Parent Support Groups in ABA Therapy: Their Role, Impact, and Benefits for Families

Parenting a child with autism is a journey filled with love, challenges, and countless learning moments. While every child is unique, many parents often find themselves overwhelmed navigating therapy schedules, school meetings, daily routines, and emotional ups and downs. This can sometimes lead to stress, feelings of isolation, and uncertainty about the best ways to support their child’s progress.

This is where parent support groups in ABA therapy play a transformative role. These groups bring parents together, offering a safe space to share experiences, learn from one another, and gain guidance from professionals. Beyond emotional encouragement, support groups connect families with valuable tools and strategies that directly enhance a child’s growth through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.

In this blog, we’ll explore the role, impact, and benefits of parent support groups in ABA therapy. You’ll discover how they strengthen family resilience, foster collaboration with therapists, and empower parents to become active partners in their child’s success.

What Are Parent Support Groups in ABA Therapy?

Parent support groups in ABA therapy are organized communities where families raising children with autism come together to share experiences, exchange resources, and build emotional strength. These groups are designed to provide guidance, comfort, and a sense of belonging for parents who often feel alone in their journey. By connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of autism, parents gain practical advice and emotional encouragement that directly supports their child’s progress in ABA therapy. A survey of 1,005 caregivers in Pennsylvania found that about 66.4% had ever joined an autism-specific support group. Participation was higher among those whose diagnosing clinician referred them. [1]

There are different types of autism parent support groups, each serving families in unique ways:

• Local in-person groups: Meet at community centers, clinics, or schools, providing face-to-face interactions and stronger personal connections.
• Online groups: Use forums, social media, or virtual platforms to connect parents globally, offering flexible access for those with busy schedules.
• Therapy center-based groups: Organized by ABA providers, these groups often include professional guidance from therapists, making them especially valuable for learning strategies that align with ongoing therapy.

At ABS, families are encouraged to explore these options to find the group that best matches their needs and lifestyle. No matter the format, the goal remains the same to empower parents, reduce feelings of isolation and ensure families have the tools and confidence to actively support their child’s ABA journey.

Did You Know?

A study found that parents of children with autism or ADHD who joined parent-to-parent support groups reported meaningful reductions in stress and anxiety levels.[2]  

The Role of Parent Support Groups in ABA Therapy

Parent support groups are more than just a place to meet other families, they play an essential role in strengthening the outcomes of ABA therapy. These groups give parents the tools, confidence, and sense of community they need to stay actively engaged in their child’s progress. Below are the key ways these groups make a difference.

1. Emotional Support: A Safe Space for Parents

Caring for a child with autism can be both rewarding and challenging. Parent support groups provide a safe, judgment-free space where families can share struggles, frustrations, and victories. Knowing that others face similar experiences helps reduce isolation, build resilience, and strengthen family well-being. A 2024 serial mediator study showed that caregivers internalized stigma, child behaviour/emotional problems and autism severity contributed significantly to parental distress and depressive symptoms among caregivers. [3]

2. Practical Advice: Reinforcing Therapy at Home

One of the biggest advantages of these groups is the exchange of practical strategies that complement ABA therapy sessions. Parents learn how to handle behaviors, use positive reinforcement, and create structured routines at home. This kind of ABA parent involvement ensures that therapy doesn’t stop at the Center, it becomes part of everyday life.

3. Knowledge Exchange: Building Understanding of ABA

Applied Behavior Analysis comes with specific terms, methods, and ongoing updates. Support groups allow parents to ask questions, clarify concepts, and stay informed about new techniques. This knowledge builds confidence and strengthens parent training in ABA therapy, which directly impacts a child’s skill development.

4. Collaboration with Therapists: Bridging Home and Center

Many support groups are connected with ABA therapy providers, offering opportunities for parents to collaborate with therapists. This partnership creates consistency between home and center settings. When parents and professionals share insights, children receive a more unified approach to learning and behavior management.

Read More: Social Skills Groups in ABA Therapy

The Impact of Parent Support Groups on Families

The impact of parent support groups in ABA therapy extend beyond meetings and conversations, they create lasting, positive changes for the entire family. From emotional well-being to therapy success, these groups influence every layer of the ABA journey.

1. Impact on Parents: Confidence and Empowerment

Many parents of children with autism report feeling stressed, uncertain, or overwhelmed. Support groups help reduce these feelings by offering encouragement and practical coping tools. For example, one mother shared that after joining a local group, she felt less isolated and more capable of advocating for her child’s needs at school. Parents gain confidence in their ability to handle challenges and feel empowered knowing they are not alone. A study (Sarwar et al., 2022) found that mothers with higher perceived social support also had higher psychological capital (hope, resilience, etc.), which positively affected their wellbeing. [4]

2. Impact on Children: Consistency and Progress

Children benefit when parents are better informed and supported. With strategies learned in groups, families can create consistent environments where skills from ABA sessions are reinforced at home. A father in an online group explained how using structured routines at home learned from other parents helped his child transition more smoothly between activities. Over time, this kind of consistency strengthens learning and accelerates progress in communication, social skills, and independence.

