In the realm of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, Behavior Therapists (also known as Behavior Technicians (BTs) and
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT®s), play a crucial role in helping individuals with autism, developmental disorders, or behavioral challenges lead fulfilling lives. BTs and RBT®s are instrumental in implementing behavior analytic interventions that are designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). ABA therapy, also known as Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, is an effective treatment for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. ABA is the science of learning, using concepts such as reinforcement and operational conditioning to increase behaviors.
What is a Behavior Therapist’s Role In ABA Therapy?
Behavior Therapists are key players in ABA therapy. BTs are the superheroes of the ABA world, swooping in to save the day with their bag of behavior-changing tricks. BTs work one-on-one with clients, implementing interventions and strategies to help them reach their goals. With their supervising BCBA
(Board Certified Behavior Analyst) there to assess and create individualized goals for clients and provide supervision and support, the BT is given a lot of tools to help their clients succeed and exceed their potential. Whether it is reinforcing positive behaviors or gently extinguishing not-so-great ones, behavior therapists are the masters of making progress happen.
BTs and RBT®s have great responsibilities when working with their clients: they teach various skills in the areas of communication, socialization, and daily living skills, all while creating a fun, safe, and interactive atmosphere. The behavior therapist collects data on these skills and on behavior goals accurately so that progress can be monitored and data-driven decisions can be made. The BCBA monitors and analyzes that data to determine if the child is making progress, and if the intervention does not demonstrate success, the BCBA works with the behavior therapist (as well as the child and family) to determine a different course of action. That is the beauty of ABA- it is science and teaching all mixed together in one amazing therapy! The behavior therapist also must follow the
BIP, or behavior intervention plan, to teach their clients new and more effective ways of communicating, while reducing challenging behaviors.
How does Behavior Therapist Teach?
The
BT utilizes ABA techniques such as positive reinforcement, functional communication training, natural environment teaching, discrete trial training, and proactive strategies to help their clients live their best lives.
Insurance-based ABA therapy is amazing for the client and their family because it is provided through the child’s health insurance, which minimizes the cost to the family. ABA therapy takes place at the client’s home so that skills can be taught in their natural environment, and this is an immense help to our families. Insurance-based ABA is done outside of school hours and focuses on the client’s communication, socialization, and daily living skills, and addressing their behaviors, rather than focusing on academics. Some of the benefits of the behavior therapist position are that the schedule is flexible (mainly afternoons, evenings, and weekends), you get to have fun while you work (yes, playing games can be part of your job!), and get paid for it too! The best part of this position is witnessing your clients make progress and reach their goals- there is no better feeling!
So, what does it take to be a behavior therapist?
Well, you must have a desire to help people, a strong sense of compassion, and the ability to have fun and make people smile! However, it is not all about giving stickers and high-fives (though those are nice, too): you will need to learn about behavior analytic concepts like reinforcement, the functions of behaviors, discrete trials, and NET teaching. ABA agencies, including Achieve Beyond, provide training to become a behavior therapist and RBT®, and your BCBA will support you along the way.
- The RBT® (Registered Behavior Technician) is a formally certified position that is recognized by the BACB, the governing body in the United States for behavior analysis. To become an RBT®: 40 hours of behavior analytic coursework,
- Assessment on their skills working with a client by a BCBA,
- Take and Pass a written test.
Once certified as an RBT®, Registered Behavior Technicians follow an ethics code and must be supervised by a BCBA at least 5% per month.
Behavior Technicians Have Career Growth Potential
The demand for qualified Behavior Technicians is on the rise. Job opportunities exist in a variety of settings, including in clients’ homes, clinics, and in the community. Career advancement in the field of ABA is a strong possibility, as BTs find this path so worthwhile and fascinating that they continue a path to become BCBA and receive their supervision hours while working as a behavior therapist.
Being a behavior therapist in ABA insurance-based therapy is more than just a job – it is a chance to unleash your inner superhero!
You have the power to transform lives, one session at a time. It is not just about the paycheck, the flexible schedule, or the location; it is about the impact you make. So, if you are ready to dive into a rewarding career where every day is an opportunity to make a difference, consider a position as a behavior therapist!
