If your child receives ABA Therapy services, you have most likely heard of Parent Training. ABA Parent Training involves the child’s BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) providing information and tips to the parent(s) that align with what the child is being taught in ABA Therapy. This is done so that the child has consistency in all environments and can learn to generalize skills. Additionally, Parent Training allows for the parent to be an active participant in their child’s therapy, helping tailor the behavioral plan and skills targeted. Parent Training can be performed in-person, with the parent receiving teaching tips in real-time as they observe their child receiving therapy in the home or clinic, or it can be done virtually or through a phone or video call, there are plenty of ABA parent training resources . At Healing Haven, we offer two forms of Parent Training programs.
Our Vice President of Clinical Operations, Dr. Jennifer Thomas, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, develops teaching resources for BCBAs to utilize with parents. Based on a loving, holistic approach, these resources provide ways to help children maintain skills at home, address problem behavior, as well as teach stress-reduction methods for parents.
Here are a few practical take-aways from our ABA Parent Training Resources:
The Importance of Play
Through play, kids and parents connect with each other and form a positive relationship. Our therapy providers utilize a method called DRIP, which stands for:
- Describe: Point out what the child is doing (Ex: “You’re really squishing that Play Doh. Now you’re rolling it and creating a shape!”)
- Reflect: Reflect on the child’s behaviors, sounds and words (Ex: Child: “Go, go” while he pushes the car, Adult: “Wow, the car goes so fast!”).
- Imitate: Repeat what the child is doing or saying alongside them.
- Praise: Give positive, enthusiastic messages to the child for engaging in play and social interaction (Ex: “Fantastic job saying hi!” “Wow, I love how you are building that tower.”)
DRIP promotes engagement with the child. DRIP allows the child to take the lead while the adult plays along with them. Through this continuous interaction, kids see adults as fun role models rather than individuals who just give demands. In turn, when demands are placed, the child is more likely to respond positively.
Addressing Problem Behavior
One of the most difficult areas for parents to navigate at home is problem behavior. Parents often feel frustrated and drained trying to understand why their children engage in aggression or run away from them.
But a key piece in reducing these behaviors is teaching the child to negotiate and communicate their needs. This process begins with collecting and analyzing data to identify why the behavior is occurring. The process ends with implementing a behavior plan tailored to the child. With the BCBA’s support, parents can help their child learn to communicate what they need. For example, if a child tends to run away when demands are placed, teaching the child to ask for a break replaces the behavior of running away.
A Variety of Support Strategies
ABA Parent Training can begin with the foundational concepts of Applied Behavior Analysis. For a child newly diagnosed, BCBA’s can help parents identify what is typical child behavior, or what is related to their autism diagnosis. Additionally, sessions can address a variety of areas depending on the child’s needs, such as:
- Working on a task independently
- Scheduling daily activities so children have a routine and know what to expect
- Encouraging sibling interactions
- Overcoming picky eating/food sensitivities
- Limiting screen time
- Building resilience and emotional intelligence
Stress Management and Well-Being
Many parents of children with autism often face isolation, depression and anxiety. Stress management is woven into all aspects of services at Healing Haven. In addition to the principles and strategies of ABA Therapy, Dr. Thomas’ Parent Training resources highlight the importance of social support and offer strategies to cope with stress.
In ABA therapy, clients at Healing Haven learn coping skills rooted in relaxation and mindfulness. These skills help them learn to manage their emotions. These strategies are also part of our parent training resources. Parents can come alongside their children by practicing these exercises, while also benefiting from them personally. Going for a walk, meditation, or relaxing in nature are just a few examples of how parents can learn to manage their stress.
Foundational Support
Our ABA Parent Training resources have always been a key component of our ABA services. We believe it is vital to provide parents with this support to help their child’s development.
If you are in need of practical strategies to support your child, reach out to us for more information on our ABA Therapy and ABA Parent Training resources. Training resources.