Scenario

I am a parent of a teenager receiving ABA services. We have been in the system (in many different capacities) for 13 years. My son has been receiving ABA interventions for about 6 months. I have already noticed positive changes in my son. However, I have concerns regarding the parent training I am receiving. The BCBA is extremely knowledgeable and teaches me through a behavior skills model – this is great because she shows me what to do and really walks me through the stages. As far as programs, I understand what to do and I am able to implement these techniques with my son. I just feel like the parent training is rigid and very much in a silo. I feel like it’s almost robotic at times and we don’t get to discuss the tougher things that surface (i.e. long-term planning, how this has affected the family – especially siblings etc.). How should I approach this with the BCBA? Ethically, is the BCBA just required to teach me the individual programming? 

Response

• Did the family have the ability to provide input ahead of time? 
• Suggest the BCBA research a less restrictive procedure that the family may be able to implement at this time 4.09- least restrictive procedures 
• Parents are not generally motivated by research, BCBA should take a step back and do more values-based intervention talk and discussion that lead to the “why” behind the implementation of the procedure 
• BCBA is still responsible for providing transition of services if they feel they are not able to provide services: code 2.15 
• BCBA should reach out to supervisor for additional support and/or strategies