The Importance of Parent Participation in ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has proven to be one of the most effective, evidence-based therapies to treat individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While there is no medical treatment for Autism, intensive, structured ABA-based programs and interventions starting from an early age have shown promising results in children with ASD. In fact, studies indicate that the effectiveness of ABA therapy can grow manifold with the active involvement of parents and caregivers. The ABA therapy experts at Behavior Pioneers emphasize the importance of parental participation in ABA interventions for children with ASD.

Why Parents Need to be Actively Engaged in Autism Therapy

Whether it involves center-based sessions or in-home ABA therapy, the objectives of any Autism treatment are two-fold:

• To create tailor-made therapy plans in keeping with the child’s specific needs and developmental goals.
• To equip the parents with an armory of skills and techniques that helps them care for and raise a child with Autism successfully.

The success of ABA-based early interventions and intensive therapy in treating children with Autism has been well-established through extensive research. However, one key aspect that can amplify the effectiveness of ABA therapy is the child’s ability to generalize the skills learned in formal therapy sessions across other contexts and people in day-to-day situations. This is where parental engagement in ABA therapy comes in.

If parents learn how to use ABA-based behavioral techniques with their child in everyday life, they can replicate the same desired outcomes as the therapist achieves through the center-based or in home ABA therapy in Dallas TX.

Here are some of the other advantages of parental participation in ABA:

• Better Therapy Design: Parents can offer critical insights about their child’s likes, dislikes, and behaviors, which helps the therapist to customize the ABA therapy program and goals.
• Opportunities for Practice: Parents are in a position to provide teachable moments and learning opportunities in everyday situations. Consequently, the child gets multiple chances to practice the same skills or behaviors until they become a habit.
• Effective Communication: Parents can adapt the same cues or communication systems that the ABA therapist uses to help the child communicate more effectively. These could be in the form of vocal cues, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), speech-generating device, or something else.
• Consistency in Cues: Uniformity in the methods and interventions used by therapists, parents, teachers, or caregivers can help the child respond consistently to the same cues in different environments.
• Increased Function and Independence: The child’s ability to generalize the expected skills or behaviors will help them in being less confused and more independent. This will not only improve the child’s function and independence, but also enhance the quality of life for the entire family.

References

1. Parental Involvement in Early Intervention Programs for Children with Autism: Alexis Bennett St. Catherine University SOPHIA
2. The Experiences of Parents During Diagnosis and Forward Planning for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Mickey Keenan, Karola Dillenburger, Alvin Doherty, Tony Byrne, and Stephen Gallagher

Behavior Pioneers, LLC specializes in Autism services through center-based and in home ABA therapy in Dallas TX. They serve families and children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Dallas, TX, and several other Texas locations. Their goal is simple – reduce challenging behaviors, develop critical skills, and improve the quality of life of children with ASD as well as the families. Led by Clinical Director Brian Tanenbaum, their qualified and experienced team consists of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Their therapists also hold master’s degrees in Educational Psychology, Child Development, Low Incidence Disabilities and Autism, and Early Childhood Disorders.

At Behavior Pioneers, there is a firm belief that the parent is the expert when it comes to the child. They make parents an integral part of every aspect of their ABA programs and encourage their active involvement and support for leading the child into a bright and secure future.

For a free consultation, get in touch with the ABA therapy specialists at any of their Autism therapy Centers near you. You can also call 877-725-8397 or send them an inquiry online.

Apara Autism Center is dedicated to making meaningful improvements in the lives of those we serve.