PARENT TRAINING & SUPPORT
Parent Training
ABA is based on the theory that behaviors are shaped by the environment and the people in it. The most effective way to change a child's behavior is to change what the people interacting with the child do, rather than focusing on what the child is doing. Parent training helps to promote generalization of learned skills through consistency and increased opportunities to practice newly learned skills with multiple people and in a variety of situations. Parental involvement and parent training in behavior management strategies can also help provide parents with the tools that they need to deal with challenging behaviors and supports that will help promote positive behavior.
Support Groups
Many parents of children with developmental disabilities feel their life is very different and distant from the experiences of other families. This can feel very lonely and isolating. Parent support groups provide a place for parents with similar experiences to share and gain insight from each other, share resources and guidance to help them better advocate for their children. Discussing everyday little victories and the challenges of having a child with special needs with other parents who are in similar situations can help parents who are struggling with a new diagnosis or challenging behavior with new strategies and insight.
