Association for Behavior Analysis International

Research has shown that parent-mediated treatment results in consistent enhancement of parent-child interaction. It also has great potential to improve child communication and behaviors. However, given a wide range of sources, treatment options, and technical procedures, parents may find the decision making and execution rather challenging. Parent training sessions, conducted by professionals in Applied Behavior Analysis, can lead to efficient use of resources and an increase of parental knowledge and practice in evidence based intervention. Participants on the panel include ABA professionals working closely with parents/families of children with ASD in various formats. Included in this panel discussion are three distinct parent-training styles: (1) one-on-one home based consultation in which the professional has designed individualized instruction for the target parent and the child, (2) large group face-to-face training which adapted workshop style, addressing general topics in behavioral treatments, and (3) web-based self-paced classes, supplementary with parental support groups. Success will be shared while challenges unique to training content, parental knowledge, family characteristics, and cross-cultural preferences will be discussed.

Professionals who are currently or consider providing parent training services, particularly those who work with diverse population.