Progress, Not Perfection: Celebrating Small Wins in ABA Therapy
At Bright Beginnings ABA, we believe in the power of small wins. One of our founder’s favorite quotes is:
“Success is a series of small wins.”
While many parents come to us with big hopes - more communication, fewer meltdowns, more independence - it’s often the little moments that carry the most meaning. In ABA therapy, we celebrate progress over perfection. Every step forward is a sign that incredible skills are being built.
What Does “Progress” Look Like?
For some children, progress might look like learning to say, “hi,” when they walk into a room. For others, it could be:
Eating a single bite of a new food
Making a sound to request tickles
Transitioning between activities without challenging behaviors
These moments are what make up the series of small wins, while gaining bigger life skills. They give families something invaluable: hope. That single bite of a new food can become a full meal. A sound can become a sentence. A smooth transition can open the door to new learning experiences.
Why We Celebrate the “Small Wins”
In ABA, new skills are formed through shaping - a method that supports children at their current level and helps guide them towards more complex skills. This means we celebrate approximations, or attempts, of a desired skill and build upon them using reinforcement and modeling.
For example, when teaching a child to request “tickles,” we might first accept a simple “ti-” sound before tickling them. By pairing that approximation with the action and modeling the full word, we’re helping the child make a meaningful connection: vocalizing leads to interaction. This new connection is huge, and can motivate them to use more vocalizations!
Shifting the Focus From Outcomes to Growth
It’s natural to hope for quick results, but development is not always linear. Some days will feel like big leaps forward, while others feel like steps back. Just like adults, kids can have off days too - maybe they’re tired, overwhelmed, or not feeling their best.
At Bright Beginnings ABA, we support our families through the entire journey. We celebrate your child’s new word or skill - and we stand with you on the harder days too.
How You Can Celebrate At Home
Here are a few ways families can recognize and reinforce progress outside of the clinic:
Notice and name: Say things like, “I love how you tried to tie your shoes!”
Track small changes: Keep a simple list of new skills.
Celebrate with connection: A high-five, reassuring smile, or special game can reinforce effort.
Be kind to yourself: Progress is happening, even when it doesn’t feel fast enough.
Final Thoughts
In ABA therapy, perfection is never the goal - progress is. Every child is unique, and every new skill is worth celebrating. At Bright Beginnings ABA, we’re honored to be a part of your child’s growth, while cheering for every small win along the way.
