Do Parents Have to Be Involved in ABA?

(Short Answer: Yes. Here’s Why.) 

"How much do I need to be involved?" is one of the most frequently asked questions by families when they begin ABA therapy for the first time.

The honest answer? A lot.

Your role should not be one of hard, full-time work but should instead focus on building meaningful relationships, empowering children, and contributing to their development in meaningful ways.

In this post, I will highlight the significance of parent involvement in ABA therapy and demonstrate its presence daily - even small acts by caregivers can have a tremendously positive effect.

What Is Parent Involvement Really?

Participating in ABA therapy as a parent doesn't require you to attend every session, memorize behavior plans by heart or become licensed professional therapist immediately.

Simply stated, parent engagement means being vitally involved with your child's education. This could involve participating in decision making processes, communicating regularly with ABA team members and sharing insights about life at home with them as well as practicing new skills outside therapy hours.

Also, it is about making use of the resources or language your child is learning in organic, everyday ways.

To put it briefly, you're not merely watching. You are a member of the team.

Why Does Parental Involvement Matter So Much?

Your child resides with you, not in a clinic; therefore, therapeutically gained skills must be applied daily and your participation is critical in this situation.

Effective ABA parent coaching prepares you to support your child's communication, play, following instructions, and confidence-building not only in therapy but also in the car, at the dinner table, and during bedtime routines. 

How Each Family's Definition of Involvement Differs

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to ABA parent coaching. It can (and ought to) be modified to fit the schedule, degree of comfort, and time constraints of your family.

During in-home ABA therapy in San Francisco, some families would rather be present.

Others practice one skill every evening after work or check in with the BCBA once a week. Being consistent, inquisitive, and involved can have a significant impact, but there is no "perfect" way to get involved.

But What Can I Actually Do Since I'm Not a Therapist?

To help your child flourish, you don't have to be an expert. Equally important is what you

contribute:

• You are aware of your child's motivations.

• You are there for the "in-between" moments that therapists never notice; you notice subtle changes that others might overlook.

Because of this, many ABA teams provide parents with tools they can use at home - for instance, using a familiar board game as reinforcement of skills your child has been developing in therapy sessions.

Not sure of where to begin? Tools like the eBook "Make Any Toy a Learning Toy," which was written by parents and seasoned BCBAs, can help families use playtime to foster connection and communication.

Think ABA Only Works in Session? Think Again.

Most families don’t realize it, but your child’s biggest gains don’t happen during therapy, they happen in the tiny moments at home. And no, this isn’t about adding hours of homework or turning you into a therapist.

We’ve put together a 5-minute, zero-prep routine that’s helped parents say:

“Things finally clicked after we started this.”

Participation of Parents in the Initial Weeks of ABA

Building trust and understanding is the main goal of the first few weeks, and you play a crucial part in this process.

In order to involve parents in ABA therapy, your ABA provider might ask you to:

• Assist in determining your child's preferences or what they enjoy.

• Establish goals based on what you would like to see improve.

• Share routines (what breakfasts, meals, and meltdowns look like).

• Gain confidence at home by understanding the fundamentals of ABA.

  
  

What Happens If I Don't Have Enough Bandwidth or I Work Full-Time?

You're not by yourself. A lot of parents in San Francisco who are juggling in-home ABA therapy are also juggling their daily lives, jobs, and other children.

The good news? You don't have to participate all the time.

Good ABA programs recognize that people have busy lives. They will accommodate your schedule in order to:

• Offer coaching on the weekends or in the evenings.

• Provide brief parent education calls when it's convenient.

• Share videos or progress summaries.

Progress, not perfection, is the aim. What your child is learning in therapy can be reinforced with even 15 minutes of deliberate support each day.

The Reasons ABA Isn't "Drop-Off and Go"

The need for ABA parent coaching does not go away even if your child is receiving services at a center. Skills still need to be transferred home, and you must be involved for that to happen.

For this reason, goal-setting discussions, training sessions, and parent meetings are still a part of center-based programs. Therapy is meaningfully guided by your insight.

Also, it gives your child a sense of support in both settings.

Further, it is essential to understand that it is a very emotional journey for parents understanding autism and their child's particular strengths and challenges.

It can be thrilling at times. It's heavy at other times. It's alright.

Participating in ABA will teach you new ways to connect with your child, recognize and support them, and celebrate small victories. It also entails taking on obstacles head-on with a supportive team.

When ABA is effective, it benefits you as well as your child.

What Parental Support Looks Like

Quality ABA providers don't expect parents to be experts; rather, they provide information and tools.

Providers employ various strategies to foster parent involvement in ABA therapy sessions: modeling methods in sessions; offering one-on-one coaching; presenting data in easily understandable formats; and offering resources (written manuals, videos or illustrations). When celebrating milestones (no matter how minor) we all share in celebrating our triumphs together!

Children tend to feel safer and more supported when their parents exhibit more confidence.

How to Begin

It's common to feel unsure if you've recently received a diagnosis or are beginning in-

home ABA therapy in San Francisco. However, being involved does not entail doing everything at once. Here are three quick ways to get started:

1. During or following each session, pose one question. The first step is to ask, "What skill are we working on today?"

2. Take note of one exchange. Observe how your child is motivated or redirected by the therapist. You'll discover more than you anticipated.

3. At home, try one tactic. Practice it as part of your daily routine, whether it's a visual schedule or a method for requesting a break.

Also, "Your Child Just Got an Autism Diagnosis — Now What" is one of the best autism resources for parents that helps you navigate those initial, perplexing days if you need a starting point guide. Even if you're completely new to the world of ABA, this self-paced resource will guide you through the initial steps with composure, clarity, and a sense of purpose.

What About Other Members of the Family?

It's not just parents. Anyone in your child's life, including grandparents, siblings, and babysitters, can help.

Anyone working with your child can receive prompt coaching from your ABA provider. Because your child will learn and feel supported more quickly if you take a consistent approach.

This is particularly true in San Francisco, where in-home ABA therapy takes place in the midst of actual family life.

Overview: A Parents Involvement in ABA

Sessions may be led by therapists. Plans may be written by BCBAs. But in your child's life, you are the one constant.

Your participation is crucial because of this.

Every little bit helps, whether you're using a resource like "Make Any Toy a Learning Toy," practicing a new routine, or watching a brief video. And those little actions add up to significant changes over time.

Therefore, it is imperative that parents participate in ABA therapy. The best part is that you already possess the necessary skills.

Frequently Asked Questions