Every child is different. That means their journey through ABA therapy will be different, too. At Circle City ABA, we celebrate what each child accomplishes, whether we consider it a big step or a little one. For us, it is all forward progress. This Real-Life Transformation story is about a little boy whose connection with us has transcended the therapy room and has, in turn, transformed him.
Kindly note: Therapy is a very personal experience and, as with any other treatment, results are not uniform. Many factors determine if a child will benefit from therapy, including individual characteristics, the nature of their needs, and how well the child is receiving support at home and/or school.
From Hours of Struggle to Moments of Calm
When this young client began working with our team, he struggled daily. For hours at a time, he experienced intense behaviors. These included aggression, property destruction, verbal threats, and peer-directed aggression. Even small things—like someone joking with him or saying something casual—could trigger strong reactions.
His days were tough. These behaviors affected his relationships and made it hard for him to be in school or social situations.
His Circle City ABA therapy team began using a new approach. They focused on learning what triggered his behaviors and helped him feel safe. Slowly, things began to change.
Practicing Social Skills in Real Life
Today, this client is in a very different place. While challenges can still happen, they don’t last long. What once took hours to calm down now takes just minutes.
The most exciting progress? He’s learning how to connect with others.
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He now tolerates and even enjoys small talk.
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He lets others say “Happy Birthday” without becoming upset.
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He can laugh at a joke or smile when someone teases him in a kind way.
These are big milestones. For someone who once avoided social interactions, this growth shows the power of patient, supportive therapy.
Success at School and with Peers
This client is now attending school part-time. That’s a huge step forward. School brings social opportunities and routines. He’s showing he can handle both—something that was once out of reach.
Through guided support, he’s been learning how to:
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Engage with peers in a positive way
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Share space and activities with others
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Speak up for himself when he needs help
His story shows that peer engagement and social skills can be built over time, even when they start from a challenging place.
ABA Therapy Can Help Your Child Thrive
Our teams at Circle City ABA use play-based therapy and relationship-focused care to help children learn skills that matter in real life—like communication, emotional regulation, and social connection.
We meet children where they are and help them grow at their own pace.
Start Your Own Transformation with Circle City ABA
If your child is struggling with social skills, peer interactions, or difficult behaviors, ABA therapy might help. At Circle City ABA, we offer personalized therapy for children and teens with an Autism diagnosis*. Many of our centers currently have no waitlists, and we accept a variety of insurance plans.
Contact our admissions team for more information on our services and how we can support you and your child. Find a location near you! We serve Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska.
* Our Arizona ABA Therapy locations are equipped to serve individuals with an autism spectrum disorder and other developmental diagnoses. Our Scottsdale ABA Center focuses explicitly on teens (16+) and adults.
Disclaimer: Every child is different. This story reflects one individual’s progress. Outcomes may vary based on many factors, including the child’s unique needs and the support they receive.
