Training the Parent Trainer: Training and Ethical Considerations
Carl Sundberg
Parent training is an essential component of providing ABA services for people who have autism. There are many challenges and barriers for the BCBA who is providing this training. In this presentation I will discuss several of those challenges. The first involves the implementation of effective training methods. Our goal should be to establish at least a resemblance of a behavioral repertoire that took us many years to establish. Along with the implementation of the training methods, it is paramount that the BCBA has an understanding of, and empathy regarding barriers that are in place for the parents while they are making their recommendations. It is important to consider the parents resources and conflicting obligations. The second challenge consists of ethical considerations that often arise, such as a disagreement over the course of the therapy, methods, school placement, use of unscientific methods etc. Or there may be situations arise where the technician feels uncomfortable in the home. They may witness a behavior from a parent that could meet criteria for calling child protective authorities. This presentation will provide the attendee with some tools needed to have the most successful parent training experience possible.
Presented at the 2022 Michigan Autism Conference
Carl Sundberg, Ph. D., BCBA-D, is the chief clinician and founder of the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism. He received his doctorate degree in ABA from Western Michigan University under the direction of Dr. Jack Michael. While a graduate student, he taught behavior analysis at WMU for seven years. Dr. Sundberg has publications in The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and A Collection of Reprints on Verbal Behavior. Dr. Sundberg has over 30 years of experience using behavioral interventions to teach individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. He oversees the training of all the staff at BACA and consistently spends time with the clients. Eighty percent of his time is spent contributing to the training of staff and addressing specific client programs.
