At Circle City ABA, progress often begins with hope—hope that change is possible and that every small step forward can lead to something life-changing.
This story from our Real-Life Transformations series highlights a child who faced significant challenges before beginning services with Circle City ABA. Through dedication, teamwork, and the use of Skills-Based Training, his life—and the lives of those around him—have been transformed.
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: Safety Concerns and Daily Struggles
When this child first began services with Circle City ABA in October 2023, he had already been receiving ABA therapy since 2020. His family and care team had worked hard to support him, but his behaviors continued to cause serious concern.
He frequently engaged in high levels of self-injurious behavior, physical aggression, and long-lasting tantrums. Some episodes required two to three staff members and protective equipment to ensure safety.
Before starting services, he had even experienced an emergency room visit due to self-injurious behaviors at home. These moments were distressing for everyone involved. His family wanted more than crisis management—they wanted lasting change that would help him live more safely and confidently.
The Turning Point: Introducing Skills-Based Training
To address these challenges, the Circle City ABA team implemented Skills-Based Training, a structured and compassionate approach rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Skills-Based Training focuses on teaching children how to handle difficult emotions and situations by equipping them with tools to communicate, cope, and make positive choices. Rather than focusing only on stopping behaviors, this approach helps children learn why they act a certain way—and how to meet their needs safely.
The therapy team created individualized sessions that were predictable, positive, and built on trust. The goal was to help the child understand that calm communication and cooperation would lead to success rather than conflict.
Each therapist worked closely with him to replace self-injurious behaviors with functional communication, patience, and problem-solving skills.
The Progress: From Crisis to Confidence
The results were remarkable. Before Skills-Based Training, this child experienced up to 25 tantrums per day, sometimes lasting up to 2 hours. Today, that number has dropped to an average of two tantrums per day, with the longest lasting just 18 minutes.
Even more impressively, his self-injurious behaviors have decreased—from as many as 197 per day to 0–13 per day. These behaviors no longer happen in clusters, and they can often be redirected before they escalate.
Protective equipment is still carried as a safety measure, but most of the time, it isn’t needed. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) can now manage and redirect behaviors independently by following the behavior support plan.
What once required a team of several staff members now requires calm, consistent support from one trained professional. This change represents real progress—and absolute freedom—for both the client and his caregivers.
Why Skills-Based Training Works
Skills-Based Training isn’t about controlling behavior—it’s about teaching skills that empower children to navigate the world safely and confidently.
At Circle City ABA, therapists take time to understand each child’s triggers and motivations. Then they build a plan that focuses on communication, emotional regulation, and trust. This helps children learn that expressing their needs calmly will bring positive results.
Over time, these lessons extend beyond therapy sessions. Families begin to notice smoother routines at home, fewer meltdowns in public, and more joyful moments together.
When a child learns how to manage frustration, the entire family experiences transformation.
The Heart of Every Transformation
Behind every success story is a team that believes in progress. The therapists, BCBAs, and families at Circle City ABA work side by side, celebrating each milestone—big or small.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took patience, consistency, and compassion. But the results speak for themselves: safer days, calmer moments, and a brighter future filled with possibility.
Start Your Child’s Real-Life Transformation
Your child’s story can be one of growth and hope, too. Whether you’re looking for ABA therapy, Skills-Based Training, or a supportive team to guide your family, Circle City ABA is here to help.
We meet every child where they are and help them build the skills to move forward confidently.
Contact Circle City ABA today to start ABA therapy services:
📞 Call: 317-641-0204
💻 Visit: www.circlecityaba.com/contact
Let’s begin your family’s 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.
