Every caregiver wants to see their child succeed—and when it comes to ABA therapy, many start out hoping for steady, visible progress. You might imagine a straight line of improvement, with each day bringing clearer communication, fewer meltdowns, and more independence. But the truth is, progress in ABA isn’t always linear.
And that’s okay.
Just like learning to walk, ride a bike, or speak a new language, mastering new skills in ABA comes with ups, downs, plateaus, and even backslides. What matters most isn’t perfection—it’s persistence, patience, and perspective.
Let’s explore why it’s so important to celebrate small wins and how doing so can support your child’s growth and your own well-being as a caregiver.
Growth Looks Different for Every Child
In ABA therapy, no two children follow the same path. That’s because every child comes to therapy with their own unique strengths, challenges, and learning style. Some children might make rapid progress with communication, while others need more time to develop skills related to regulation or social interaction.
You might notice bursts of progress, followed by periods that feel slower or even stuck. This is completely normal. These quieter moments often mean your child is consolidating what they’ve learned—processing, practicing, and preparing to move forward.
Progress isn’t about “catching up.” It’s about moving forward, at your child’s pace, with the right support.
What Are “Small Wins”?
Small wins might not look like the major milestones we often think of—like using full sentences or completing a whole task independently. Instead, they’re the little moments that often go unnoticed unless we’re paying close attention.
A small win could be:
- Making eye contact for a few seconds longer than usual
- Trying a new food without distress
- Waiting quietly for a turn during a game
- Tolerating a new texture or sound for the first time
- Using a gesture or sign to request something
- Walking into therapy with a smile
These moments are powerful because they represent movement forward. Each one is a building block, laying the foundation for bigger skills over time.
Why Celebrating Matters
Acknowledging small wins isn’t just good for morale—it’s also supported by research. Positive reinforcement strengthens behavior, and that applies to both children and caregivers.
When you notice and celebrate even the tiniest success, you:
- Build your child’s confidence
- Strengthen your relationship
- Encourage repetition of the skill
- Motivate yourself to keep going
Plus, it helps reframe your perspective. Instead of focusing only on what’s not happening yet, you begin to see how much your child is learning and growing—often in subtle, meaningful ways.
When Progress Pauses (Or Regresses)
It can be discouraging when a skill your child had mastered seems to slip away. Maybe your child suddenly refuses to use a communication tool they had grown comfortable with, or they begin showing more challenging behaviors again. This doesn’t mean ABA isn’t working or that something’s wrong.
Many factors can cause a temporary pause or regression, such as:
- Illness or fatigue
- Big life transitions (like a new school or moving)
- Changes in routine
- Sensory overload
- Developmental leaps
Think of progress like a spiral rather than a straight line. Sometimes, a child circles back to earlier behaviors before moving forward again. With consistency, support, and trust in the process, most children return to the skills they’ve learned—and often, they come back stronger.
How to Track and Celebrate Progress
Keeping a journal, photo log, or milestone calendar can help you notice growth, even when it feels slow. Ask your ABA team to share data in a caregiver-friendly way—graphs, summaries, or daily updates can help you see trends over time.
Create rituals around celebrating wins, no matter how small. A high-five, sticker, extra story at bedtime, or simply saying, “I’m proud of how hard you worked today,” can make all the difference.
You might even involve siblings or family members in the celebration. Let everyone be part of the cheerleading team.
Your Journey Matters, Too
As a caregiver, you’re on your own parallel journey. You’re learning to advocate, support, regulate your own emotions, and juggle appointments, school, and home life—all while loving deeply and sometimes feeling unsure.
Celebrating small wins also means recognizing your progress. Maybe you stayed calm during a tough behavior. Maybe you tried a new strategy suggested by the ABA team. Maybe you just made it through a long day.
That matters.
Encouragement for the Road Ahead
Remember this: your child doesn’t need to move fast to move forward. ABA therapy is not a race—it’s a journey built on connection, consistency, and love. Some days will feel like giant leaps. Others may feel like tiny steps. But each step counts.
At Cornerstone Autism Center, we’re here to walk that journey with you. We believe in celebrating every gain, every effort, and every moment of connection—because those are the moments that shape long-term success.
So keep looking for the small wins. They’re everywhere!
