How One Girl Learned to Communicate Her Needs with Confidence
At Circle City ABA, every small step forward is worth celebrating. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right support, families see excellent progress—sometimes faster than they ever imagined.
This Real-Life Transformation story shows how one young girl learned to replace frustration with communication in just one month. Her journey reminds us that with consistency, care, and the right tools, children can build the skills they need to express themselves and thrive.
Please note: Therapy is a highly personal experience, and, like any other treatment, results are not uniform. Several factors determine whether a child will benefit from therapy, including individual characteristics, the nature of their needs, and the quality of support they receive at home and/or school.
The Challenge: Big Feelings, Big Reactions
When this little girl began ABA therapy at the end of January, daily routines were often challenging. She became upset when her peers played with toys or activities she wanted to play with. Her protests—crying, screaming, and lying on the floor—sometimes lasted up to 30 minutes.
These moments were not signs of defiance but frustration. Like many children with autism, she struggled to express what she wanted or needed. When she couldn’t communicate, her emotions took over.
She also eloped —left rooms suddenly —when she wanted a break or to do something else. Because she hadn’t yet used communication to express that desire, it was hard for others to understand her needs or keep her safe.
Her parents and therapy team knew that helping her learn new ways to communicate would be key to her success.
The Turning Point: Teaching Functional Communication
During her first few weeks at Circle City ABA, her therapy team focused on helping her find her voice. Instead of reacting to challenges, they taught her simple, functional ways to communicate what she wanted.
For example, when she wanted to leave a room, she practiced using words, gestures, or visuals to say, “I want to go to another room.” Each time she communicated appropriately, she received positive attention and opportunities to follow through on her request.
Her team also worked on sharing and turn-taking with peers. When she wanted a toy another child had, she learned to ask, “Can I have a turn?” or wait with support until the toy was available.
Over time, her protests decreased. The therapy sessions focused on celebrating calm moments, rewarding communication, and helping her feel confident and understood.
The Progress: From 30 Minutes to 5 Minutes
By the end of February, her transformation was clear. Her protests went from lasting up to half an hour to averaging less than once per session and lasting only about five minutes.
More importantly, she began using functional communication in 80–90% of opportunities. That means, most of the time, instead of crying or leaving a room, she now communicates what she wants clearly and appropriately.
This shift gave her more control over her environment and more positive experiences with her peers. Her world opened up—playtime became fun again, transitions became smoother, and frustration became a form of communication.
The Power of ABA Therapy
Stories like this one show how ABA therapy can change not just a child’s behavior, but their whole experience of the world.
ABA therapy helps children learn skills they can use every day—skills that make life easier for them and their families. At Circle City ABA, each therapy plan is tailored to each client. That means every child receives support tailored to their needs, goals, and strengths.
Progress doesn’t mean perfection—it means learning, trying again, and celebrating every win, no matter how small. And with time, those small wins add up to life-changing progress.
Start Your Own Transformation with Circle City ABA
Every child can grow, learn, and succeed with the right support. If your child struggles with communication, behavior, or transitions, ABA therapy can help.
At Circle City ABA, we partner with families to create personalized plans that make real progress possible. Our therapists celebrate every milestone—because every step forward is a victory worth sharing.
Ready to begin your child’s transformation? 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’s take the first step toward your child’s next real-life transformation—together.
Disclaimer: Every child is different. This story reflects the progress of one individual. Outcomes may vary based on several factors, including the child’s unique needs and the level of support they receive.
