When I first meet with parents starting their ABA therapy journey, one of the first things they ask is, “Is there anything I can read to better understand what my child will be learning?”
It’s such a thoughtful, proactive question. And honestly, it tells me so much about a family’s heart and commitment to helping their child thrive.
Over the years, I’ve gathered a list of ABA books that I often recommend to families — books that explain real strategies in a way that’s practical, encouraging, and empowering.
Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorites with you, and offer a few tips on how to pick the right books for where you are in your journey.
Why Read About ABA Therapy?
How ABA Books Can Empower Parents
Learning about ABA therapy doesn’t just help you understand what happens during sessions — it helps you feel more confident supporting your child at home, advocating in meetings, and celebrating progress at every step.
Here’s why reading about ABA can make a big difference:
- You’ll understand your child’s therapy goals better.
- You’ll learn ways to practice new skills at home.
- You’ll feel more confident communicating with your therapy team.
- You’ll spot opportunities to reinforce positive behaviors naturally.
Most importantly, you’ll see that ABA is not about “fixing” your child — it’s about helping them unlock skills that make their world bigger and brighter.
Therapist-Recommended ABA Books for Parents
Here are some books I often recommend when parents ask for trustworthy, approachable introductions to ABA therapy:
1. The Verbal Behavior Approach by Mary Lynch Barbera
- Focus: Communication development based on ABA principles
- Why Parents Love It: Clear, compassionate, and filled with real-world examples.
- Especially helpful for: Parents whose children are nonverbal or minimally verbal.
2. An Early Start for Your Child with Autism by Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie A. Vismara
- Focus: Practical activities you can do at home to boost learning and communication
- Why Parents Love It: It blends developmental strategies with ABA and feels very family-centered.
- Especially helpful for: Parents of toddlers and preschoolers.
3. Applied Behavior Analysis by John Cooper, Timothy Heron, and William Heward
- Focus: The foundational textbook on ABA therapy
- Why Parents Love It: Comprehensive and science-based — but be warned, it’s dense!
- Especially helpful for: Parents who want a deep dive into the science behind therapy.
4. Behavior Solutions for the Inclusive Classroom by Beth Aune, Beth Burt, and Peter Gennaro
- Focus: Practical strategies for handling behaviors in school settings
- Why Parents Love It: Short, direct solutions that teachers and parents can use immediately.
- Especially helpful for: Parents collaborating with school teams or homeschooling.
5. Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant
- Focus: Seeing autism through a compassionate, human-centered lens
- Why Parents Love It: Gentle, positive, and based on deep respect for autistic experiences.
- Especially helpful for: Any parent who wants a holistic view alongside learning about ABA.
How to Choose the Right ABA Book for Your Family
Tips for Picking a Book That Fits Your Needs
Choosing the right book can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to ABA or autism support. Here’s how to narrow it down:
- Think about your child’s age and goals. Toddlers versus teens often mean very different resources.
- Consider how deep you want to dive. Some books are light and introductory; others are textbook-level.
- Decide whether you want activities or theory. Some parents prefer hands-on guides; others love understanding the big picture.
- Ask your therapy team for suggestions. At Able Stars ABA, we often match book recommendations to each family’s specific journey.
You don’t have to read everything at once. Even picking just one supportive, practical book can make a meaningful difference.
Reading about ABA is one of the best gifts you can give yourself as a parent — because the more you understand how your child learns, the better you can support their amazing growth.
At Able Stars ABA, we believe that parents are essential partners in therapy. We’re here to answer your questions, share resources, and celebrate your family’s journey every step of the way.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your child — and how you can start building skills at home — reach out today.
FAQs
Do I need to understand ABA to support my child’s therapy?
No formal knowledge is required — but learning basic principles through parent-friendly ABA books can make your child’s therapy journey smoother and more successful.
Are there ABA books that include activities for parents to do at home?
Absolutely! Books like An Early Start for Your Child with Autism and The Verbal Behavior Approach are packed with hands-on activities you can try right away with your child.
What if I find ABA textbooks too overwhelming?
That’s completely normal. Many parents start with more accessible books and build their knowledge over time. You don’t have to master everything — you just need to find what feels helpful for your family.
Sources:
- https://www.chop.edu/health-resources/applied-behavior-analysis-aba-children-autism
- https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/best-books-aba/
- https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/2021/11/best-applied-behavior-analysis-books/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6269398/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/autism-books