Want to strengthen your child’s progress with consistency at home? Our ABA programs include dedicated Parent Training and support. Find expert local ABA therapy in: Oceanside, NY, Levittown, NY, Edison, NJ, and Eatontown, NJ. Request an Intake! 

3. Impact on Therapy: Stronger Collaboration

Parent support groups also enhance the relationship between families and therapists. When parents feel supported, they become more engaged partners in therapy. This collaboration leads to higher success rates because both therapists and parents are working toward shared goals. Research found that engaging in parent-to-parent support groups significantly lowers anxiety and stress levels for these parents. Also, lower education levels and lower family income were associated with higher stress before the intervention. [5] One case shared by a therapy center revealed that families who participated in support groups showed stronger follow-through on therapy recommendations, resulting in faster skill acquisition for children.

Key Benefits of Parent Support Groups in ABA Therapy

Joining a parent support group provides families with advantages that go far beyond casual conversation. These groups play a direct role in strengthening the parent experience, enhancing therapy outcomes, and creating lasting connections. Below are the key benefits of parent support groups in ABA therapy:

1. Emotional Benefits

• Reduce feelings of isolation by connecting with others who understand the autism journey.
• Provide encouragement and motivation during difficult times.
• Offer a safe environment where parents can express emotions without judgment.

2. Practical Benefits

• Share effective strategies for managing challenging behaviors at home.
• Learn routines and reinforcement methods that align with ABA therapy goals.
• Gain problem-solving tips from both experienced parents and professionals.

3. Educational Benefits

• Access workshops, webinars, or training sessions led by ABA therapists.
• Learn common ABA terms and techniques, building confidence in therapy discussions.
• Stay updated on new developments, research, and resources in autism support.

4. Community Benefits

• Build supportive networks that extend beyond therapy sessions.
• Create opportunities for family events, social activities, and advocacy efforts.
• Strengthen collective voices to promote awareness and improve autism services.

By addressing the emotional, practical, educational, and community needs of families, support groups give parents a well-rounded system of support. These benefits not only help parents feel stronger and more capable but also create positive ripple effects for children and therapy outcomes. In a study of 110 parents / caregivers, 73.6% of children were reported to have severe autistic behaviors. However, most caregivers (82.7%) reported low parental stress (mean scores), which suggests interventions or support might be helping. [6]

Read More: Understanding Hand Flapping in Autism

Challenges Parents May Face in Joining Groups

While parent support groups in ABA therapy offer many benefits, joining one isn’t always easy for every family. Parents often face barriers that can make participation challenging.

• Time constraints: Many parents juggle therapy appointments, school responsibilities, and work schedules, leaving little time for group meetings.
• Availability and location: In some communities, local in-person groups may be limited or located too far away.
• Stigma or hesitation: Some parents worry about being judged or may feel uncomfortable sharing personal experiences in a group setting.

Fortunately, there are solutions to these challenges. Online support groups, for instance, allow parents to connect from the comfort of their homes, at times that work best for their schedules. Many therapy centers now also offer flexible meeting options such as evening sessions or virtual meetups to make groups more accessible.

Did You Know?

In a summary of over 20 research studies, 57% of parents‐implemented intervention programs reported that parents gained significantly more child intervention skills compared to those who did not participate. [7]

How to Find and Join Parent Support Groups

For parents looking to connect with others and strengthen their child’s ABA journey, there are several ways to find the right support group. The key is to choose a group that matches your family’s needs and schedule.

• ABA Therapy Centers: Many providers organize parent support groups as part of their services. At ABS, for example, families not only benefit from high-quality ABA therapy but also gain access to group meetings where they can share experiences and receive professional guidance. These groups ensure that parents feel supported both emotionally and practically throughout their child’s progress.
• National Organizations: Larger organizations host directories, events, and local chapters where families can connect. These groups often provide structured resources and advocacy opportunities.
• Online Communities: For families who prefer flexibility, online groups offer a convenient way to connect with other parents anytime, anywhere. Social media platforms, forums, and dedicated apps provide spaces for sharing advice, finding encouragement, and accessing expert-led discussions.

