Training Parents of Autistic Children

1 Applying Research The article titled ‘One-size does not fit all: Let’s talk about parent training’ provides crucial information on the role of parent training in enhancing the development of autistic children. Parents are the primary caregivers of autistic children, and are the ones who are left to carry on care and training in the absence of teachers and ABA practitioners. It is therefore crucial for them to possess the knowledge and skills that are necessary to facilitate the proper ASD management.

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2 Raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a very challenging experience for parents, and more so when they lack the knowledge and skills required. Parent training is beneficial to both the parent and the child, because it equips the parent with the ability to apply methods and strategies that promote the improvement of the condition (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2014). Parent training has over time proven to be highly effective in reducing the stress and family burden that comes with the behavioral and emotional challenges of ASD. Autistic children are often considered difficult to deal with due to the behavioral problems they exhibit such as throwing tantrums frequently, aggression, injuring themselves, disobedience, hyperactivity and poor sleeping patterns. Parent training therefore acts as an intervention method The article correctly describes parents as key change agents in an autistic child’s life.

Their involvement in learning more about managing the disorder will play a significant role in improving the child’s quality of life (Bortfield, 2020). Studies prove that parent training when combined with medication reduces challenging behaviors significantly, compared to drug treatment alone.

These study shows that parent training is an essential component of treatment for children with ASD. It also shows that parents can learn to reinforce positive changes in their child and are instrumental in delivering the intended outcomes. According to the article, parenting classes help parents learn to cope with the often highly challenging situation of parenting an ASD child.

Some of the lessons proposed in the article are how to reduce behavioral problems, learning to bond with the child, how to provide the child with the right diet, creating sustainable routines and increasing coping skills for both parent and child. It lists the places a parent or caregiver can find parenting classes and how much they are likely to cost. Caring for children with autism can be

3 very expensive, and it also provides the sources of funding and other financial support. It is a comprehensive article that realizes that parents of children with ASD require educational, emotional, and financial support, among others, to adequately deal with the challenges of living with an autistic child.

Caring for an autistic child is a full-time job that can be very challenging depending on the severity of the condition. Many parents need support around the clock as they learn to manage their child’s condition (Luiselli, 2017). As an ABA practitioner, I would set up my practice such that they are an integral part of the training, and they are imparted with as much knowledge as possible. I would particularly train them on the benefits of intensive early intervention in helping the child live as much of a normal life as possible.

Conclusion Parents stand to benefit significantly from receiving training on how to manage autism.

Studies show that there are short and long term improvements that accrue from the active participation of parents in their child’s learning.

References Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2014). Professional And Ethical Compliance Code For Behavior Analysts. Author Bortfield, H. (2020). One-Size Does Not Fit All: Let’S Talk About Parent Training - The Autism Community In Action (TACA). [online] The Autism Community in Action (TACA).

Available at: <https://tacanow.org/family-resources/parent-training/> [Accessed 9 January 2021].

4 Luiselli, J.K. (2017). Applied behavior analysis: Advanced guidebook a manual for professional practice. Academic Press.