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.
At Circle City ABA, we know that progress doesn’t always come with big moments—it often shows up in the small, everyday victories. Today’s story highlights one of those moments, when a mother realized her son had become more independent than she ever thought possible.
Doing Tasks Independently: A Big Win for One Family
For many families, getting ready in the morning can be a real challenge. This was especially true for one mother who used to spend her mornings outside the bathroom door. She would give her son step-by-step directions on everything—from turning on the water to finishing his shower.
She had to guide him through every part of his routine. This meant she had no time for herself and no break to take care of other things, like making breakfast or getting ready for the day.
That’s why what happened recently felt like a breakthrough. One morning, she told her son to take a shower, get dressed, and come downstairs. That’s all she said. Then she went to the kitchen to cook breakfast.
To her surprise, her son did every single step without a reminder.
Becoming Independent Through ABA Therapy
That morning didn’t stop with just a successful routine. Her son also made his bed, folded a full load of laundry, and put it all away—all by himself.
During her most recent parent meeting, she was smiling. Mom thanked the therapy team again and again. She told them how she never imagined a day like this would come. She said that for the first time in a long time, she could take a few minutes for herself.
This moment didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of consistent therapy, strong support at home, and learning one skill at a time.
Why Independence Matters
For children, learning to do things on their own is a big deal. It builds confidence. It creates space for new learning. And it gives parents the chance to breathe a little easier.
Here’s why these everyday skills matter:
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Showering and getting dressed help build routines and personal care habits.
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Making a bed and doing laundry build life skills that will help as they transition into the teen years and adulthood.
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Following directions without reminders shows growth in attention and focus.
Most of all, these skills give children the confidence to do more on their own and reassure parents that they’re on the right path.
How Circle City ABA Supports Daily Living Skills
At Circle City ABA, we help children learn how to complete daily routines step by step. We start small, using encouragement and practice. Over time, children build the skills they need to do things like:
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Get ready for school
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Follow morning and bedtime routines
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Clean up after themselves
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Stay focused on tasks
Every child is different. That’s why our therapy plans are personalized. We work closely with families to make sure the skills learned in therapy also work at home.
Contact Circle City ABA Today
If your child struggles with routines or daily tasks, ABA therapy could help. At Circle City ABA, we’re here to support your child—and your family—every step of the way.
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.
Let us help your child take their next step toward independence.
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.
