Every parent or caregiver of a neurodivergent child (or teen) has faced it at some point.
A meltdown in the grocery store. Hitting or biting when your routine changes. Refusal to complete a task that usually is not a big deal. Challenging behaviors like these can leave you feeling physically and emotionally drained, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next.
The good news is that you are not alone. There are practical, evidence-based strategies that can help.
At the foundation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is the idea that behavior always happens for a reason. When we take the time to understand why a behavior is occurring, we can use that knowledge to teach your child a safer and more helpful way to respond. ABA is not about forcing your child to behave a certain way. It is about helping them learn how to navigate the world in a way that feels manageable for them and respectful of those around them.
One key tool we use to support this process is a principle called parsimony. While it might sound scientific, parsimony simply means starting with the most straightforward explanation before assuming something more complex.
In the sections that follow, we will explore what parsimony looks like in practice, why it is so effective in ABA therapy, and how it can turn moments like that grocery store meltdown into meaningful progress.
Parsimony is the practice of looking for the simplest, most direct explanation for a behavior before considering more complicated reasons. It’s essentially the “Occam’s Razor” of ABA therapy.
The principle of parsimony helps therapists avoid jumping to conclusions or assumptions about a neurodivergent child’s thoughts, emotions, or intentions. Instead, we focus on what we can observe, measure, and influence.
That does not mean we ignore feelings. It means we start with what is clear and actionable. This approach gives us real strategies we can test, adjust, and build upon in a way that feels doable for families.
Let’s go back to that grocery store scenario. Your neurodivergent child is having a meltdown because you said no to the candy bar. It is loud, stressful, and feels overwhelming. Your first thought might be, “They are trying to embarrass me” or “They are doing this on purpose.”
That is completely understandable. But using parsimony, we take a step back and look at what actually happened.
If a similar pattern has happened before, your child may have learned that big reactions can sometimes lead to getting what they want. That explanation is not about blame. It is about understanding the function of the behavior and identifying a teachable moment.
When we start with this simple view, we can make a plan. We might prep your child before the store visit, use visuals or social stories to explain expectations, or create a reward system for staying calm during checkout. These steps are straightforward, and they can lead to lasting improvements.
Imagine your child resists bedtime every single night. They throw their blanket, cry, or refuse to turn off the TV. It might feel like a power struggle.
But what if the explanation is as simple as this:
With that in mind, we can build a strategy. We might introduce a visual bedtime schedule, provide a five-minute warning, and follow up with a calm, consistent routine. Instead of assuming your child is being difficult, we understand they are responding to a pattern that can be changed.
Parsimony is not just a concept. It is a tool we use every day to guide practical, respectful care.
Instead of getting caught up in assumptions or frustrations, parsimony helps us focus on what we can see and change. That gives us the ability to adjust the environment or our responses in a meaningful way.
When we assume the worst about a neurodivergent child’s behavior, we risk attaching labels like “manipulative” or “defiant.” Parsimony helps us avoid that. It keeps us grounded in the belief that children do well when they can and that behavior is a form of communication.
When we know what triggers a behavior and what maintains it, we can create simple plans that work in the real world. This makes it easier for parents and caregivers to stay consistent and confident.
When we use parsimony in ABA therapy, we keep our focus on what matters most: helping your neurodivergent child learn skills that will support them for a lifetime.
By starting with simple, clear explanations, we can:
ABA therapy is not about forcing change. It is about creating opportunities for your child to grow, step by step, using tools that work for your family.
If you are facing frequent meltdowns, transitions that lead to chaos, or behaviors that feel confusing or overwhelming, you do not have to figure it out alone.
At Kiwi Kids ABA, we partner with parents and caregivers to offer thoughtful, individualized support grounded in real strategies that make sense for your child’s needs. We use principles like parsimony to guide everything we do because keeping things simple often leads to the biggest breakthroughs.
Contact Kiwi Kids ABA today to learn how our in-home ABA therapy services can support your family. We are here to listen, understand, and help you build a path forward with confidence.
Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to helping children with autism and other developmental disabilities reach their full potential. We are committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your child's development.