When it comes to seeking care for your child on the autism spectrum, there’s no such thing as being too careful. We all want to ensure our children are in the best hands possible at all times. Therapy can be a large part of our weekly routines, so knowing who your child is spending that time with is important.
Here at The Place for Children with Autism, your child is in good hands with our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). In this post we’ll introduce you to the RBT and BCBA roles so you know what to expect.
ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is the leading methodology proven to bring about positive changes in the behavior of children with autism. ABA therapy focuses on principles such as positive reinforcement that indicate how learning takes place.
Through years of research, people working with ABA have developed methods of learning that encourage beneficial behavior, and reduce instances of potentially harmful and repetitive behaviors. Techniques used in ABA therapy are best utilized in structured settings like a classroom to enable the learning of positive behavior in an effective and intensive way. BCBAs and RBTs are the highly trained professionals that administer ABA therapy here at The Place for Children with Autism.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts
A BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, which is a credential awarded by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). A BCBA is the gold standard to indicate that a person is qualified to oversee a program in behavior analysis. BCBAs supervise RBTs and other behavior analysts while abiding by a strict code of ethics that guides their every move.
As it relates to ABA services for autism, a BCBA identifies the areas of deficit or need that impede a person on the spectrum’s ability to function on or at pace with their peers. They also take the lead on creating a specified lesson on how to teach that skill based on the individual’s existing repertoire, motivators, and skills. In essence, they create and evaluate your child’s individualized program and take the lead on strategy and goal-setting. BCBAs are the dedicated behavioral experts steering the course of your child’s healthy development.
Registered Behavior Technicians
The therapist level certification for providing behavior analysis services is called the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). RBTs, commonly referred to as therapists, are responsible for running and implementing the lessons developed by the BCBA with the children on the spectrum. At The Place for Children with Autism, all behavior technicians are required to complete the RBT coursework in addition to their standard training and gain their certification within 90 days. RBTs instruction and lesson content are all provided to them, along with the method for collecting data needed to evaluate the effectiveness of each program.
As a parent, most interactions will be with the BCBA, while most of the child’s interactions will be directly with the behavior technician. That means RBTs are especially well-versed in working directly with your child on the day to day. Their skills are honed to make your child comfortable while fostering independence and healthy behavioral development.
Interested in learning more about these roles or applying to join the team at The Place for Children with Autism? Visit our Careers Page.
For more ABA and autism related news and tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on our contact page, visit our blog, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We’re always here to answer your questions and support your family’s needs as best as we can.
