Why Being Available to Clients and Families Each Day Matters to Me as a BCBA
By Stephanie O’Driscoll, MA, BCBA, LBA
One of the things I value most in my work as a BCBA isn’t just the treatment plans, data collection, or supervision hours.
It’s availability.
Because when you’re supporting children with behavioral challenges, life doesn’t only happen during scheduled sessions. It happens in the in-between moments — the tough mornings, the school phone calls, the meltdowns at bedtime, the small wins you can’t wait to share.
Being accessible to families matters more than people sometimes realize.
Progress Happens Between Sessions
ABA therapy might be scheduled a few hours a week, but learning and behavior happen all day long.
Parents are the ones:
Handling the before-school rush
Navigating homework struggles
Managing sibling conflicts
Getting through public outings
Helping their child wind down at night
When families can reach out with questions or updates, we can adjust strategies in real time instead of waiting weeks to address a concern.
Sometimes a quick message, reassurance, or small tweak makes a big difference.
Support During Hard Moments Builds Trust
Families often reach out when things feel overwhelming:
“A new behavior started today.”
“School sent home another report.”
“We tried the strategy and it didn’t work.”
In those moments, parents don’t just need a plan. They need to know someone is in their corner.
Being responsive helps families feel supported instead of alone. It turns therapy into a partnership, not just a service.
Small Wins Deserve to Be Celebrated
Availability isn’t only for hard days.
Some of my favorite messages from parents are about the small victories:
“He asked for a break instead of screaming.”
“She tried a new food!”
“We made it through a store trip without a meltdown.”
Sharing those moments keeps everyone motivated and reminds families how much progress is happening, even when it feels slow.
It Helps Me Be a Better Clinician
When families keep me updated, I get a fuller picture of the child’s world. Behavior doesn’t happen in isolation — it’s influenced by sleep, illness, school stress, changes in routine, and family life.
The more I understand what’s happening outside of sessions, the better I can:
Adjust goals
Modify strategies
Prepare therapists for new challenges
Make therapy more relevant to daily life
Availability strengthens clinical decision-making.
Boundaries Still Matter
Being available doesn’t mean being on call 24/7 or responding instantly at all hours. Healthy boundaries are important for everyone.
What it does mean is making communication a priority, creating clear ways for families to reach out, and responding in a timely and thoughtful way.
Consistency builds trust. Trust builds collaboration. And collaboration leads to better outcomes for children.
A Final Thought
Families raising children with behavioral challenges carry an enormous amount of responsibility every single day. They are the ones doing the real, constant work.
If my availability can make even one moment feel more manageable, more hopeful, or more supported, then it’s worth it.
Because ABA isn’t just about sessions on a schedule.
It’s about walking alongside families as they navigate everyday life — one question, one challenge, and one success at a time.