Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a well-established approach for supporting individuals with various developmental needs, especially those on the autism spectrum. Abby Niemeier, MA, BCBA, LBA, has made significant strides in this field by founding a consulting company (Tag Along Behavior Consulting) dedicated to providing tailored ABA services to families.
In Blossom Together’s latest podcast episode, our hosts discuss with Abby her journey, the importance of parent training, and practical strategies to ensure the effectiveness of ABA therapy. Here, we explore the key takeaways from her insights.
The Foundation of Abby’s Consulting Company
Abby’s consulting company was established with the goal of addressing the diverse needs of families seeking ABA services. Understanding that each family’s situation is unique, she designed her company to offer customized support. This flexibility enables her to deliver targeted interventions that significantly impact her clients’ lives. Inspired by an occupational therapist who provided tailored treatment for her daughter, Abby decided to create her own personalized consulting company.
A year ago, my daughter, then 18 months old, swallowed three rocks, leading to a terrifying hospital visit. This incident made me realize the need for personalized, flexible care. We found an occupational therapist who provided one-on-one sessions tailored to our schedule, which brought peace of mind as my daughter improved. Inspired by this experience, I started my business to offer families the same individualized care that helped us so much. This venture is dedicated to providing support to families in need of accessible and flexible services.
Abby Niemeier, MA, BCBA, LBA
The Crucial Role of Parent Training in ABA Therapy
One of the core components Abby emphasizes is the importance of parent training in ABA therapy. While professional interventions are vital, the involvement of parents can greatly enhance the outcomes of the therapy. Abby highlights that empowering parents with the right tools and knowledge enables them to reinforce positive behaviors and support their children effectively.
Differentiating Parent Education from Parent Training
A significant point Abby makes is the distinction between parent education and parent training. Parent education involves providing information and knowledge about ABA principles and strategies. In contrast, parent training is a more hands-on approach, where parents are actively taught how to implement these strategies in real-life situations. This differentiation is crucial, as practical application often requires more than just theoretical understanding.
Realistic Strategies for Parents/Caregivers
Abby stresses the importance of realistic strategies that parents can easily incorporate into their daily routines. She believes that overly complex or rigid methods can be counterproductive, leading to frustration and inconsistent application. Instead, Abby advocates for simple, adaptable strategies that fit seamlessly into the family’s lifestyle. Listed below are a few strategies Abby highlights on the podcast episode ‘Building Trust: How BCBAs Can Best Support Caregivers‘, and gives a few examples of each.
Playing as a Strategy
One of the effective strategies Abby recommends is incorporating play into therapy. Play is a natural and enjoyable activity for children, and it can be an excellent medium for teaching various skills. Through play, children can learn communication, social interactions, and problem-solving in a fun and engaging way.
Offering Choices
Giving children choices is another strategy Abby endorses. This approach helps children feel a sense of control and autonomy, which can reduce resistance and encourage cooperation. By allowing children to make choices, parents can guide them towards desired behaviors while respecting their preferences and individuality.
Flexible Responding
Flexible responding is a key aspect of effective parent training. Abby teaches parents to adapt their responses based on the child’s behavior and the context. This flexibility ensures that interventions are responsive to the child’s needs and can be adjusted as necessary to maintain progress.
Modeling Communication
Modeling is a powerful tool in ABA therapy. Abby advises parents to model appropriate communication behaviors consistently. By demonstrating desired behaviors, parents provide a clear example for their children to follow. This method is particularly effective in teaching language and social skills.
The Impact of Abby’s Consulting Company
Abby’s consulting company has had a profound impact on many families. By focusing on individualized support and practical strategies, she has helped parents become more confident and competent in supporting their children. Her approach not only addresses the immediate needs of the child but also fosters a positive and supportive family environment.
Where to Obtain CEUs as a BCBA
Abby’s dedication to making ABA therapy accessible and effective for diverse families is truly commendable. Also, Tag Along Behavior Consulting is an Authorized Continuous Education Provider, meaning they meet the education and experience requirements of teaching other’s the application of Behavior Analysis. If you are a BCBA looking for free CEUS feel free to visit our Free CEUs page to obtain.
Conclusion
Abby’s journey in founding a consulting company to provide ABA services emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions and parent involvement in therapy. By differentiating between parent education and parent training, and emphasizing realistic strategies, Abby empowers parents to effectively support their children’s development. Her insights and practical advice serve as a valuable resource for families seeking to navigate the intricacies of ABA therapy.