Key Points:
- A strong partnership between families and ABA teams boosts therapy outcomes and builds trust.
- Communication, consistency, and shared goals are key pillars of a productive working relationship.
- Providers offering ABA therapy in Utah, like Acclimate ABA, prioritize parent involvement and collaboration in every stage of care.
Starting ABA therapy can be an emotional, hopeful, and sometimes overwhelming experience. As a parent or caregiver, you want what’s best for your child—and that means working closely with the professionals supporting their progress.
In Utah, ABA therapy providers like Acclimate ABA emphasize more than just data collection and behavior plans. We focus on building a collaborative relationship with families. Because the truth is, when everyone on the team is on the same page—parents, therapists, and BCBAs—children thrive.
In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how to strengthen that connection. Whether you’re just starting services or have been working with a team for a while, these strategies will help you build a supportive, respectful, and goal-driven relationship with your ABA team.
Why the Parent-Therapist Relationship Matters
It’s easy to assume that the therapist is doing the “work” and the parent is observing or supporting from the sidelines. But in reality, ABA therapy works best when parents are involved in the process—not just informed.
Here’s why that relationship matters so much:
- Therapists only see a slice of the child’s day. Parents know the child best and provide critical context.
- Generalization happens at home. Skills learned during therapy sessions need to carry over to real-life situations.
- Consistency improves behavior change. If everyone’s using the same approach, progress is faster and more stable.
- Trust builds transparency. When parents and therapists trust each other, honest feedback flows both ways.
A strong relationship with your ABA team isn’t just a bonus—it’s one of the most important parts of successful therapy.
1. Communicate Early and Often
Open communication is the foundation of every effective relationship, and ABA therapy is no exception. Don’t wait until something feels “off” to speak up.
Here are a few key ways to strengthen communication from the start:
– Ask Questions
Whether you’re wondering about data collection, teaching strategies, or what a certain acronym means, ask. A good team wants you to understand the process.
– Share Family Insights
You see your child outside of session—in their most relaxed, playful, or frustrated states. Share those observations with your BCBA or RBT. It helps shape more accurate goals and strategies.
– Be Honest About What’s Working (and What’s Not)
If a certain approach feels uncomfortable or isn’t translating at home, say so. You’re not “being difficult”—you’re helping create a plan that fits your child’s real life.
– Attend Meetings or Check-Ins
Whether it’s a formal parent training or a weekly recap, being present (in person or virtually) keeps you informed and builds rapport with your team.
At Acclimate ABA, we make it a point to schedule regular check-ins so that parents never feel left out of the loop. We see you as a critical part of the team, not just an observer.
2. Align on Goals—And Revisit Them Often
Therapy goals are the compass that guide every session. But for those goals to matter, they need to reflect what you want to see in your child’s life.
Before setting goals, think about:
- What daily routines are the most challenging?
- What skills would make your child more independent or confident?
- What behaviors cause stress or safety concerns?
Bring those answers to your planning meetings.
The best ABA programs are family-centered, meaning your priorities shape the treatment plan—not just clinical checklists. And those goals shouldn’t stay static. As your child grows, the team should revisit and adjust them regularly.
3. Create Consistency Between Sessions and Home Life
A child learns best when the environment supports their goals across settings. If your ABA team is teaching your child how to request help, that same approach should be encouraged at home, too.
Here are practical ways to build that consistency:
1. Use the Same Language and Prompts
If your child is learning to say “help, please” during therapy, use that phrase during meals, chores, and playtime.
2. Follow Through with Behavior Plans
If your team has developed a plan for how to respond to certain behaviors (like ignoring tantrums for attention-seeking), try your best to follow it outside of sessions.
3. Let Your Team Know About Home Routines
Are mornings hectic? Does bath time always end in tears? Sharing those details helps your team offer realistic suggestions that align with your family rhythm.
Consistency doesn’t mean perfection—it means working together toward the same behavioral goals, day after day.
4. Be an Active Participant in Your Child’s Progress
It’s easy to feel like therapy is something that “happens” to your child while you watch from the background. But your input is valuable—and even necessary—for real progress.
Here’s how you can stay engaged and informed:
- Ask for visuals or data summaries if charts or graphs feel confusing.
- Join a session occasionally to observe how your child is being taught certain skills.
- Practice with your child in real-world situations, like during errands or meal prep.
- Celebrate wins, big and small. Your excitement can be a powerful motivator for your child—and a morale boost for the team.
At Acclimate ABA, we always welcome parent participation. When you’re involved, we get a clearer picture of what matters to your family and how to tailor therapy to support that.
5. Understand Each Team Member’s Role
Your ABA team likely includes several people, each with different responsibilities. Knowing who does what can help you know where to direct your questions and how to collaborate more effectively.
Key ABA Team Roles:
1. BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
They’re the lead clinician. The BCBA creates the treatment plan, analyzes data, sets goals, and supervises the therapy team. They meet with you to review progress and make big-picture decisions.
2. RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)
They’re the ones providing most of the day-to-day therapy. RBTs work 1:1 with your child, implementing the plan under the BCBA’s guidance.
3. You (Parent/Caregiver)
You bring critical insight, advocate for your child’s needs, and help apply learned skills in everyday life.
When everyone knows their role and respects the others’ expertise, the therapy process runs much smoother—and outcomes improve.
6. Handle Disagreements Respectfully and Productively
It’s completely normal to disagree with parts of your child’s therapy at times. Maybe you feel a goal is unrealistic, or you want to try a different strategy.
Here’s how to navigate disagreements without damaging the team dynamic:
- Express your concerns calmly and clearly. Use examples or explain why something feels off.
- Ask to review the data. Objective information can help everyone understand what’s happening.
- Collaborate on solutions. Ask: “Is there a way to try this differently?” or “Can we adjust the goal to better reflect our home setup?”
A good ABA provider will listen, adjust, and value your voice—not push back or dismiss your concerns.
7. Make Room for Flexibility
Your child may have a tough week. Your schedule might get chaotic. Your child’s therapist might change due to staffing shifts.
These things happen, and while change can be frustrating, flexibility can help the relationship stay strong through it.
Try to:
- Be transparent about scheduling conflicts or unexpected events.
- Give new therapists a chance to build rapport before jumping to conclusions.
- Trust that adjustments are part of the process—not a sign of failure.
At Acclimate ABA, we work hard to keep transitions smooth and keep communication flowing when changes come up. Because we know that consistent care only works when families feel supported, not surprised.
Building Strong Foundations Takes Time
Relationships take time to grow. You don’t need to get it all right on day one. The important part is showing up with openness, curiosity, and the willingness to work together.
When you invest in your relationship with your ABA team, you’re doing more than just “helping therapy go well.” You’re becoming an advocate, collaborator, and active player in your child’s success.
It’s not always easy—but it’s absolutely worth it.
If you’re navigating ABA therapy in Utah and want a team that values communication, transparency, and shared goals, we’re here for you.
Get in touch today to learn how we at Acclimate ABA build strong, supportive partnerships with families across Utah—one step, and one success, at a time.
