Building Block Resolutions: Feedback for your therapist

Many parents are happy with the assistance that getting ABA therapy provides. Truthfully any parent can administer ABA therapy. The problem is, most parents are too emotionally attached to their child and find it difficult to always stick to the objective (and sometimes unnatural) techniques of ABA therapy. This is where the therapist can come in handy because a great therapist has been trained in recognizing and responding to behaviors targeted in the behavior plan.

Occasionally, there are times when the parent notices something about the therapist that they would like to give feedback on. Sometimes it’s small, like taking their shoes off in the child’s playroom – too big, like not giving candy as a reinforcer. In these times, parents should be mindful of how and when to give feedback. The child’s ABA team should work collaboratively to ensure that everything is set for the optimal learning environment for positive behavioral change. Giving feedback in the right way will ensure that you get what you want without jeopardizing the relationship.

Maintaining the relationship between parent and therapist is imperative for the success of ABA therapy. Although the large majority of therapists love what they do, coming to a home they feel is overly critical can make them find excuses to avoid the home with excessive cancellations and eventual separation. When giving feedback it should go to the supervisor and NOT the therapist. I can’t stress this enough, direct corrective feedback from the parent to the therapist is not advised. It’s perfectly okay to tell the therapist you think he or she is doing a good job though. However corrective feedback is best given by the supervisor.

A good supervisor should have a trusting relationship with the therapist. A good supervisor acts as a mentor, confidant, trainer, and sounding board. When the feedback comes from the supervisor, the therapist knows it’s for his or her growth. When the feedback comes from the parent, it may seem like an insult to their skills. Although it may be tempting to simply tell the therapist something you want them to change, it’s best to discuss with your parent coach or supervisor first. Of course, a good supervisor will be able to give the feedback in a way that disguises the fact that it might have been a complaint. Make sure you have a good supervisor first!

At the end of the day, these things may seem like a lot to do, but when there are too many unplanned team member changes on your child’s ABA team, the person who suffers the most is the child.