By: Cristina Martínez
M.B.A, M.S, BCBA, LBA
Coauthor: Ariadna Martin,
MS
Connecting, Learning, Growing: Group Trainings for Parents
Parent involvement is a key factor in a child’s success with Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. While parents receive individual parent training at home, participating in group parent training offers additional benefits that can significantly impact both the child and family. These group sessions go beyond one-on-one instruction, providing a community-driven learning experience that enhances skills, support, and confidence.
One major advantage of group ABA training is the opportunity to expand knowledge beyond individualized instruction. It covers broader topics that apply to various situations, such as behavior management, social skills development, or emotional regulation. They also offer fresh perspectives from therapists and fellow parents, providing structured lessons that help caregivers generalize ABA principles to different environments.
Another key benefit of group training is the peer support and shared experiences it provides. Learning alongside other parents creates a strong sense of community. These sessions offer a platform to exchange real-world strategies, discuss common struggles, and gain insight from families who are also implementing ABA techniques. Thus, parents can learn from one another and feel encouraged in their journey. Moreover, participating in group sessions opens the door to building long-lasting relationships with other families, creating a network of support that extends beyond the sessions and continues to benefit parents long after.
In addition, group ABA trainings provide hands-on opportunities to practice skills in a supportive environment. Parents can role-play different behavioral scenarios, receive feedback from both professionals and peers, and observe how others implement ABA strategies effectively. This real-time practice strengthens their confidence, making them feel more prepared to handle challenges outside of therapy.
Group training also enhances consistency across different environments, which is critical for a child’s progress. Group sessions help families prepare for challenges in community settings such as schools, playdates, and public outings. By learning in a group, parents gain the tools to ensure their child experiences consistent reinforcement regardless of where they are, leading to better generalization of skills.
Ultimately, group participation empowers parents with confidence, strengthens their child’s progress, and helps them become more effective advocates for their child’s success. If you are a parent from our American Behavioral Solutions Family, we invite you to join our Group Parent Sessions, held one Saturday each month at our Phoenix Therapy Center. To stay updated on sessions details, be sure to check our social media, website, and emails for the latest announcements and scheduling information. ABA therapy is most effective when parents are actively involved—so don’t miss the opportunity to take part in group trainings that can truly make a difference!
