When it comes to Applied Behavior Analysis, we spend a lot of time talking about data, program goals, and outcomes for kids. But what about the parents? If you’ve ever sat in on a session and wondered how to better support caregivers—or felt like you were missing a piece of the puzzle—this latest podcast episode is for you.

I recently sat down with Valencia Harper from Apollo Behavior to dig into her thoughtful approach to working with families. Long-time listeners might remember Valencia from our Apollo Case Study Series, but this time, we shifted gears to focus on caregiver collaboration. And let me tell you, she delivered some real gems.

Valencia’s Journey: From Smoothie Spills to Strategy

Valencia shared a story about a (literally) messy first day on the job that set her on a path toward becoming a confident, effective BCBA. Through years of experience, she’s developed a toolkit for meeting parents with empathy, clarity, and respect. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to connect with caregivers, her advice is spot on.

What Parents Really Need from ABA Providers

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

• Listening Builds Rapport: Take the time to hear parents out before jumping to solutions. It builds trust and sets the tone for real collaboration.
• BCBAs Don’t Have to Know Everything: Being transparent about what you don’t know—while showing a willingness to learn—can actually strengthen relationships.
• Prioritize Parental Concerns: If bedtime battles or sibling spats are top of mind, meet families where they are. It leads to more engagement and quicker progress.
• Clarify ABA Jargon: Breaking down technical terms into plain language empowers parents and reduces frustration.
• Combat Learned Helplessness: Gently challenge the mindset of defeat by offering small, achievable strategies that rebuild confidence.
• Teach How to Set Limits: Coaching parents on setting clear, developmentally appropriate limits is just as important as behavior plans.
• Responding to "We’ve Already Tried That": Instead of getting frustrated, validate their experience and reintroduce strategies with better context or support.
• Inside Apollo’s Approach: Valencia gave us a peek at how Apollo Behavior structures its caregiver support, making parent collaboration a core part of service delivery.

Resources from the Episode

If you want to dive deeper, check out these resources mentioned in the show:

• Apollo Behavior
• Valencia Harper on LinkedIn
• Tiny Humans, Big Emotions
• Managing Meltdowns and Tantrums on the Autism Spectrum
• Clinical Interviewing, 7th Edition
• AIM: Accept, Identify, Move

This Podcast is Brought to You By:

• Frontera: Take a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI can help you serve clients and save you time. Your first assessment report is free, and with code BOP25, you get five more for just $100.
• CEUs from Behavioral Observations: Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you’re on the go. New events are always being added—see what’s available in the CEU store.
• The Behavioral Toolbox: Explore our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including the newest on Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In.

So if you want to hear Valencia’s full story and get practical tips for supporting caregivers, listen to the episode now. And if you’re looking to load up on CEUs, don’t forget to check out all the latest offerings in the CEU store.

Thanks! Matt

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