Advocating For ABA Support In Your Child’s Classroom

As a parent or caregiver, you know and understand your child better than anyone. Not only do you have a front row seat to their strengths, struggles and progress, you have the advantage of altering your life to accommodate those needs. When it comes to sending your child to school, it can feel overwhelming to make sure that they are getting the support they need in the classroom as well, especially if that support includes ABA strategies.

While discussing your child’s situation can be nerve-wracking, it’s important to advocate for your child’s needs. It’s not just about asking for services, it’s about building a bridge between home, ABA Therapy and school so things stay as consistent as possible, helping your child thrive within every environment. 

Remember You’re On The Same Team

Instead of starting the school year on the defense, go into it understanding that you and your child’s teacher are on the same team. Both parties want the best for your child, so when you approach the teacher, treat it as a collaboration instead of confrontation. Share what has been working in therapy and at home, offering specific examples of what strategies help your child when it comes to focus, transitions and communication. Make it clear you want to work together to adapt as many strategies as possible into the classroom setting. 

Know Your Child’s Rights 

School doesn’t have to be a “one-size-fits-all” system for learning. Empower yourself by understanding what rights your child is entitled to within the classroom. This may look like an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a 504 plan, both detailed plans for students who qualify that outline their learning goals, services received and how progress is measured. ABA-based supports can be included within their plans, and should be done clearly and with specifics. If your child already has a plan in place, be sure to review it carefully to make sure you’re clear on what is already included, what is missing that could be helpful, and that the requests align with educational and overall goals for your child. If you need help with phrasing or specific ideas of what to include, your ABA team can help you with that. 

If your child does not already have an IEP or a 504 plan, you can start the process of requesting one by submitting a written request to the school’s administration, which will head to an eligibility evaluation. Be very specific within your request and your child’s challenges so there’s no question on why support is being requested. 

Stick To Data

Of course you feel very strongly about your child’s needs, and that passion is important when it comes to advocating for them. However, schools often respond best to hard data. Your ABA therapist can provide documentation that shows measurable progress when certain strategies are in place, highlighting the struggles that may take place without them. Concrete evidence will make for a stronger case for a plan that allows implementation of these strategies into the classroom. 

Stay Consistent 

Communication with regular check-ins are vital to making sure things are going smoothly and working for everyone. Stay in consistent contact with your child’s teacher to see what is working well, what needs adjusted and what progress is looking like. 

Lean On Your Professional Team

These conversations can be hard to navigate, but you don’t have to do it completely on your own. Many ABA therapists - including those at Bloom Behavioral Healthcare - are happy to attend IEP meetings, have conversations with your child’s teacher and provide insight that help everyone feel confident with the plan. Having a professional by your side to explain the reasoning behind certain methods and strategies can go a long way toward validating the decision to provide additional supports. 

Your child’s success relies heavily on teamwork, and a stronger connection being built between all the places they spend their time - usually, home, therapy and school. If you need help preparing for the school year, we’re happy to be a part of the conversation. Contact Bloom today to find out how we can help!