Many ABA service providers are known for working with children, but a key component of a successful ABA program is parent involvement. Whether you’re a new board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) or a veteran clinician, fostering this relationship can be difficult or easily fall by the wayside, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Consistent parent involvement in a child’s ABA care has shown a positive correlation with success in ABA . By collaborating with caregivers and encouraging a wholistic approach to each child’s care, we are able to give our clients the best possible outcomes.
Kerry Markham, seasoned BCBA and clinic director for Surpass in Madisonville, Kentucky, uses her experience and expertise to provide the best tips for BCBAs and BCaBAs on how to pair with parents:
Be compassionate. Being a parent of a child with special needs can be hard. Research shows that the stress levels of special needs families are elevated compared to families with neurotypical children. This stress can also negatively affect their health and wellbeing (Seymour et al. 2012).
When asked what helped build their relationship with their BCBA, a Surpass caregiver said “…helping the parent feel seen, understood and not judged which is what we often face from schools, friends, family and those that don’t understand challenging behaviors! Professionalism mixed with warmth and empathy while also helping parents to not just navigate Autism but be equipped with tools both for their children and themselves.”
Be honest! Nothing does a family more of a disservice than when their BCBA/BCaBA glosses over important pieces of their child’s programming or sets unrealistic expectations.
From a Surpass parent: “I think one thing that helped build a relationship was transparency. You were always honest with us and never gave us unrealistic expectations.” Another Surpass parent added, “(The BCBA) is a team player 100% and calls me out when I should do better.” A third parent stated, “I’d tell them (BCBAs) to not be afraid to talk to parents about hard topics.”
Meet them where they’re at. Every family has their own unique dynamics and challenges. Get to know how their family functions, their home environment, and invite them to learn more about their child’s time in-clinic.
When asked, a current Surpass parent said “I think ‘in homes’ and parent meetings helped a lot. We got to see, firsthand, what the boys do in therapy day to day and how well you guys understand them.” Another parent added, “Remember that most parents don’t understand the BCBA lingo so be ready to explain things in a way that’s easy to understand.”
Always communicate. Don’t leave your families high and dry! It’s protocol modification day? Shoot them a text and let them know one great thing about today!
A Surpass parent said, “I like knowing about her day and since she can’t communicate that to me yet, I rely on you guys to tell me. Even if she had a bad day or struggled with something, I like to know.”
Be excited to see their child! You are an integral part of their support team, and they are trusting you with their precious child. Be a cheerleader for the whole family!
“…. (the team) make us feel like you’re glad he is there, that you want him at Surpass, and that you make it his safe place where we don’t have to worry about apologizing for him or worry that anyone thinks he is an annoyance.”
“Family guidance can be tough but can also be a great opportunity to get a holistic view of the child and go beyond what can be seen within the walls of the clinic. So go forth and guide the parents with compassion, honesty, and open communication! – Kerry Markham, Clinic Director