Building Strong Families Through ABA Therapy: A Mormon Perspective

From the Restoration onward, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has emphasized family, faith, and the shared responsibility of nurturing one another. Families have always been seen as central to God’s plan, places of teaching, service, and love. Just as early pioneers built homes where faith and unity could flourish, today’s families continue that legacy by supporting their children in every way possible.

For many, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has become an important resource. More than a clinical approach, ABA can serve as a bridge that helps Mormon families raising children with autism or other developmental needs strengthen both family life and gospel-centered living.

Why ABA Therapy Resonates With LDS Families

ABA is an evidence-based therapy that teaches skills step by step, reinforcing positive behaviors while reducing challenges. What makes it resonate with Mormon families is the way its principles align with familiar values, growth through patience, kindness in action, and honoring each individual’s divine potential.

Rather than standing apart from faith, ABA therapy works alongside it, providing structure and tools that help children succeed at home, at school, and in their ward communities.

Strengthening the Home Through Structure

In LDS culture, the home is the foundation of learning. Principles like eternal progression and self-reliance encourage children to contribute and grow daily. ABA therapy supports these goals by breaking down important life skills, such as communication, cooperation, and self-care, into manageable steps.

Families often find that these lessons extend naturally into family home evenings, scripture study, or even shared service projects. In this way, therapy strengthens rather than interrupts cherished routines.

Parents as Essential Partners

ABA therapy emphasizes parent involvement, ensuring progress doesn’t stop when sessions end. Therapists coach parents so that strategies can be practiced consistently during everyday moments.

For Mormon families, this approach reflects the belief that parents are the primary teachers in the home. Whether it’s modeling patience during prayer, reinforcing kindness among siblings, or encouraging service in small ways, parents remain at the heart of their child’s growth.

Developing Agency and Independence

One of the most treasured beliefs in LDS doctrine is that every individual has divine worth and the ability to act for themselves. ABA therapy helps children develop that sense of agency by building independence in daily living.

Small but meaningful skills—dressing, expressing needs, following routines—allow children to contribute more fully in family life and church activities. These milestones confirm a child’s eternal value and bring peace of mind to parents.

Respecting Faith Traditions

Families often wonder whether therapy will conflict with their church commitments. In practice, ABA can be adapted to fit seamlessly into religious life. Sessions can account for family prayers, scripture study, Sunday worship, and ward responsibilities.

Instead of disrupting traditions, therapy equips children to participate more fully. For example, social skills practice can help a child feel comfortable in Primary classes, while attention-building strategies prepare them to sit through sacrament meetings with greater confidence.

Building Resilience Through Community Support

LDS families know the power of community, whether through wards, Relief Societies, or neighbors. ABA therapy strengthens these connections by helping children engage more fully with those around them.

The progress a child makes in therapy often benefits siblings, parents, and even extended family members. It also prepares children to join youth activities, participate in service, and experience a greater sense of belonging in their ward. Therapy, in this sense, becomes another way families build resilience together.

Addressing the Growing Need for Support

Utah and other regions with large Mormon populations have seen a steady rise in autism diagnoses. Families searching for help often face the challenge of finding care that respects both their values and their daily routines.

ABA therapy meets this need by combining decades of research with flexibility for faith-centered living. Its structured approach provides relief for parents while giving children the skills to thrive across home, school, and church settings.

Faith and Science, Moving Forward Together

Just as pioneers once used every resource available to create strong communities, today’s families can embrace both faith and science in raising their children. ABA therapy does not replace spiritual guidance but complements it, helping children progress while honoring LDS values of agency, service, and eternal worth.

Families who turn to ABA often report:

Improvements in behavior, communication, and social participation.
Reduced stress and greater confidence in parenting.
Stronger relationships built on teamwork and love.
A deeper sense of balance between faith traditions and modern tools for growth.

Continuing the Legacy

At its heart, Mormon family life is about love, service, and unity. For parents raising a child with autism, ABA therapy offers practical support that strengthens those very principles. It allows children to grow in independence while staying deeply rooted in the faith and traditions of their family.

Just as the pioneers carried forward a spirit of resilience and devotion, today’s families carry forward that same legacy with new tools at their side. Total Care ABA is honored to be one of those resources, providing evidence-based, compassionate care that aligns with the values that make Mormon families strong. ABA therapy in Utah can help children thrive at home, in church, and in their communities.

‍

Building Strong Families Through ABA Therapy: A Mormon Perspective