Starting at bitKIDS

Beginning ABA therapy is an exciting step, and we want the process to feel as smooth as possible. After your initial consultation, one of the first things you’ll complete is our ABA Intake Form.

Although it may seem detailed, every question has a purpose. The information you provide helps our team learn about your child. This ABA Intake review occurs before the first session. We can begin planning individualized, family-centered services from day one.

Why is the Intake Form Important?

No two children are alike. Every child has their own strengths, interests, learning style, communication abilities, and support needs.

Your Intake Form gives us a more complete picture of who your child is—not just their diagnosis or challenges. It helps us understand what is already working well, what supports are needed, and what goals are most important to your family.

The more complete your information, the better prepared our team can be before your child begins services.

What Information Should You Have Ready?

You don’t need to have everything memorized, but gathering the following information beforehand can make completing the form much easier.

Contact Information

We’ll ask for:

• Parent or guardian contact information
• Emergency contacts
• Preferred method of communication
• Family physician or pediatrician information, if applicable

Having this information readily available helps us communicate efficiently throughout your child’s services.

Medical and Developmental History

We’ll ask questions about your child’s background, including:

• Medical diagnoses
• Allergies
• Medications
• Significant medical history
• Previous assessments

This information helps our clinicians better understand your child’s learning profile and any medical considerations that may impact therapy.

Current Supports and Services

Many children receive support from several professionals. We’ll ask whether your child currently participates in services such as:

• Speech-language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• School-based supports
• Mental health services
• Other community programs

Understanding your child’s existing team helps us coordinate recommendations and support consistency across settings whenever possible.

Communication

One of the first things we want to know is how your child communicates.

Your child may communicate by:

• Speaking
• Gestures
• Sign language
• Picture supports
• An AAC device
• Verbal approximations unique to your child

Knowing how your child communicates allows our therapists to build rapport and support successful interactions from the very beginning.

Daily Living Skills

We’ll ask about everyday routines, including:

• Toileting
• Eating
• Dressing
• Sleeping
• Hygiene
• Independence with self-care

These routines often become important goals for increasing independence both at home and in the community.

Behaviour and Safety

Some questions focus on behaviours that may affect learning or safety.

These questions are never about judgment. Honest answers help us prepare the right supports, ensure everyone’s safety, and develop strategies that set your child up for success.

Strengths, Interests, and Motivators

One of our favorite parts of the Intake Form is learning what your child enjoys.

Tell us about:

• Favorite toys
• Hobbies
• Special interests
• Activities they love
• Things that motivate them

These interests often become valuable teaching tools that help make learning fun and engaging.

Your Family’s Goals

Perhaps the most important section of the Intake Form asks about your goals.

Every family has different priorities. You may hope your child will:

• Improve communication
• Build friendships
• Increase independence
• Develop self-help skills
• Prepare for school
• Reduce behaviours that interfere with learning
• Gain skills in everyday situations

Your goals help guide our recommendations and ensure therapy focuses on the skills that matter most to your family.

Don’t Worry About Having Every Answer

Do your best with the information you have today. If you’re unsure about something or don’t have all the details, simply let us know. Our team is happy to answer questions and help you complete the process.

You’re One Step Closer to Getting Started

Completing the Intake Form is an important milestone in your child’s ABA journey. It gives our team the information we need to prepare thoughtful, individualized services before your child’s first visit.

Thank you for taking the time to share your child’s story with us. We know it’s more than paperwork—it’s the beginning of a partnership, and we’re honored to be part of your family’s journey.