When your child begins ABA therapy, it’s not their journey to take alone. It’s yours too. As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism or other neurodevelopmental differences, you play one of the most important roles in your child’s growth. That’s why caregiver training is a key part of the process.
To support you in this role, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will work closely with you during caregiver training sessions. These sessions focus on teaching evidence-based strategies you can use in your everyday life to teach your child new skills and encourage positive behavior. The ultimate goal is to give you the tools and confidence to support your child’s progress at home, school and in the community.
What is Caregiver Training?
Caregiver training, sometimes called caregiver treatment guidance, is a service offered in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. During caregiver training, parent(s) and/or caregiver(s) meet with the BCBA to talk about their child’s progress and learn practical strategies they can use with their child.
Caregiver training takes place in addition to your child’s 1:1 direct therapy. Most families meet with their BCBA 1–4 times per month, depending on the family’s needs and the child’s authorization.
What to Expect During Caregiver Training
Every family’s experience looks a little different because ABA is tailored to individual needs. However, knowing the general steps can help you feel prepared as you get started.
First, you’ll begin with an initial meeting with the BCBA. Your BCBA will ask questions about your family’s goals, priorities, routines, and challenges. Using this information, they’ll create a plan to support your child’s growth and help your family put strategies into practice at home.
Your BCBA will recommend how often you should meet. Some sessions may occur with your child present, while others may be 1:1 discussions with you and the BCBA. Training may occur in the clinic, at home, in the community, or virtually—wherever it makes the most sense for your family.
Caregiver training can encompass many activities, including:
- Reviewing your child’s treatment goals and progress
- Learning how to reinforce behavior at home
- Reviewing the behavior plan and practicing strategies to reduce your child’s challenging behaviors
- Coaching on how to teach new skills using principles of ABA
- Discussing how to support transitions and routines (e.g., bedtime, mealtime, breaks from school, community outings)
- Asking questions and collaboratively problem-solving specific challenges your family is facing
- Encouraging positive engagement between caregiver and child
Behavior Skills Training (BST) in Caregiver Training
Many BCBAs use behavior skills training (BST) to help caregivers learn ABA strategies. In using BST, the clinician follows four steps to teach the parent the skill.
The four steps of BST are:
- Instruction: Your BCBA explains the ABA strategy or principle and how to use it.
- Modeling: Your BCBA demonstrates how to use that strategy.
- Rehearsal: The caregiver demonstrates using the strategy, either with their child or in role-play with the behavior analyst.
- Feedback: The BCBA provides feedback, letting the parent know what they did well and any areas for improvement.
How to be Successful
Consistency helps children thrive. Try these tips to set yourself up for success.
- Ask questions!
- Stick to your meeting schedule as much as possible.
- Take notes throughout the week and bring them to your meetings.
- Practice learned strategies outside of sessions
- Be patient. Behavior change takes time.
- Celebrate the small wins!
Partnering for Your Child’s Success
Caregiver training is all about helping you build confidence with the tools and knowledge needed to support your child’s progress in everyday life. When caregivers and BCBAs work together, children benefit from consistency and the application of research-backed methods across all settings.
At Quest Kids Therapy, we view parents and caregivers as the experts of their own child. Your involvement is essential to the therapy journey, and with the right guidance, small steps can lead to meaningful progress.