This is a really common question—and an important one.
In most cases, ABA therapy is focused on the child receiving services, but parents are encouraged to be involved, and siblings may be included when it’s helpful and appropriate.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s a good thing.
What parent involvement in ABA usually looks like
Parents don’t need to sit in on every ABA session, but their involvement matters a lot. In my experience, ABA works best when parents understand what’s being taught and how to support those skills outside of sessions.
Parent involvement in ABA may include:
- Check-ins with the therapist before or after sessions
- Learning strategies to use during daily routines
- Participating in parent training sessions
- Observing parts of therapy when appropriate
The goal isn’t for parents to become therapists—it’s to help skills generalize into real life.
Are siblings expected to attend ABA sessions?
Siblings are not required to attend ABA therapy. That said, there are times when sibling involvement in ABA can be helpful.
Siblings may be included when:
- The therapy goal involves social interaction or play
- The sibling is part of daily routines being targeted
- The sibling naturally motivates the child
- The family wants support with sibling relationships
When siblings join, it’s usually for short, structured moments—not the entire session.
When siblings are better off not attending
There are also plenty of situations where siblings don’t attend sessions at all, and that’s completely okay.
Siblings may not be involved when:
- The child needs one-on-one support without distractions
- The sibling is very young
- The session focuses on specific skill-building
- The sibling prefers not to participate
ABA should support the whole family, not add stress.
How ABA supports the entire family
Even when siblings aren’t directly involved, ABA can still improve family life. As children gain communication, regulation, and daily living skills, routines often become smoother for everyone.
I’ve seen families benefit from:
- Fewer meltdowns during shared activities
- Clearer expectations for siblings
- Improved play and interaction over time
- Less stress around daily routines
How Little Champs ABA approaches parent and sibling involvement
At Little Champs ABA, we take a flexible, family-centered approach. We work closely with parents to decide who should be involved, when, and how, based on the child’s goals and the family’s needs.
We proudly serve families in Colorado and Utah, offering individualized ABA services including:
- ABA therapy at home
- ABA therapy in school
- ABA therapy in daycare
- ABA therapy for teenagers
- Telehealth ABA
If you’re wondering how ABA can fit into your family’s routine—or how siblings can be supported along the way—we’re here to help.
Contact Little Champs ABA today and let’s build a plan that works for your whole family.
FAQs
Do parents have to attend every ABA session?
No. Parents are encouraged to be involved, but attendance depends on the child’s needs and the therapy setting.
Can siblings participate in ABA therapy?
Sometimes. Siblings may join for specific goals like play or social skills, but they are not required to attend sessions.
Will ABA help improve sibling relationships?
It can. As communication and regulation skills improve, interactions with siblings often become more positive and predictable.
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