

We honor each child's rhythm. Sessions include frequent periods of reinforcement time, gentle transitions between activities, and opportunities to choose and lead. Therapy should feel safe, flexible, and fun!

Data Collection & Responsiveness

Our therapists collect data throughout the session to track progress and guide decisions, but numbers never come before people; We always meet the child where they are, adjusting in real time to support their needs.

Parent Communication

At the end of each session, parents and caregivers receive a daily log with highlights and updates. While RLTs keep session talk brief due to HIPAA purposes, any questions about ABA goals or strategies can be directed to your child's BCBA. We're here to collaborate and support you.

Celebrations & Events

At LaHaye and Doll ABA Services, we love a reason to party! From seasonal events to spontaneous celebrations, we create joyful moments that bring our clinic community together.