Understanding Parent Training in ABA Therapy

Key Highlights 

• Parent training is a core part of ABA therapy that empowers families.
• It helps parents support their child’s progress at home and in daily life.
• Sessions include hands-on coaching, real-time feedback, and personalized strategies.
• Active parent involvement leads to stronger outcomes and reduced stress

When I first meet with a new family in North Carolina, I often hear the same heartfelt question: “How can I help my child beyond our sessions?” As an ABA therapist in Maryland, I know how powerful parent involvement can be—and that’s where parent training in ABA comes in. 

This isn’t about turning you into a therapist; it’s about empowering you to feel confident responding to your child’s unique needs at home, in the community, and beyond.

What is Parent Training in ABA?

Parent training in ABA is more than just a sit-down meeting with a therapist. It’s an ongoing partnership between you and your child’s care team, designed to help you understand how to reinforce the skills your child is learning during therapy—and how to manage tough moments with confidence.

It Typically Includes:

• Weekly coaching sessions with your child’s BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
• Hands-on modeling and practice with your child
• Collaborative problem-solving for home and community challenges
• Real-time feedback to build your confidence and effectiveness
• Tools and strategies personalized to your family’s needs

Why Is Parent Training So Important?

ABA therapy works best when it’s consistent across all areas of life. And no one spends more time with your child than you do. When you’re part of the process, your child benefits in ways therapy sessions alone just can’t achieve.

Key Benefits of Parent Training:

• Better generalization of skills across settings (home, school, public places)
• Improved communication and behavior at home
• Increased consistency and structure, which children with autism thrive on
• Reduced parental stress, because you’re not left guessing what to do
• Stronger family relationships, built on understanding and support



How Parent Training Works in Real Life

I remember working with a family in Maryland whose son, Jack, struggled with transitions—especially getting into the car. In sessions, we practiced using visual schedules and a reward system.

But it wasn’t until we coached Mom through it in her driveway, at 7:30 a.m., that the real progress began. That’s the heart of parent training: making the learning stick where it matters most.



What to Expect from a Parent Training Session

Each session looks a bit different depending on your child’s goals and your family’s needs. But here’s a general structure:

A Typical Session Might Include:

• Reviewing data and progress
• Discussing challenges that came up at home
• Demonstrating a skill (like prompting or using a visual aid)
• Practicing with your child while we coach
• Planning next steps with clear take-home strategies

You won’t be expected to be perfect. In fact, we expect questions, missteps, and even resistance—on both your part and your child’s. This is a learning process, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

The Role of Parents in ABA Therapy

Parent training isn’t a bonus—it’s a foundational part of effective ABA therapy. The more actively involved you are, the better outcomes your child is likely to have.

Your Role Might Involve:

• Practicing skills between sessions
• Sharing detailed observations with your therapy team
• Participating in goal setting
• Advocating for your child’s needs in school or community settings

You don’t need a background in behavior analysis—you just need commitment, love, and a willingness to learn.

How to Get Started with Parent Training

If your child is receiving ABA therapy, parent training should already be part of their treatment plan. If it’s not, ask your BCBA to include it. And if you’re just getting started looking for services, choose an agency that values collaboration with families.

At Divine Steps ABA, we believe ABA therapy should be a family experience. That’s why our approach includes compassionate, personalized parent training to help you feel confident every step of the way.

Reach out to Divine Steps ABA today! We’re here to walk this path with you—at home, in the community, and everywhere your child is growing.

FAQs 

Sources:

• https://chadd.org/for-parents/parent-training-and-education/
• https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/aba-parent-training/
• https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/aba-therapy-training-benefits/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4516038/
• https://www.autismspeaks.org/parent-training