Your Role as a Parent in ABA Therapy

So maybe you’re considering ABA therapy, or maybe your child is already seeing a licensed ABA therapist. Those are great first steps, but your job doesn’t end there.

Research into ABA therapy suggests that interventions are most effective when parents are involved in the treatment plan and stay engaged throughout the process of therapy. The fact is, no one knows your child better than you, and your child’s therapist will consult you in creating and conducting the treatment plan. Here are some ways you can be a therapist’s best partner in the therapy process.

• Ask Questions - You are not expected to be an ABA expert—that’s the therapist’s job. But don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learn what you can about the process so you can best help your child in day-to-day life. Ask about routines, contingencies, or how you can best build on the work your child is doing in therapy. You may also choose to seek out a support group of parents in similar situations who may have knowledge and experience to share about ABA.  

• Listen to Your Child - ABA therapy can be fun, and you want your child to enjoy it. If they are showing signs otherwise—such as anger, nervousness, or fear regarding therapy, the approach may need to be altered. Your therapist may not realize this without your input, so pay attention to your child and speak up when necessary.  

• Practice in All Settings - Get comfortable following through with therapy techniques outside of the home. Practicing in varied settings and unique situations will help your child immensely, so use every opportunity. The grocery store, friends’ houses, church, the public pool—practice everywhere! 

• Request Progress Reports and Feedback - Ask for regular updates regarding your child’s progress in therapy. Your therapist should be letting you know how your child is doing weekly or even more frequently at your request. Similarly, feel free to ask how the therapist thinks you’re doing. Their feedback is one of the best ways you have to improve yourself and your supporting role in therapy.  

• Take Care of Yourself - The ABA journey can be an exhausting one. As you work to better your child’s life, don’t forget about yourself and your needs. Make time for self-care amidst all the school, work, appointments, etc., even if it’s just a bit of breathing exercises in the car or spending some time alone. These practices can help you be at your best for your child. 

Positive Reinforcement not only offers in home ABA therapy for North Virginia, West Virginia including cities like Ashburn, Leesburg, Winchester, Richmond, Centerville.