Empowering Parents to Support Progress Beyond the Clinic
Therapy doesn’t end when a session is over. For children with autism, progress is strongest when what they learn in therapy is practiced and reinforced in everyday life. That’s where parent training becomes a powerful tool.
At Phoenix Autism Center (PAC), including our Glendale AZ location, we believe parents are key partners in every child’s success. Founders Justin and Bre Hartman built PAC not only from their professional expertise, but from their personal experience as parents of a child with autism. They know the value of being equipped with the right tools—and the confidence—to support therapy goals at home.
What Is Parent Training in Autism Therapy?
Parent training is a structured part of many autism treatment programs. It provides education, coaching, and real-life strategies so parents can support their child’s development outside the therapy setting.
At PAC, parent training is tailored to each family’s needs and may include:
✔ Learning how to respond to behaviors consistently
✔ Practicing specific communication or social interaction techniques
✔ Understanding why certain strategies work and how to use them
✔ Coaching sessions with therapists to work through specific challenges
Why Parent Training Matters
Children with autism thrive on consistency, structure, and repetition. When parents use the same tools and language as their therapy team, the child experiences a more unified and supportive environment.
Benefits of parent training include:
- Improved communication between parents and children
- Reduced frustration and behavioral challenges at home
- Greater confidence for caregivers
- Stronger long-term outcomes in therapy progress
“Before we started working with PAC, we often felt unsure of how to help our son during tough moments. The parent coaching helped us feel more in control and better equipped to support him every day. It’s made a world of difference for our whole family.”
— Rachel G., PAC parent
How Parent Training Is Built Into Autism Therapy at PAC
Unlike some programs where parents feel left on the sidelines, PAC makes caregiver involvement a core part of the process. Parents are encouraged to:
✔ Attend training sessions alongside therapy
✔ Communicate openly with therapists
✔ Apply strategies at home and provide feedback
“We built PAC with the belief that families deserve more than occasional updates—they deserve to be coached, empowered, and included in the process every step of the way,” says Bre Hartman, co-founder of Phoenix Autism Center. “When parents feel confident, kids do better. It’s that simple.”
Ready to Learn More?
Autism therapy is most effective when everyone is working together—and that includes parents. With thoughtful training, parents become an extension of the therapy team, reinforcing goals at home and supporting long-term success.
If you’re looking for a program that puts your whole family at the center, Phoenix Autism Center is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how our parent training programs can support you and your child.
