Families living with Autism often wish they had a superhero on their side who could swoop in and answer questions, provide strategies, and offer support during transitions. Families who work with NYTPS already know our secret—those heroes are real, but they go by the title "Board Certified Behavior Analyst."
These educated professionals are experts at working with Autistic children to meet their goals. They're practitioners of Applied Behavior Analysis. ABA is an empirically driven approach to helping children with Autism learn skills and techniques that apply to real situations.
The right BCBA can be a partner, collaborator, and friend as you navigate a new diagnosis.
At NYTPS, we place families with passionate practitioners daily and feel lucky to observe each child's progress. We've created this guide to explain what makes BCBAs ideal partners for Autistic children and their families. We'll describe their qualifications and what happens in an ABA therapy setting.
ABA therapy changes lives. Read on to discover how great BCBAs work their magic.
Who Can Be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?
Every Board Certified Behavior Analyst (or BCBA) is an educated professional with a Master's degree. Many professionals have degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis. Others come from psychology or education backgrounds. All therapists must pass the BABC exam.
Before a professional can sit for this exam, they must have 2,000 supervised field hours. They spend these hours working directly with children with Autism and their families. Their educational programs and fieldwork as rigorous.
The organization holds candidates to high ethical standards. Future practitioners learn to engage in thoughtful, holistic practice in the field.
Even once certified, BCBAs are constantly learning and growing. They must recertify every two years and engage in continuing education. There are nearly 78,000 certified professionals in the United States today.
What Does a BCBA Do?
BCBAs are masters at using data to create a practical, effective treatment plan for your child. They are in constant communication with your child's other therapists and practitioners. They spend time coordinating services and care.
Their work ensures that children with Autism receive the assistance they need to thrive in any setting.
BCBAs also work one-on-one with the children in their care. They will use playful techniques to gather data about your child's abilities and needs. These sessions help them to create goals, communicate with the team, and advocate for your child.
Usually, the BCBA is the most qualified professional on your child's team. They serve as supervisors and trainers in schools and through agencies. They want to meet your child's unique needs, matching them with the perfect therapists and professionals.
BCBAs have training in Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA therapy.
What Is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy is the gold standard for behavior modification in special needs populations. It uses extensively researched, evidence-based theories to address behavioral needs. It is practical and playful, focusing on positive reinforcement for desired behaviors.
BCBAs and ABA therapists personalize their approach to every child. There is no one-size-fits-all method or script. Therapy is always as unique as your child.
One of the foundations of ABA therapy is the "ABC approach." These letters stand for antecedent, behavior, and consequence. In many cases, the "consequence" is a positive reinforcement, such as a preferred activity, token, prize, or privilege.
The focus is on behavior that impacts an Autistic person's daily life. They might focus on helping your child navigate challenging transitions during the school day.
They often teach practical skills for daily living, too. Techniques might include encouraging the use of adaptive scripts for novel social situations.
While there is no "wrong" way to experience or interact with the world, some behavior is more socially appropriate than others. BCBAs and ABA therapists help children learn the most appropriate way to achieve their desired outcomes. Furthermore, they make adjustments to the environment that help Autistic children thrive.
Benefits of ABA Therapy
Autism experts created the principles of ABA therapy in the 60s and 70s. The techniques involved have made this modality the ideal treatment for Autistic children and adults. Addressing every child as an individual creates meaningful, long-term changes in behavior that benefit everyone.
Here are a few of the top benefits of ABA therapy:
- Improves social skills
- Increased communication skills
- Builds focus and attention
- Provides tools for independent living
- Educates parents and caregivers
- Improves quality of life for children and their families
- Increases academic success
When you work with a BCBA, you're in charge of your child's goals. Therapy might focus on saying "please" and "thank you" or even on tying shoes.
Some children might focus on study and academic skills. Others will help with non-verbal
Your child's team might also include speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and educators. Every professional will focus on the same goals. With a BCBA at the helm, your child's needs will always be front and center.
A Great BCBA Can Change Your Life
If you've recently received an Autism diagnosis, you might feel like you're out to sea. The right board-certified behavior analyst is like a human life preserver who will give you and your child everything you need to feel secure in your new reality. Quality ABA therapy ensures that children with Autism can learn the skills they need to succeed in the classroom, the home, and beyond.
At NYTPS, we partner with the best BCBAs and ABA providers to help match families with the most talented and compassionate professionals. We want to help you connect with a BCBA who can offer the life-changing services your family deserves. Contact us today to learn more about working with a knowledgeable NYTPS professional.