Resources to Equip & Empower Parents & Caregivers of Children with Autism

Acceptance and Commitment Training enriches ABA therapy by addressing internal experiences and fostering resilience and flexibility. By incorporating ACT principles into practice, ABA professionals provide more holistic support, empowering clients to lead fulfilling, values-driven lives.

Integrating relational frame training into ABA programs doesn’t replace foundational skills—it builds upon them. It ensures that learners are not just following instructions but understanding relationships, solving problems, and connecting with others in meaningful ways...This approach not only enhances clinical outcomes but also aligns with the broader mission of behavior analysis: to improve the quality of life for those we serve.

So, what does a BCBA do in ABA? They assess, plan, teach, supervise, support, and care. They bring knowledge, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping children grow. They are an essential part of your ABA team and a trusted partner in your child’s success. At Daytastic ABA, our BCBAs are passionate about helping children reach their full potential. We are honored to work alongside families and to be part of each child’s journey.

At Daytastic ABA, meeting a child at their level means more than adjusting instruction. It means taking time to understand how your child learns, how they communicate, what they enjoy, and what they find challenging. It means seeing your child not only through the lens of data or skill acquisition but as a whole person. A person who deserves to be understood, respected, and supported with compassion.

BCaBAs build relationships. They get to know your child’s quirks, preferences, and progress. They notice that your son lights up when dinosaurs are involved, or that your daughter calms down when you let her hold the plan book. They help your child’s goals feel personal and connected, never just checkboxes.

When your child begins ABA therapy, one of the most common questions parents ask is: How will I know if it’s working? It’s a great question — and an important one. ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is all about meaningful progress. From the first word spoken to the first independent shoe-tying, each success builds upon the last. But how do we track that growth? How do we know your child is learning, developing, and moving toward greater independence?This blog will walk you through how your child’s progress is monitored in ABA — from those first assessments to goal updates, data collection, and everything in between. Think of this post as a behind-the-scenes look at how we move from milestones to mastery — and how families like yours are a crucial part of that journey.

The ABA assessment is the starting point of your child’s therapy journey. While it may seem overwhelming at first, it’s really about building a bridge between your child’s current abilities and the bright future you envision for them. With care, playfulness, and science on your side, you’re setting the stage for progress that matters. Most importantly, know this: You are a vital part of the team. Your love, your insight, and your involvement will shape every step forward.

The Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence model is a practical and effective way for families to understand and support their child’s behavior. By identifying what triggers behaviors and what consequences maintain them, caregivers can create thoughtful interventions that promote learning, communication, and independence. For families of children with ASD, using the ABC model can make daily routines smoother, reduce stress, and foster meaningful growth.Parent training is a major component of many ABA programs, and learning how to use ABCs is often one of the first steps. While families can do a lot on their own, working with a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) can help fine-tune the process. A professional can assist with collecting and interpreting ABC data, conducting a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), and designing a personalized Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

Treatment integrity is the bridge between a well-designed behavior plan and meaningful, lasting results. It ensures that interventions are implemented as intended, leading to better outcomes, ethical practice, and reliable data. For families of children with ASD, understanding and monitoring treatment integrity can feel empowering. It shifts the focus from “Is this working?” to “Are we doing it the way it was designed?” This insight leads to more effective problem-solving and faster progress. • The impact of low treatment fidelity on client progress • Strategies like performance feedback, staff training, and integrity checklists • Alignment with the BACB 6th Edition Task List and ethical guidelines • The role of treatment integrity in data-based decision making

Token economies have been successfully used in classroom management, therapeutic settings, and even corporate environments to improve productivity and adherence to behavioral expectations. Token economies are a valuable tool in ABA that facilitate behavior change, motivation, and self-regulation. When implemented effectively, they promote skill acquisition, increase engagement, and support long-term behavior maintenance. By carefully selecting target behaviors, reinforcing appropriately, and avoiding common pitfalls, practitioners can maximize the benefits of token economies and foster meaningful behavior change in individuals they support.

For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), motivation plays a crucial role in learning new skills and engaging in positive behaviors. A preference assessment is a structured way to identify which items, activities, or stimuli are most preferred by a child, which can then be used to encourage participation, engagement, and skill acquisition. Since every child is unique, it is essential to determine what they find enjoyable and reinforcing. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), preference assessments are used to guide the selection of reinforcers.