Audrey Campbell, BCBA, Solution Consultant at Rethink Behavioral Health

Kathleen Sammer, BCBA, Senior Clinical Director of Behavior Supports and Assessments, Access Services

Jen Gray, Director of Solution Consulting, Netsmart

Faster Progress and Sustained Improvements: Skills taught are more likely to generalize to home, school and community settings when caregivers actively participate. Kathleen Sammer, BCBA, Senior Clinical Director of Behavior Supports and Assessments, Access Services and special needs parent, shared how her son’s success depended on learning from the professionals in their home. “Without their guidance,” she explained, “we could have stalled and gotten stuck in behavior cycles.”

Empowered Caregivers Lead to Empowered Individuals: Caregivers who are trained and involved feel more confident, creating a ripple effect of consistency and support. This empowerment not only helps the individual but also reduces stress for caregivers, improving overall family dynamics.

Time Constraints: Caregiving often feels like a part-time job on top of everything else. From frequent coordinating with schools to managing recurring medical appointments, caregivers' time and energy are stretched thin. A portal enabling caregivers and the organization to communicate and share how to's, video resources and telehealth sessions were discussed as ways to reduce the burden. Also emphasized, realistic goal setting. 

Stress and Mental Health: The panel shared that the cortisol levels of caregivers can rival those of combat soldiers. This stress is compounded by feelings of isolation, grief cycles and the complexity of navigating care systems. Providers can help by simplifying processes, offering consistent communication and creating space to celebrate small victories.

Knowledge Gaps: Teachers, close family and community members often lack the training needed to effectively support individuals with IDD. Educating caregivers and staff with clear, accessible guidance builds stronger support networks and encourages collaboration.

Training and Resources: Access to video models, step by step tutorials on behavior support plans and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) help caregivers learn and apply techniques in real-time.

Communication and Data Transparency: With access to individual progress reports and preference assessments, caregivers can see the impact of their involvement, which motivates continued engagement.

Streamlined Processes: Features like digital filing cabinets and health assessments reduce administrative burdens, saving valuable time for caregivers and providers alike.