By: Cristina Martínez
M.B.A, M.S, BCBA, LBA
Coauthor: Ariadna Martin,
MS
Strengthening Bonds, Empowering Families
Part of our work as ABA providers includes conducting parent training sessions. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice highlights the critical role of parent trainings and its profound impact on the success of interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges. Part of the body of theoretical and practical knowledge of ABA indicates how highly beneficial it is to equip parents with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to effectively implement behavior management techniques and promote positive outcomes for their children. Understanding ABA principles, implementing behavior intervention strategies, fostering communication and social skills, and advocating for their child's needs aligns the family with the treatment of their children and promotes the generalization of skills learned in therapy to various settings and contexts.
How parents embark on the ABA journey with their children?
Applying reinforcement strategies in a conscious and controlled manner: Parents can reinforce the skills and strategies learned in therapy by providing opportunities for their child to practice them at home. This leads to ensure consistencybetween the contents trained and the daily life of the families. Similarly, providing positive feedback and support definitely helps their kids build confidence, motivation and encourage independence.
Parents also serve as powerful role models for their children. By modeling the behaviors and skills targeted in therapy sessions, parents can demonstrate how to effectively apply these skills in real-life situations. In the same way, parents can help generalize skillsacross different settings by providing opportunities for their child to practice in various environments. For example, if a child is learning social skills in therapy, parents can arrange playdates with peers or encourage interactions in different social settings.
Reconnecting and creating cooperative bonds…
Knowing the importance of parental involvement in ABA therapy and always looking for opportunities to enhance learning for parents to participate more actively in their child’s therapy, ABS will resume the parent group meetings this year.
Connecting with other parents who are facing similar challenges can provide a supportive environment where they can share experiences and identify learning needs. We are aiming to provide a platform for families to collaborate with ABS professionals, to address specific challenges or concerns related to their child's development through a collaborative problem-solving space. This collective advocacy can help raise awareness, drive positive change and empowerment, and improve community support services for children with special needs.
Very soon we will be announcing this month's meeting... Stay tuned to our publications on social networks and on our website... Don't miss the opportunity to build a collective voice of support, knowledge and strength.
