Caregiver non-participation in behavior intervention plans is frequently attributed to resistance or lack of motivation, yet growing evidence points to relational and communication-based variables as primary drivers of caregiver disengagement.
This session presents a structured, evidence-informed framework, CARES (Check-in, Acknowledge, Reflect Together, Explore Options, Set the Next Step), for building caregiver collaboration grounded in the therapeutic relationship. Drawing on the behavioral conceptualization of the therapist as a discriminative stimulus for client behavior (Follette, Naugle, & Callaghan, 1996), the framework emphasizes that practitioner behavior directly influences caregiver responsiveness, positioning the therapeutic relationship as a mechanism of behavior change rather than a secondary consideration.
Participants will examine how divergent stakeholder perspectives and the practitioner's own learning history can function as barriers to a strong working alliance, and will be introduced to the concept of task agreement, the explicit, ongoing clarification of roles, goals, and expectations between behavior analyst and caregiver, as a means of sustaining collaboration beyond the initial intake.
The session also addresses practical strategies for adapting behavior plans to align with caregiver values, routines, and realistic capacity, with emphasis on evidence-based communication techniques that reduce caregiver defensiveness and promote active participation. Participants will leave with an applied framework for increasing caregiver buy-in and follow-through across diverse family contexts.
Your Speaker
Leanne Page
BCBA-LBA
Hi, I’m Leanne Page, BCBA, continuing education instructor, and the founder of Parenting with ABA.
I created this training because I’ve seen how powerful good caregiver support can be. And I’ve also seen how often behavior analysts are expected to do parent training without ever being formally taught how.
As a behavior analyst, parent coach, and best-selling author of Parenting with Science and Enjoy Parenting, I’ve spent years working directly with families and listening to hundreds of BCBAs talk about the same challenges:
-Struggling with caregiver buy-in
-Feeling stuck between best practice and real-life capacity
-Wanting to be compassionate and effective
-Feeling frustrated that parent support feels harder than it should
The truth is, most of us were trained extensively in behavior change for children, but not for adults. Especially adults who are stressed, overwhelmed, and doing their best.
Parenting with ABA Continuing Education exists to bridge that gap. You don’t have to figure this part of the job out alone. And you deserve training that reflects the real work you’re doing.
Find more at https://pwaba.org/
Event Details
Date
Friday, November 6, 2026
Time
12:00 PM EST
Duration
50 minutes
Format
Live
CEUs
1 General
Learning Objectives
1
Participants will describe evidence-based communication strategies that promote collaboration with caregivers.
2
Participants will demonstrate how to adapt behavior plans to align with caregiver values, routines, and realistic capacity.
3
Participants will be able to use the CARES framework for increasing compassionate collaboration with caregivers.
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