For most families, a quick trip to the store is nothing more than another item on the to-do list. But for one mom we work with, it was a mountain she couldn’t climb. Nearly two years had passed since she’d taken her son shopping. The last attempts had ended in chaos, headbanging, aggression, and moments so intense that simply walking through the doors felt unsafe. Each time she thought about trying again, the memory of those days stopped her. Recently, that changed.
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.
Facing the Challenge of Maladaptive Behaviors
Maladaptive behaviors can make everyday activities difficult for children and their families. These behaviors might include self-harm, aggression, or strong emotional reactions when something doesn’t go as expected.
For this family, a trip to Target used to mean high stress and possible injury. Walking past a favorite item, like books, often led to intense reactions. It wasn’t just about shopping—it was about safety, emotional regulation, and being able to enjoy life outside the home.
A Small Trip, A Big Step Forward
With consistent support and practice at Circle City ABA, this young client began working on skills that would make shopping possible again. One focus was learning to tolerate walking past preferred items without becoming upset. Staff used gradual steps to help him practice, starting in a safe and familiar setting at the center.
Then came the big moment, his mom decided to try a short Target visit. Together, they walked through the front part of the store, with him riding in a cart. Up and down the aisles they went. Finally, they checked out and bought a drink.
When they walked past the book section, he let out a brief yell. But he did not engage in any severe maladaptive behaviors. For a family who once avoided stores entirely, this was a huge success.
Progress Doesn’t Happen Overnight
This kind of progress doesn’t happen overnight. It’s been built one small step at a time, walking past a favorite toy without stopping, taking a different route in the hallway, and practicing deep breaths when something doesn’t go his way. At the center, he still works on passing by things he loves without reaching for them. The outbursts that once stopped everything in their tracks have softened into brief moments that pass quickly.
Now, there are fewer tears, less tension, and more chances to do the simple things most people take for granted. The trips that once felt out of reach are starting to feel possible.
Why Community Practice Matters
Working on these skills in the community is important. Children get to practice what they’ve learned in real-life situations. Parents gain confidence and feel supported. And every small success builds toward bigger goals, like going on longer shopping trips, visiting friends, or enjoying new places without fear of meltdowns or unsafe behaviors.
For this family, the Target trip wasn’t just about buying a drink. It was about reclaiming an experience they had avoided for years.
A Message of Hope
If your family is struggling with maladaptive behaviors, you’re not alone. With the proper support, progress is possible. It may start with small steps, like walking past a favorite item without grabbing it, but those steps can lead to life-changing moments.
At Circle City ABA, we help families work toward goals that make life easier and more joyful. We use individualized therapy plans to target the behaviors that matter most to your daily life.
Start Your Journey with Circle City ABA
Your child’s progress can start today. We are here to help you address maladaptive behaviors and build skills that lead to independence and confidence.
Contact Circle City ABA to learn more about our ABA therapy services and set up a tour of one of our centers. Find a location near you! We serve Arizona*, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. Real-life transformations happen one step at a time, and your family’s story could be next.
*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 (13+) and adults.
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.
