Laredo Public Health hosts ABA therapy workshop for parents

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  Health and Fitness on Thu, Aug 28th, 2025

Laredo Public Health Leads the Way with ABA Therapy Workshop for Parents of Children with Autism

August 28, 2025 – Laredo, TX
Laredo Public Health (LPH) rolled out a groundbreaking event on Tuesday, inviting parents and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum to attend a free Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy workshop. Held at the LPH community outreach center on West Main Street, the one‑day seminar brought together local experts, state‑of‑the‑art research, and the community’s most pressing questions about early intervention and support.

A Purpose‑Driven Event

LPH’s Department of Health Promotion announced the workshop earlier this month as part of its “Early Intervention Initiative,” aimed at increasing access to evidence‑based therapies for children diagnosed before the age of six. “The goal is to empower families with tools that can be used at home and in everyday settings,” explained LPH Program Director Dr. Maria Lopez during the opening remarks. “By providing parents with a solid foundation in ABA principles, we hope to see measurable improvements in their children’s communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors.”

The workshop’s schedule began at 9 a.m. with a 30‑minute overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the rationale behind ABA. This was followed by three 90‑minute breakout sessions led by licensed ABA therapists, behavioral psychologists, and special education specialists. Parents were encouraged to participate actively, with hands‑on activities designed to reinforce the concepts discussed.

Key Topics Covered

1. Fundamentals of ABA
   The session began with a clear, concise explanation of ABA’s core concepts—positive reinforcement, shaping, task analysis, and data collection. Therapist Lisa Guerrero, a Board‑Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), illustrated how these techniques can be adapted to suit each child’s unique strengths and challenges.

2. Parent‑Led Intervention Strategies
   Building on the fundamentals, the workshop shifted focus to “parent‑led” interventions. Families learned how to integrate ABA principles into daily routines—such as mealtime, bedtime, and play—making therapy feel natural rather than a separate, formal process.

3. Behavioral Data Tracking
   Accurate data collection is the backbone of ABA. A data‑management specialist showed parents how to maintain simple logs and charts using free, user‑friendly apps, and emphasized the importance of consistency in data for tracking progress and adjusting strategies.

4. Collaborating with Schools and Therapists
   Recognizing that parents often serve as the bridge between home and school, the event included a panel discussion on how to coordinate with teachers, school psychologists, and special‑education teams. The panel emphasized the importance of sharing data and consistent goal‑setting across settings.

5. Resources and Community Support
   Throughout the day, participants were introduced to a wealth of resources—including local support groups, online toolkits, and educational materials. LPH also showcased a partnership with the Texas Autism Society, which provides a free hotline and referral service for families seeking additional services.

The Power of Community Engagement

LPH’s workshop was not just a lecture hall; it was a hub of interaction and support. Parents formed small “practice circles” during breaks, exchanging ideas on how to handle challenging behaviors like tantrums or sensory overload. One mother, Carla Reyes, who attends the workshop with her 4‑year‑old son, shared, “I had never heard of shaping before. Now I can break down my son’s requests into smaller steps and celebrate every success.”

The workshop also offered a Q&A session, where parents could pose specific questions about their child’s unique needs. The panel’s collaborative approach allowed families to leave with individualized action plans rather than generic advice.

Looking Ahead: Continued Support and Evaluation

Dr. Lopez emphasized that the workshop was just the first step in a broader strategy. “We’re developing a follow‑up program that will allow parents to check in with a BCBA every month, ensuring that the strategies are being implemented correctly and that we’re making measurable progress,” she said.

LPH also announced that it will conduct a brief survey at the end of each session to evaluate the workshop’s impact. Preliminary data from past LPH educational events suggest a 30‑percent increase in parental confidence and a 15‑percent improvement in targeted behavior metrics.

A Broader Narrative

The LPH workshop reflects a growing trend across Texas—and the United States—toward community‑based early intervention. According to a recent report from the Texas Department of State Health Services, early, consistent intervention can cut long‑term costs by up to 50 percent and improve quality of life for children and families alike. By providing parents with both knowledge and hands‑on practice, LPH is ensuring that the city of Laredo stays at the forefront of autism care.

How to Get Involved

• Upcoming Workshops: LPH will host a series of ABA workshops throughout the year. Check the LPH calendar at lph.org/events for dates and registration details.
• Support Groups: Parents can join the Laredo Autism Support Group via laredoautism.org for peer‑to‑peer guidance.
• Professional Help: For individualized therapy, families can request a referral to a BCBA through LPH’s Referral Portal at lph.org/referrals.

Final Thoughts

The ABA therapy workshop organized by Laredo Public Health marks a significant stride toward demystifying autism treatment for families. By equipping parents with proven strategies and fostering a supportive network, LPH not only addresses immediate needs but also invests in the long‑term well‑being of children on the spectrum. As Dr. Lopez aptly concluded, “When parents feel empowered, they become the strongest advocates for their children’s success.”