Parents as Agents of Change

Parents are becoming increasingly involved in the education and training of their exceptional children. This article examines the use of a behavioral approach by parents in effecting change in their child and his or her environment. Attention is specifically focused on both individual student and system changes that can be produced through the use of applied behavior analysis procedures by parents. The role of the school psychologist in these planned change procedures is also examined. It is suggested that behavioral principles can be effectively and inexpensively imparted to parents for the purpose of allowing them to utilize more adequately the resources available within school systems and to function better as advocates for their own children.