Why it matters
Your child spends far more time at home than in therapy. When the adults around them use the same approach as the therapy team, your child gets to practise new skills all day, in the places they actually need them. That’s why parent involvement is part of every Oakridge program, and why some families book parent training on its own.
What we can help with
- Routines. Mornings, bedtime, mealtimes, getting dressed, getting out the door.
- Communication. Setting up moments for your child to ask for what they want, and answering in ways that build language.
- Challenging behaviour. Working out why it happens and what to teach instead.
- Toilet training and self-care. Step-by-step plans that fit your household.
- New places and changes. Visual schedules, warnings and coping plans for appointments, outings and school.
- The whole family. Strategies that work with siblings, grandparents and busy weeks.
How a session works
- Talk it through. Tell the RBA what’s going well, what’s hard and what you’d most like to change.
- Learn a strategy. The RBA explains one or two strategies in plain language, often showing you with your child.
- Practise with support. You try it while the RBA coaches you and answers questions.
- Try it at home, then review. Next time, you share what happened and adjust the plan together.
Parent training can be booked on its own or with 1:1 ABA therapy and social skills groups.
Questions about parent training
Do I need to have my child in ABA therapy to book parent training?
No. Parent training can be booked on its own. Many families also combine it with 1:1 ABA therapy so the strategies used in sessions carry over at home.
Who leads parent training sessions?
A Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA), the regulated professional who designs and supervises ABA programs in Ontario.
Can both parents or other caregivers attend?
Yes. We encourage everyone who looks after your child regularly, such as both parents, grandparents or a nanny, to take part so your child gets the same support from everyone.