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The involvement of parents in home-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is an increasingly recognized practice in treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As the acceptance and understanding of ASD grows, so does the recognition of parents’ integral role in therapy.
This article explores the role of parents in home-based therapy, examining both benefits and potential drawbacks. Additionally, we’ll discuss the value of parents at their child’s in-person attendance at ABA centers, particularly the model provided by Mobile Therapy Centers of America (MTCUS).
Remember the adage “Parents are a child’s first teacher?” Parents play a vital role in home-based ABA Therapy, acting as primary facilitators alongside professional therapists. Their involvement stems from the very nature of ABA Therapy, focusing on understanding and changing behavior within natural settings. When therapy extends into the home environment, parents become partners in the process.
A child’s in-person attendance at professional ABA Therapy centers, such as those provided by MTC, can complement home-based therapy by providing expert guidance and resources. MTC has Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) utilizing scientific and systematic processes to influence behavior working with the child and offering guidance to parents.
In the context of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, parents play a significant role not just as recipients of support but as valuable resources themselves. At Mobile Therapy Centers, this collaboration with parents is integral to the therapeutic process, leveraging their unique insights, experiences, and connection with their child. Below, we discuss how parents can serve as resources at MTC.
At MTC, parents are involved in the planning process from the very beginning. Their input helps therapists understand the child’s unique needs, interests, and family dynamics. This information is vital in creating an individualized therapy plan that aligns with the child’s lifestyle and the family’s goals.
Parents’ active involvement ensures that the skills learned at the center are generalized to the home environment. By working closely with MTC therapists, parents learn the strategies and techniques that are most effective for their children. They then apply these methods at home, reinforcing the skills and behaviors taught at the center.
MTC offers specialized training and education programs for parents. These programs empower parents with the knowledge and skills necessary to support their child’s therapy. By becoming proficient in ABA principles and techniques, parents can contribute more effectively to the therapeutic process at the center and home.
Ongoing communication between parents and MTC therapists ensures that therapy is responsive and adaptive. Parents provide continuous feedback on the child’s progress at home including successes and challenges, which allows for timely adjustments to the therapy plan. This two-way communication creates a synergistic relationship where both parties learn and
MTC centers offer support groups and community-building activities where parents can connect with other families going through similar experiences. These connections allow parents to share resources, encouragement, and strategies, fostering a supportive community that benefits the children and their families.
MTCUS offers ABA Therapy that motivates children through exciting, positive, and natural opportunities, focusing on essential life skills such as getting dressed, going to the dentist, and potty training. Services are conducted individually at their clinics in Illinois and Tennessee, at the child’s home, school/daycare, or through Telehealth.
The clinics also include several Mock Rooms such as a Restaurant, Dentist’s Office, Hair Salon, and Classrooms with Smart Board Technology, allowing children to practice real-life skills in realistic environments. Therapists at MTC use these rooms to simulate and practice skills, aiding desensitization, which further enhances the child’s ability to participate in daily life.
At MTC, parents are not merely participants but active collaborators and resources in their child’s therapeutic journey. Their unique insights, continuous involvement, and collaboration with professional therapists enrich the therapy process, making it more personalized, effective, and responsive.
Recognizing parents as essential resources aligns with MTCs holistic approach, emphasizing the child’s development and the entire family’s well-being. By fostering an environment where parents are educated, empowered, and actively involved, MTC ensures a comprehensive and synergistic approach to ABA Therapy that extends beyond the clinic’s walls, creating a supportive ecosystem for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
In this case study, we will explore the experiences of a child named Ethan, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with two different therapy settings: home-based ABA Therapy and ABA Therapy at Mobile Therapy Centers (MTC).
Ethan’s parents decided to start home-based ABA Therapy when he was four. A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) provided initial assessment and training to Ethan’s parents and conducted regular supervision and consultation.
Ethan’s parents decided to explore therapy options at MTC when he was three. MTC offered a blend of center-based therapy with home consultations.
The journey of Ethan and his family illustrates the unique benefits and challenges of both home-based ABA Therapy and center-based therapy at MTC. Home-based therapy offered personalized care and family integration but led to parental burnout and resource limitations. The MTC model addressed these issues by offering professional expertise, specialized environments, and parental support, although adaptation and accessibility might pose challenges for some families.
In Ethan’s case, a blended approach utilizing home-based and center-based therapy at MTC offers the most comprehensive support. This hybrid model leveraged the strengths of both settings, ultimately leading to Ethan’s continued development and success in acquiring vital life skills. It underscores the importance of individualized, flexible approaches in treating ASD and the value of organizations like MTC that offer multifaceted support tailored to each child’s unique needs.
The involvement of parents in home-based ABA Therapy is a vital and complex aspect of treating ASD. While the benefits of personal engagement, consistency, and a holistic approach are clear, the potential stress, burnout, and lack of expertise must be addressed. Professional ABA centers, such as MTC, provide:
With its innovative approach and comprehensive services, MTC represents a leading edge in ABA Therapy, emphasizing real-life skills and natural opportunities for children with ASD. By bringing the therapy to where the child is, MTC ensures a tailored approach that fits each child’s unique needs, bridging the gap between home-based and center-based care. If you live in the greater Chicagoland area, contact the caring professionals at MTC today by calling 800-977-9072 or emailing asktheteam@mtcus.com!
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Elaina is a part of our MTC Occupational Therapy Department and received an education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, McHenry County College, and Husson University. She has a strong passion for working with both animals and children. Elaina has always wanted to incorporate both of these passions into her career and is incredibly excited to bring Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) to Mobile Therapy Centers!
Rocky is an Australian Mountain Doodle who loves to learn, play, and meet new people. Rocky joined our MTC team when he was just 8 weeks old and has been training to support the clients of MTC from day one. His kind and loving nature makes him the perfect match for Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Rocky can not wait to meet all his new friends through the MTC AAT program!