Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a noble and fulfilling profession that involves using the science of behavior to help individuals, organizations, and even animals. Many of those who practice ABA do so with persons diagnosed with developmental delays or autism spectrum disorder. Practitioners help these individuals, particularly those with autism, develop essential life skills. If you have a curious mind and are passionate about making a difference in people's lives, becoming an ABA practitioner could be the right path for you. Here's a clear roadmap to get you started.
1. Understanding the Role of an ABA Practitioner
ABA is the application of the science of behavior to everyday problems. Those who study ABA work in a variety of disciplines such as behavioral health, sports and fitness, climate change and sustainability, organizational behavior management, safety, education, government, and substance abuse. Many ABA practitioners focus on persons with autism, ADHD, or developmental delays. They work closely with clients to improve behaviors related to communication, social skills, and daily living tasks. They develop and implement customized treatment plans based on a client's unique needs. Being compassionate, patient, and observant are key qualities for success in this role.
2. Meeting Educational Requirements
- If you are interested in pursuing this field, you may go to school for behavior analysis specifically, or psychology or education. There are roles for people with high school, bachelors, and masters degrees. Often you can combine a degree with the obligations needed to become certified. For more information, visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s website.
3. Gaining Relevant Experience
Hands-on experience is essential in this profession. Look for internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in behavioral health settings. Working under the supervision of certified professionals can help build your skills and confidence. It can also help you navigate your personal journey in this role, and help you understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. If you are pursuing certification, there will be specific guidelines to follow. Often your university can help you.
4. Obtaining Certification
Becoming certified boosts your credibility and employability. The three most recognized certifications are:
- Registered Behavior Technician ® (RBT®): this is a great starting point for beginners. Candidates need to complete a 40-hour training program, pass a competency assessment, and then finally pass the RBT exam.
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®): For those with a bachelor’s degree, this advanced certification requires completing specific coursework, gaining supervised experience, and passing a comprehensive exam.
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®): For those with a master’s degree, this advanced certification requires completing specific coursework, gaining supervised experience, and passing a comprehensive exam.
5. Finding a Job
Once certified, candidates can explore job opportunities in schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practices. They can also utilize online job boards. This is a good time for them to highlight their training, experience, and passion for helping others in their resume and cover letter. It also helps to have an optimized social media presence like an updated profile on LinkedIn. Attending conferences is another great way to find meaningful employment.
6. Continued Professional Development
ABA is not a stagnant field, practitioners and scientists are always studying ways to improve upon the principles with new techniques and applications. Therefore, the learning journey doesn’t stop with certification. Practitioners should also keep up with all the updates and changes by attending workshops, conferences and completing continuing education courses. Continuing education is required for certification, and many states require ongoing training to maintain licensure.
Tips for Success in this Field
- Do Your Research: Before committing to this career, it is important to understand the nature of the job and what a typical work day looks like. Talk to people who are in the field to learn what they do and what they love about their jobs (and don’t love).
- Build Strong Communication Skills: You’ll work closely with clients, families, and other professionals, so it is important to learn to articulate your thoughts and ideas well.
- Stay Organized: Managing treatment plans and progress reports requires excellent organizational skills as they can be long and detailed; they may also be reviewed by other healthcare professionals so having an organized file represents the competency of the therapist.
- Focus on Empathy and Patience: Progress can be slow but rewarding in this career; oftentimes things go wrong before they get better so patience and empathy are two very useful skills in this career. Behavior analysts should always be focused on what is best for the client - not necessarily those around them.
Conclusion
Becoming an ABA therapist involves dedication, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to improving lives. There is no doubt that it is incredibly rewarding to see the fruits of one’s labor, especially if you work in behavioral health with persons who have autism or developmental delays. Watching your client grow and learn new skills can be extremely rewarding. With the right qualifications and practice, candidates can become confident and competent in a career they love.
