We believe that family involvement is a crucial component for positive outcomes in therapy (and in school). While our team works with your child during their therapy sessions, the progress made in the clinic can be amplified when families are involved in therapy and school.

Research has shown that when families are actively engaged in their child’s therapy, children experience more significant improvements in communication, behavior, and social skills. A study by Symon (2005) found that parent participation in ABA programs increased the effectiveness of interventions, with children reaching their goals faster and maintaining progress over time.

What does family involvement look like, and why is it so important? Let’s break it down.

Bridging the Gap Between Clinic and Home
Your child spends only a portion of their day in therapy. When parents and caregivers understand and learn strategies used during therapy and apply them at home, they begin to bridge the gap between the clinic environment and everyday life. This consistency creates a seamless experience for your child, reinforcing the skills they learn in therapy and helping them generalize these skills across different settings.

Consistency across environments is key to long-term success. By practicing skills at home, school, or out in the community, you help maintain progress and ensure that your child can apply what they've learned in various situations. It’s not just about mastering a skill in therapy but about making sure your child can use that skill in the real world—whether it’s communicating a need, following directions, or engaging in social interactions.

Research supports this approach. A study by Koegel et al. (1996) emphasized that children who practiced skills at home with their parents were more likely to generalize those skills to other environments, such as school or community settings. This shows how critical family involvement is in ensuring long-term success. By keeping the learning going beyond the clinic, parents play a huge role in helping their child maintain progress and thrive.

Strengthening Relationships
Active family involvement helps strengthen bonds between parents and children. It gives you the tools to better understand their unique way of communicating while also showing your child that they are supported and valued. These strengthened relationships provide a solid foundation for continued progress.

Solomon et al. (2007) found that when parents engaged in child-directed interventions, the parent-child bond improved, and children showed enhanced social interactions. These findings highlight the impact that active parental involvement can have on a child’s emotional and social well-being.

Advocacy and Communication
You know your child best. When you’re involved in their therapy, you become a more effective advocate for their needs, helping to shape the goals and interventions that are most relevant to their daily life. Additionally, open communication between you, the therapist, and other care providers ensures that everyone on the team is aligned in their approach, leading to more effective interventions.

A study by Werner and Gradner (2008) underscores the importance of family advocacy. The research found that children whose families actively participated in shaping their therapy goals had more personalized treatment plans, leading to greater progress in key areas such as behavior and language development.

Celebrating Successes Together
Being a part of your child’s therapy allows you to witness the small and big milestones firsthand. These successes are not just moments for celebration in the clinic—they’re moments to be shared with the entire family. Celebrating these victories together creates a positive, supportive atmosphere for your child.

How ABA Spectrum Supports Family Involvement
At ABA Spectrum, we’re dedicated to partnering with families every step of the way. Through regular parent training sessions, we equip you with practical strategies that fit your family’s lifestyle. Whether it's how to manage challenging behaviors, enhance communication skills, or reinforce new skills at home, we provide the tools you need to support your child’s growth outside of therapy sessions.

Brookman-Frazee et al. (2009) highlighted the importance of parent training in ABA, showing that parents who received proper training felt more empowered and capable of applying ABA strategies effectively. This led to better outcomes for their children both in the clinic and at home. By working together, we can create lasting, meaningful change in your child’s life. Family involvement in ABA therapy isn’t just important—it’s essential. With open communication, collaboration, and a strong support system, we can help your child thrive both in the clinic, at home, and in the community.

References

Brookman-Frazee, L., Stahmer, A., Baker-Ericzén, M. J., & Tsai, K. (2009). Parent perspectives on community mental health services for children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 18(6), 768-778. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-009-9283-0

Koegel, L. K., Koegel, R. L., & Surratt, A. (1992). Language intervention and disruptive behavior in preschool children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 22(2), 141–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01058147

Solomon, R., Necheles, J., Ferch, C., & Bruckman, D. (2007). Pilot study of a parent training program for young children with autism: The PLAY Project Home Consultation program. Autism, 11(3), 205-224. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361307076842

Symon, J. B. (2005). Expanding interventions for children with autism: Parents as trainers. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 7(3), 159-173. https://doi.org/10.1177/10983007050070030501

Werner, S., & Gradner, E. (2008). Parents’ involvement in their children's ABA treatment: An exploration of practice and impact. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(4), 576-588. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0414-2