No matter the format, joining a parent support group creates opportunities to learn, grow, and find strength in the community. In a Türkiye RCT of 69 parents, those who took part in a parent empowerment program (training + motivational interviewing) showed statistically significant gains in parental self-efficacy, reduced stress (p < 0.001), and more family empowerment versus control group. [8]

Ready to find local therapy and community? Start with a personalized ABA plan. We’re building strong parent communities and providing In-Home ABA in: Macon, GA, Greensboro, NC, and Utah. View All Our Locations. 

Tips for Making the Most of Parent Support Groups

Joining a support group is the first step, but knowing how to maximize the experience ensures parents gain the most value. Here are some practical tips:

• Be open to sharing: Share your experiences honestly, whether challenges or small wins. Openness helps build trust and creates stronger connections.
• Stay consistent: Regular attendance deepens relationships and ensures you don’t miss valuable discussions or resources.
• Apply strategies at home: Take what you learn and put it into practice in daily routines. Consistency between group discussions and home life strengthens therapy outcomes.
• Collaborate with therapists: Use the group as a bridge to better communicate with your child’s ABA team. Sharing insights creates continuity between home and center.
• Offer support to others: Giving encouragement can be as powerful as receiving it, creating a cycle of mutual growth.

When approached with openness and consistency, support groups become a vital extension of your child’s ABA therapy journey.

Key Fact:

Research from a qualitative review showed that parents who attend support groups report a greater sense of belonging, reduced isolation, improved parenting skills, and more emotional support. [9]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a parent support group in ABA therapy?

A parent support group in ABA therapy is a community where families raising children with autism connect to share experiences, learn practical strategies, and receive emotional support that complements therapy. These groups may be in-person, online, or organized through ABA providers.

2. Do support groups replace ABA therapy?

No. Support groups do not replace ABA therapy. Instead, they act as a valuable complement by helping parents learn how to reinforce therapy strategies at home, gain confidence, and build emotional resilience while continuing professional ABA sessions.

3. How do parent support groups help children with autism?

Children benefit when parents are better informed and supported. Groups teach families strategies that create consistency between home and therapy, which strengthens learning, improves behavior management, and leads to more effective progress over time.

4. Where can I find autism parent support groups near me?

Parents can explore local ABA therapy centers, organizations like Autism Speaks or the Autism Society, or search for nearby community-based groups. Many providers also maintain directories of support options for families.

5. Are online parent support groups effective?

Yes. Online parent support groups are highly effective for busy families or those without local options. They provide flexible access to resources, professional insights, and peer support, all from the comfort of home.

Conclusion

Parent support groups in ABA therapy are more than gatherings, they are lifelines that empower families, strengthen therapy, and improve outcomes for children with autism. By offering emotional encouragement, practical strategies, education, and community, these groups make the ABA journey less overwhelming and more rewarding.

At ABS, we understand the importance of family involvement in ABA therapy. That’s why we encourage parents to seek out support groups as part of their child’s developmental plan. Together, parents and professionals create a strong foundation for success.

Don’t navigate this journey alone. The first step to finding support and building confidence is a comprehensive plan. Schedule your ASD Evaluation and find personalized In-Home ABA support in New York and New Jersey today. 

Key Takeaways:

• Parent support groups reduce stress and provide encouragement for families.
• They help parents apply ABA strategies at home, creating consistency and better outcomes.
• Groups offer valuable education, training, and networking opportunities.
• Collaboration between parents and therapists leads to stronger therapy results.
• Joining a group whether in-person or online empowers parents and children to thrive.

References:

1. Abid, N., Gaddour, N., & Hmissa, S. (2024). Effectiveness of a training program among parents of preschool children with ASD in Tunisia: A randomized controlled trial of the “Blue Hope” program. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11, 532. 

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02827-7

2. May, T., Chan, E. S., Weber, N., & Trembath, D. (2022). The characteristics and results of parent training interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 884307. 

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1293244/full

3. Frazier, T. W., Vance, J. K., Dapretto, M., & Kasari, C. (2025). Telehealth parent training for challenging behavior in children with developmental disabilities: A meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40489-025-00501-5

4. Brookman-Frazee, L., Chlebowski, C., & Stadnick, N. (2024). Advances in supporting parents in interventions for autism: A clinical review of caregiver-mediated interventions. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, 11017782. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11017782

5. Barton, E. E., Reichow, B., & Boyd, B. A. (2022). Effectiveness of parent-mediated play-based interventions to improve social communication in preschool children with ASD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 9, 937–960. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9377609

6. Reichow, B., Hume, K., Barton, E. E., & Boyd, B. A. (2022). Comprehensive ABA-based interventions and parental stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Autism, 26(5), 998–1013. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9983163

7. Wang, H., Li, J., & Zhang, Y. (2024). Mobile app–assisted parent training intervention for behavioural problems in children with ASD: A randomized controlled trial. JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting, 7, e11555457. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11555457/