ABA Therapy 101: What it Is, How it Works & Who it Helps (Free Parenting Class)

Presenter:
Presenter:
Jen Pla, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Jen Pla, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Date: June 25th, 2025
Time: 12pm-12:45pm PST
Location: Zoom
Custom Gift: All attendees will receive a complimentary printable designed to help reinforce the concepts taught in the class, making it easier to implement what you learn right away.
Cost: Free
Spots: 25
What It’s About
Going through the process of finding the right support for your child with autism can be extremely overwhelming. As a provider who guides parents through this process, it breaks my heart to see the lack of information and resources that are easily accessible for parents with newly-diagnosed children. This is why I designed this parenting class – to give you everything you need to get started.
This class covers the fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in an easy-to-digest way (without the clinical jargon). You’ll learn what ABA therapy actually is, how it works in everyday settings, and who it can benefit from ABA. We’ll break down the core principles of ABA, including reinforcement, prompting, and data collection, and show how these strategies are used to support meaningful progress at home, school, and in the community.
We’ll talk through the kinds of goals that are typically addressed in ABA therapy—like communication, transitions, daily routines, social skills, and emotional regulation. You’ll also learn how ABA therapists assess behavior, collaborate with families, and adjust plans over time to support each child’s unique development.
For parents feeling unsure or skeptical about ABA, this class offers clarity. We’ll explore the evolution of ABA and what modern, compassionate, child-centered behavior support looks like today. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of ethical practices and how quality ABA focuses on building skills in ways that are respectful and relationship-based.
You’ll also be given resources to use moving forward including recommended sites and what to ask ABA providers as you’re searching for the best fit for your child. My goal is to give you everything you’ll need to feel more grounded in what works, what to expect, and how to advocate for your child’s needs with clarity and compassion.
What to Expect
Below is the class outline and what you can expect to learn through attending
- Understanding ABA Therapy
• What Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is and how it works
• Key principles behind behavior therapy for kids
• Common misconceptions about ABA therapy - Who ABA Helps
• Identifying which children benefit from ABA, including those with autism and ADHD
• How ABA supports emotional regulation and skill development
• Understanding individualized behavior support plans - How ABA is Applied in Real Life
• What ABA sessions look like at home, school, and in the community
• How ABA therapists assess and track behavior
• Parent roles in behavior therapy and progress monitoring - Ethical & Modern ABA Practices
• How today’s ABA focuses on consent, connection, and quality of life
• Recognizing respectful, child-centered behavior strategies
• Navigating concerns about ABA therapy with confidence - Practical Strategies for Parents
• How to use tools like behavior charts, chore charts, token boards and visual schedules
• How to begin using ABA strategies at home
Who Should Attend
This parenting class is for all parents and educators, including:
- Parents of children with autism, ADHD, or other developmental differences who want to better understand behavior support options
• Parents of toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged children navigating emotional regulation, meltdowns, or daily challenges
• Single parents seeking practical, research-backed tools to create more structure and ease at home
• Co-parents and blended families aiming to build consistency and connection across different households
• Educators and caregivers interested in learning how ABA principles can support classroom behavior and individualized learning
• Parents exploring early intervention or ABA therapy and looking for guidance on how it works and what to expect
• Families who want to feel more confident, informed, and equipped to support their child’s unique needs with compassion and clarity
My Gift to You
*for attendees only
All attendees will receive a tailored resource designed to help reinforce the concepts taught in the class, so you can immediately apply what you’ve learned in a meaningful way. The goal is to provide you with something practical you can take with you and use right away.
Depending on the class topic, your gift may include:
- Printables to support structured routines and positive behavior.
- Behavior charts, reward charts, and sticker charts to encourage cooperation and reinforce good habits.
- Potty training charts to help guide your child through the process with consistency.
- Parenting printables and educational resources designed to promote emotional regulation, communication, and positive discipline.
- Parenting guides with expert-backed strategies to help you navigate common challenges with confidence.
Each gift is intentionally selected to align with the skills and techniques covered in the class, making it easier for you to implement what you’ve learned. Whether it’s a visual tool, structured plan, or step-by-step guide, you’ll walk away with a valuable resource you can start using immediately to create a calmer, more connected home.
About the Presenter
Jen Pla, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Hi! I'm a Family Alignment Coach with 24+ years of experience guiding parents through the challenges and joys of raising children. I combine my experience in behavior analysis, education and meditation to create personalized parenting plans that help families connect, communicate more effectively and co-create a life they love. When I'm not supporting families, you'll find me hiking, camping, meditating, or practicing yoga at my local studio in Encinitas, California.
Jen Pla, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Hi! I'm a Family Alignment Coach with 24+ years of experience guiding parents through the challenges and joys of raising children. I combine my experience in behavior analysis, education and meditation to create personalized parenting plans that help families connect, communicate more effectively and co-create a life they love. When I'm not supporting families, you'll find me hiking, camping, meditating, or practicing yoga at my local studio in Encinitas, California.
Hear What Other Parents Have to Say






RSVP Information
After you RSVP below, you will receive an email with the Zoom link to attend the class at the scheduled date and time. We try to schedule our classes during typical lunch breaks, so you can join from the comfort of your home, car, or anywhere that fits your schedule, making it easy to participate without disrupting your day.
To ensure a stress-free and private learning experience, your video and audio will remain off throughout the session. At the end of the class, we will host a live Q&A session, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions via the chat feature and receive guidance in a comfortable, distraction-free environment. Please note that this class will be recorded, and by RSVPing, you acknowledge and consent to being part of the recording. The recording may be used for educational purposes, marketing, or future course content. Any chat questions or participant interactions included in the recording will remain anonymous.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Jen@alignedfamilies.com. If you’d like to invite a partner, friend, or relative, please forward this link so they can register separately. Each participant will need to RSVP individually to attend the class.
Autism, ADHD & ABA Therapy: How to use Evidence-Based Strategies to Support Neurodiverse Youth
Autism, ADHD & ABA Therapy: How to use Evidence-Based Strategies to Support Neurodiverse Youth
Autism, ADHD & ABA Therapy: How to use Evidence-Based Strategies to Support Neurodiverse Youth
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