Building Stronger Partnerships: How Families and Behavior Analysts Can Work Together

When your child receives Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, you want to feel heard, understood, and valued as an essential part of their care team. However, many families struggle with feeling included in the decision-making process.

Why Collaboration Matters in ABA

ABA therapy is widely used to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by teaching essential life skills, improving communication, and reducing challenging behaviors. But successful ABA services aren’t just about science—they require strong relationships between families and behavior analysts.

When families and behavior analysts work together, children benefit. Research shows that collaboration leads to:

• Better treatment success – When families feel involved, they are more likely to follow through with interventions.
• Reduced challenging behaviors – Caregivers who receive clear, compassionate guidance see improved behaviors in their children.
• Improved communication – Open conversations between families and professionals lead to better problem-solving.

Barriers That Can Make Collaboration Difficult

Despite the benefits, many families and behavior analysts face barriers to working together effectively.

1. Systemic Barriers (Big-Picture Challenges)

• Insurance restrictions – Some services are not covered, making it hard to address family priorities.
• Confusing healthcare systems – Many parents struggle to navigate ABA services and their rights.
• Cultural mismatches – Families from diverse backgrounds may feel their values and needs aren’t fully considered.

2. Implementation Barriers (Challenges in Therapy Sessions)

• One-size-fits-all approaches – Some ABA programs feel too rigid, without enough flexibility for family routines.
• Lack of family input – Families may feel their expertise is overlooked, leading to frustration.
• Low “buy-in” from parents – If families don’t feel like true partners, they may struggle to stay engaged.

3. Training Barriers (Gaps in Professional Preparation)

• Limited training for behavior analysts – Many professionals are not formally trained in communication, cultural sensitivity, or family-centered care.
• Power imbalances – Families may feel like they have to follow recommendations without having a say in the process.

How Families and Behavior Analysts Can Work Together

1. Communication is Key

• Families: Be open about your priorities, concerns, and challenges. Share what works for your child and what doesn’t.
• Behavior Analysts: Use clear, jargon-free language. Practice active listening and empathy.

If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for adjustments.

2. Align Therapy Goals with Family Priorities

• Families: Share your long-term goals for your child, such as independence, communication, or social skills.
• Behavior Analysts: Instead of following a strict program, adjust interventions to fit daily routines and values.

For example, if a family prioritizes family mealtime, the behavior analyst can work on skills like sitting at the table, using utensils, and participating in conversations.

3. Clearly Define Roles and Responsibilities

• Families and Behavior Analysts: Work together to determine who will do what. Families should never feel overwhelmed by therapy demands.

Instead of expecting parents to track detailed behavior data daily, behavior analysts can offer simpler ways to gather key information.

4. Take a Team Approach

• Families and Behavior Analysts: Remember, you are on the same team. If challenges arise, focus on problem-solving together.
• Behavior analysts should be flexible and open to feedback, while families should feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns.

If you feel unsure about a recommendation, ask, “Can we adjust this to better fit our routine?”

Final Thoughts: A Better Future for ABA Collaboration

Strong partnerships between families and behavior analysts lead to better therapy experiences and outcomes for children. The key to success is clear communication, flexibility, and mutual respect.

By working together, families and behavior analysts can create an effective, compassionate, and family-centered approach to ABA therapy—one that truly meets the needs of both children and caregivers.

Reference:

Horbanczuk, S., Fettig, A., & Luna, A. (2024). Building collaborative partnerships between behavior analysts and families. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 996–1007. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00940-2