Parental Involvement and Challenges in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and their Influences on the Social-Emotional Development of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Abstract

This study investigated the parental involvement and challenges in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and their influence on the social-emotional development of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within selected Special Education (SPED) programs in the Division of Cebu Province, specifically Daanbantayan Central Elementary School and Liloan Central School, during the School Year 2025–2026. The findings indicate that parents of children with ASD undergoing ABA therapy experience significant challenges across logistical, emotional, social, and systemic domains, with financial burden, parental guilt, difficulties in social connection, and long waiting lists for services emerging as key concerns. The study also provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of ABA therapy in enhancing emotional and social development, particularly in strengthening emotional bonds with family members and caregivers. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between the extent of parental challenges and the social-emotional development of children with ASD across all dimensions of parental challenges examined. It was highly recommended for the implementation of the proposed intervention plan for SPED teachers and parents, encouraging SPED teachers to strengthen collaboration with parents through consistent communication and training, and urging school administrators to develop policies and allocate resources to improve ABA therapy accessibility.