Barriers and Facilitators of Parental Involvement in Applied Behavior Analysis: A Phenomenological Study

Parental involvement in applied behavior analysis (ABA) interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential for treatment success, yet caregiver engagement remains inconsistent across clinical contexts. This qualitative study employs reflexive thematic analysis to explore the lived experiences of eight mothers receiving ABA services through a single South Florida provider. We identified barriers (time constraints, insufficient family support, communication gaps) and facilitators (observed child progress, economic support, intrinsic motivation) to parental involvement. Interpreted through a family systems lens, findings suggest that parental engagement is better understood as a dynamic, context-dependent process shaped by systemic and relational factors rather than as a matter of individual motivation alone. This modest, single-site account contributes contextually to understanding how service-design factors shape caregiver participation within one ABA program and aligns with existing literature on barriers to service engagement among underserved families. Clinical implications point to concrete service adaptations including flexible scheduling, enhanced communication protocols, family-centered psychoeducation, and evaluation of caregiver-recommended practices such as relaxation techniques and family therapy. While this study cannot generalize broadly, its findings offer specific recommendations for improving practice in community-based ABA settings serving diverse populations.