Our Little World Treatment Center

Our Little World Treatment Center

WHAT DOES BCBA STAND FOR?

BCBA stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst. BCBA is a graduate-level certification that allows independent practitioners to provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services. The main role of a behavior analyst is to study the behavior of children with developmental disorders, including autism, and create personalized plans to improve or change problematic behaviors.

WHERE DO BCBAS WORK?

BCBAs work with children of all ages in a variety of settings such as schools, therapeutic preschool programs, hospitals, and private practices. A behavior analyst may also monitor the child’s behavior at home and in other environments.

WHAT DO BCBAS DO?

BCBAs have a wide variety of responsibilities, ranging from communication, assessment, and developing treatment plans to training and supervision.

COMMUNICATION

A large part of the BCBA’s role is communication with the child’s parents, teachers, members of the behavior analysis team, and other professionals, such as pediatricians, psychologists, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists. Effective communication will ensure that the BCBA is aware of the progress the child is making in different areas and the difficulties the child may be encountering during therapy.

CONDUCTING ASSESSMENT

BCBAs conduct initial consultations where they observe the child within individual and group settings and perform diagnostic assessments. This assessment will allow them to create an appropriate treatment plan suitable for the emotional, cognitive, and sensory needs of each child. BCBAs may also suggest additional treatment by other professionals, for example, speech or occupational therapists.

DEVELOPING INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT PLANS

Each child with autism is different and a treatment that might work well for one child may not be successful for another. That’s why BCBAs have to customize treatment plans to the child’s individual needs. Behavior analysts are also expected to do research and apply relevant findings in their treatment plans.

TRAINING

BCBAs conduct training of children with autism using different ABA techniques, such as positive reinforcement, prompt fading, shaping, and task analysis to reduce negative behaviors and teach substitute ones.

PARENT TRAINING

In addition to working with children, BCBAs offer autism parent training programs. These programs are intended to help families better understand the principles of ABA therapy and show them how they can best support their child at home and in other environments outside of the clinical setting.

SUPERVISION

One of BCBAs’ responsibilities is to supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and other professionals who implement ABA interventions to ensure that the child is receiving the appropriate treatment.

OTHER TASKS

In addition to the tasks listed above, BCBAs have a variety of other responsibilities, such as:

Review training effectiveness and progress

Offer support and feedback to families when it comes to managing challenging behaviors

Provide training to Assistant Behavior Analysts and Behavioral Technicians

Advocate for the inclusion of individuals with autism within society.

bacb.com for more information