Meaningful progress through a support-driven approach
- Brigette Stamp
- Jun 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 9
ABA is a powerful tool that can be truly life-changing. Unfortunately, if a family is unable to access traditional treatment, they are left without the ability to access these essential tools. Bringing ABA to the home and empowering family members by teaching them how to implement ABA principles, places those tools in the hands of those who need them the most.
Some of the greatest benefits of ABA education for all family members are:
Consistency. In order for ABA to be successful, the way that the people in the child’s life respond needs to be the same. Children with autism often require lots of practice and repetition to learn basic skills that we take for granted, such as language and imitation. When everyone has different expectations, it can be very confusing and frustrating, with the child being unable to understand what you are wanting from them or how they should respond. Family members being consistent in their expectations and interactions means predictability for your child, as well as faster learning.
Understanding, patience, and support. It is very common for family members, especially older members such as grandparents, to struggle with accepting an autism diagnosis. There is still a very high prevalence of individuals who see lack of obedience or “unruly” behaviors as signs that the child needs harsher discipline. Harmless behaviors, such as stimming, are often seen as negative and strongly discouraged. Not only does this harm the relationship between the child and the family member, but it can be harmful to the child, who is now subjected to criticism for behaviors outside their control. Understanding autism and the child’s behavior can lead to stronger and more healthy family bonds.
Relationship with siblings. Children with autism often struggle with play skills, being able to share, and responding to bids for attention from brothers and sisters. Siblings are also frequently subjected to alterations in their everyday lives in order to accommodate the child with autism and their needs, which can lead to feeling hurt and unseen. Including siblings in sessions allows the child opportunities to practice positive interactions with brothers and sisters, and provides the siblings guidance and support. This can be very beneficial for siblings of ALL ages.
Through the guidance of a BCBA, caregivers and family members can learn the skills and changes necessary to best support their child and set them up for success.