How parents and caregivers can take part in ABA

Start with an honest picture of your week

A home plan helps only if your family can keep it up. Before you talk with a provider, think through these questions. There are no wrong answers, and they can change.

• Which adults care for your child during the week?
• Who can realistically join conversations with the team?
• Which parts of the day already have some breathing room?
• Which routines are too stressful to add anything to right now?
• How do work shifts, siblings, or other caregivers affect what you can do?
• Do you prefer to hear from the team in person, by phone, or in writing?

Share your answers with the team, since they can only plan around what they know.

Questions about taking part

1. How are parents and caregivers expected to take part?
2. Is anything required of us, and does it connect to our plan or coverage?
3. How will we find out what our child is working on?
4. How can I learn what the team does, and can I get feedback when I try it?
5. Can another caregiver, such as a grandparent, take part?
6. What happens if work or other children keep me from joining?
7. Who do I tell if a suggestion is not working at home?

Listen for: clear expectations, a named contact, and room for real life.

Please ask our intake team how parents and caregivers take part at Training Wheels ABA, and what that could look like for your family.

Pick 1 routine to coordinate

You do not need to work on everything at home. Consider asking the team to help you pick 1 routine, then talk through these points together.

• The moment. Choose a part of the day, such as snack, bath, or getting in the car.
• Your child’s side. What does your child want or enjoy in that moment?
• Communication. Is your child using words, signs, gestures, pictures, or a device?
• Your part. What is 1 thing you can do the same way each time?
• If your child says no. How should you respond, and when should you stop?
• Reporting back. How will you tell the team what happened?

Your child also needs ordinary family time. Rest, play, and being together do not have to become practice.

When more than 1 adult is involved

Grandparents, sitters, and co-parents will not all do things the same way, and that is all right. A little shared information can go a long way.

• Keep a short shared note with the words, signs, or pictures your child is using
• Choose 1 person to receive updates from the team and pass them along
• Tell the team about changes at home, such as a move or a new caregiver
• Decide what each adult needs to know, since not everyone needs every report

Try to agree on the few things that matter most, such as how adults respond when your child says no or asks for a break. Differences in style are fine.

When it becomes too much

Caregivers get tired, and lives change. Telling the team early gives them a chance to adjust. You could ask:

1. What is most important for us to keep doing right now?
2. What can wait for a while?
3. Can your suggestions fit into a different routine?
4. Would doing less at home affect our plan?

If your own health or stress is a concern, please talk with your doctor or another professional you trust. When you are ready, our goals and progress guide can help you decide which goals to focus on with the team.