Family Guidance: Support & Strategies for Parents
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping their children reach meaningful outcomes in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. At Action Behavior Centers (ABC), every child’s care plan includes regular Family Guidance sessions led by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). These sessions give parents practical tools and strategies to help their child learn and grow during therapy and in everyday life.
The staff here is on point! I would highly recommend registering in this ABA program. Our son is 4 years old and has shown major improvement since he’s been enrolled (1.5 months). Never have had a bad experience, all of the therapists here are very good with all children from what I’ve witnessed. The director always greets us at the door at drop off and pick up with a very positive attitude. We have really enjoyed the warmth from this center! Our child has progressed very well in the little time that he has attended. Would rate 10 stars if possible! If you’re looking for a kind and compassionate environment for your children, would definitely consider ABC.
Very happy with ABC and all the therapists. They are all so sweet and nice, always willing to help in any way they can. My son loves going to "school" everyday and loves his therapists so much. I always leave with a peace of mind knowing they are taking good care of him and as a parent, that is the most important thing. We are so lucky to be part of the ABC family. I cannot recommend this place enough, absolutely happy with everyone here.
What is Family Guidance?
What is Family Guidance?
Family Guidance is an important part of ABA therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s a regular time for families to meet with their child’s BCBA to discuss their child's progress in therapy and learn how to apply ABA strategies in daily life. Family Guidance is a big part of what makes ABA therapy successful. It gives families the tools to support their child, handle tough moments, and build a strong, positive relationship.
Who leads Family Guidance at ABC?
Your child’s BCBA leads Family Guidance sessions at ABC. BCBAs are highly trained clinicians who get to know your child and family, then work closely with you to make sure the strategies you’re learning are personalized, practical, and effective. These sessions are not one-size-fits-all—they’re tailored to your family’s needs, and they grow with you over time.
Family Guidance can happen in a variety of ways:
- In-person sessions at your ABC center
- Home visits (when appropriate)
- Virtual sessions via telehealth (in certain cases)
Most families meet with their BCBA for at least two hours of Family Guidance each month. These sessions include hands-on coaching, discussion, role-playing, video examples, and real-time feedback. Your BCBA may also review graphs and progress data with you to help track your child’s growth.
At ABC, our BCBAs show what compassionate care really means. Our goal is for every parent to feel supported, confident, and ready to help their child reach milestone moments.
ABA Family Guidance goals: What we’ll work on together
Family Guidance is a collaborative part of your child’s therapy journey at ABC. These sessions give you and your BCBA the chance to work together on meaningful goals that support your child’s progress both in and outside of the center.
No two families are the same, so each Family Guidance plan is personalized. Your BCBA will help you identify what matters most to you right now, whether that’s building communication skills, reducing target behaviors, or creating smoother daily routines. Together, you’ll set goals that fit your lifestyle and help your child reach important milestones at home, school, and in the community.
Some common areas we may focus on include:
Understanding behavior
Learn why certain behaviors happen, what they might be communicating, and how to respond in ways that promote safety and connection.
Communication skills
Help your child express their wants and needs using speech, gestures, pictures, or devices.
Daily routines
Teach everyday tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, or using the bathroom in simple, manageable steps.
Positive reinforcement
Discover how to encourage helpful behaviors using meaningful rewards and motivation strategies.
Social skills
Support turn-taking, sharing, and interacting with siblings, peers, and adults.
Emotion regulation
Learn how to support your child during big feelings like frustration, anxiety, or anger.
Sensory sensitivities
Get tips for helping your child feel more comfortable with sound, light, texture, or other sensory input.
Transitions and travel
Make daily changes or special events, like going to a new school or taking a trip, less stressful.
Behavior support
Practice safe, proactive ways to respond to behaviors like aggression or self-injury.
Using skills in real life
Help your child apply what they’re learning at the center in real-world settings like home, stores, or playgrounds.
How does ABA Family Guidance help with parent stress?
Parenting a child with autism can be emotionally taxing, and it’s common to feel overwhelmed. Parents may feel trapped, unable to enjoy time with family or friends, and uncertain about how to handle certain situations with their child. ABA Family Guidance is designed to reduce this stress and provide the support families need to thrive.
Parents of children with autism often face unique stressors, such as:
- Managing behavioral concerns like meltdowns or aggression
- The demands of 24-hour care
- Navigating a large network of professionals
- Financial and emotional stress
- Adjusting to a different parenting path than the one they imagined
Here’s how we help:
- We keep Family Guidance concise and manageable so families don’t feel overloaded with information.
- We emphasize the importance of taking breaks, asking for help, and practicing self-care so parents can stay balanced.
- Families always have a team to lean on, including their BCBA, their child’s therapy team, and the broader ABC support network.
At Action Behavior Centers, the Action Institute for Outcomes Research (AIoR) supports our mission of advancing behavioral early intervention through cutting-edge treatment outcome research. To see how our families are doing, we ask parents to fill out a survey about their stress levels when they start therapy, and again every six months.
In our latest study from October 2024, we looked at responses from 298 families whose children received early intervention services for autism at Action Behavior Centers. At intake, the average family’s stress level was higher than families of neurotypical children (57th percentile). After one year, that number decreased to the 53rd percentile. About 12% of families reported very high stress at the start (93rd percentile on average). These families showed the largest decrease in stress, dropping to the 80th percentile by six months and maintaining that lower level after one year. This means that our families feel less stress after being part of Action Behavior Centers!
Ready to take the first step?
At Action Behavior Centers, we are dedicated to supporting your family every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about our ABA therapy services.
ABA Family Guidance FAQs
What is ABA Family Guidance?
ABA Family Guidance teaches parents and caregivers of children with autism how to use applied behavior analysis techniques at home to support their child in therapy and daily life.
How often do parents attend Family Guidance sessions?
Family Guidance frequency varies depending on your child’s needs and family schedule, but typically includes twice-a-month sessions during a child’s time in ABA therapy.
Is Family Guidance required for ABA therapy?
Family Guidance is a critically important component of a child’s ABA therapy plan and is essential for your child to have meaningful outcomes.
Can other caregivers participate in Family Guidance?
Yes! Grandparents, siblings, and anyone involved in your child’s daily care can benefit from Family Guidance at ABC.
Does insurance cover ABA Family Guidance?
Yes, most major insurance plans cover ABA therapy, which includes Family Guidance as part of the overall autism treatment plan. At Action Behavior Centers, our insurance team will verify your benefits and coordinate coverage on your behalf. Learn more about insurance coverage & financial assistance.
