Should You Do ABA Therapy or Parent Training First?

Understanding the Two Paths: ABA Therapy and Parent Training

When your child receives an autism diagnosis or you start noticing developmental delays, you'll quickly hear about two powerful tools: applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and parent training. Both are evidence-based and can make a huge difference. But the big question many families face is: should we start with ABA therapy or parent training first?

Let's clarify what each one is before diving into the decision.

What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior. It's typically delivered one-on-one by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a registered behavior technician (RBT) under BCBA supervision. ABA focuses on building communication, social, daily living, and academic skills, while reducing challenging behaviors. Sessions often happen in a clinic, at home, or in school settings. It's intensive-commonly 10-25 hours per week, depending on need.

What Is Parent Training?

Parent training (sometimes called caregiver training or parent-mediated intervention) teaches you, the parent or caregiver, how to apply behavioral strategies in everyday routines. A BCBA coaches you on things like prompting, reinforcement, and managing difficult behaviors. The goal is to empower you with skills you can use all day long. Sessions are often weekly or biweekly and can last a few months. It's less intensive than ABA, but incredibly practical.

🔗 Related reading: ABA Therapy in Michigan: What to Expect & How to Start · Find ABA Near Me

Why the Order Matters

Your choice can affect your child's progress, your family's stress, and even how smoothly therapy goes. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each starting point.

Starting With Parent Training First

Benefits

• Immediate empowerment: You learn strategies right away to handle meltdowns, teach new skills, or improve communication at home.
• Reduced wait for help: If ABA therapy has long waitlists, parent training can start sooner-sometimes within weeks.
• Lower cost: Parent training sessions are usually shorter and may cost less out-of-pocket, especially if your insurance copay is low.
• Less overwhelming for your child: A slower start can be helpful if your child is very anxious or not ready for intensive therapy.
• Stronger parent-child relationship: You become the main agent of positive change, which can deepen trust and reduce conflict.

Potential Drawbacks

• Less intensive: If your child needs significant support in multiple areas, parent training alone may not be enough.
• You carry the burden: It puts a lot of responsibility on you, which can be draining if you're already stretched thin.
• May delay specialized therapy: Some children need the consistency and structure that only a trained therapist can provide.

Starting With ABA Therapy First

Benefits

• Expert-led intervention: A BCBA designs a data-driven plan, and trained therapists deliver consistent sessions.
• Faster progress for core deficits: Intensive therapy can quickly build communication, socialization, and self-help skills.
• Includes parent training anyway: Many ABA providers include regular parent coaching as part of the program-you get both.
• Better for severe challenges: If your child has dangerous behaviors (e.g., self-injury or aggression), ABA's structure is often critical.

Potential Drawbacks

• Waitlists: Demand for ABA is high, especially for in-network providers. You might wait months.
• Cost and insurance: Even with coverage, copays can add up. Without insurance, private pay is expensive.
• Less parent involvement initially: Some families feel left out until parent training kicks in later.

Key Factors That Should Guide Your Decision

Every family is unique. Here are the most important considerations.

Your Child's Age and Needs

For very young children (under three), early intervention services-often through state programs-may emphasize parent training. As children get older, ABA becomes more common. Also, consider your child's current skill level. If they have no functional communication, ABA might be urgent. If they only need help with daily routines, parent training could suffice.

Your Family's Availability and Stress Level

Parent training works best if you have time to practice and energy to follow through. If you're overwhelmed with work, other kids, or personal challenges, ABA can relieve some pressure. Conversely, if you're eager and ready to learn, parent training can be a great fit.

Insurance and Funding

Most insurance plans-including Medicaid in many states-cover both ABA therapy and parent training if they are deemed medically necessary. But coverage rules vary. Some plans require a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) before covering ABA. Parent training may be covered even without a formal diagnosis, especially through early intervention. Check your benefits and talk to a BCBA to understand your options.

Access to Providers

In some areas, ABA clinics are abundant. In others, there are long waitlists. If you can't find an ABA provider soon, parent training can fill the gap. Our free matching service, ABA For My Child, can help you find vetted BCBA-led providers near you, making the search easier.

🔗 Related reading: ABA Therapy Cost in NC: A Complete Guide · Nearby ABA Therapy

The Best of Both Worlds: Doing Both Together

It's not an either-or choice. Many experts recommend a combined approach: start parent training while you're on a waitlist for ABA, and then continue parent training alongside the therapy. This model maximizes your child's progress because you reinforce what the therapist teaches, and vice versa.

What a Combined Program Looks Like

• Your child receives 10-15 hours of ABA per week from a BCBA and RBTs.
• You attend weekly parent training sessions (often 1-2 hours) to learn how to support those skills at home.
• Your BCBA shares data and progress updates regularly, so you feel informed and involved.

This blend is increasingly common, and many providers build it into their standard plan. If this interests you, mention it when you contact potential providers.

Common Mistakes Families Make

Avoid these pitfalls when deciding.

Mistake 1: Doing Nothing While Waiting

It's easy to put everything on hold until ABA starts. But months can pass. Use that time for parent training or self-education.

Mistake 2: Picking Based on Cost Alone

While budget matters, cheapest isn't always best. Quality and fit matter more. Free services like ours can help compare options.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Your Own Well-Being

If parent training adds too much stress, it can backfire. Be honest about your bandwidth. ABA can give you breathing room.

How to Get Started Today

Ready to move forward? Here's a simple plan.

Step 1: Talk to Your Pediatrician or Early Intervention Team

Ask for a referral for both ABA and parent training. They can often recommend local providers.

Step 2: Check Your Insurance Benefits

Call your insurance company to confirm what's covered. Ask about copays, deductibles, and whether a prior authorization is needed.

Step 3: Use a Free Matching Service

Visit ABA For My Child to fill out a short form. We'll match you with vetted BCBA-led providers in your area-often within 48 hours. This saves you hours of phone calls and ensures you're connecting with qualified professionals who accept your insurance.

Step 4: Ask Providers About Blended Models

When you interview potential providers, ask if they offer parent training as part of their ABA program. Many do, and it's a sign of comprehensive care.

Remember, there's no wrong first step if it moves you forward. Whether you choose parent training, ABA therapy, or both, you're taking a proactive role in your child's development. And that's the most important thing you can do.