When researching ABA therapy for autism, you will likely come across various acronyms associated with professionals in the field, such as BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and RBT (Registered Behavior Technician). These professionals are critical in supporting those with autism and addressing their behavioral growth.
At ABA Centers of New Jersey, we understand that these acronyms can get confusing, especially concerning who administers therapy for your child and why you should trust in their efforts to provide reliable autism care. In this blog, ABA Centers of New Jersey delves into the roles of RBTs and how they contribute to ABA therapy.
What Does Registered Behavior Technician Mean?
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are certified professionals who work under the supervision of BCBAs to assist in ABA therapy. RBTs receive specialized certification for working directly with individuals with autism. While they do not have an advanced degree, RBTs undergo additional coursework in ABA principles, implementing various treatment methods (such as discrete trial training, and task analysis), managing challenging behavior and ethics, and concluding with a certification exam.
RBTs primarily work with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including children, teenagers, and adults, and can work in clinics, homes, or community settings, providing one-on-one support.
What Are an RBT’s Responsibilities?
While BCBAs are responsible for identifying goals and developing treatment plans, RBTs play a significant role in achieving these goals during ABA therapy sessions. ABA therapy focuses on improving social skills and communication to develop and enhance socially significant behaviors. Such focus may involve helping individuals with autism perform tasks like at-home hygiene, ordering food, getting dressed, or other everyday activities. RBTs actively work with clients during ABA therapy sessions to develop such skills.
Additionally, RBTs are heavily involved in data collection, tracking, and measuring their clients’ progress with autism. RBTs record data for each program, maintain detailed descriptions of treatment plans, document progress, and identify areas that require further attention, information that becomes crucial for BCBAs to plan future ABA therapy sessions effectively.
How Does Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Fit?
While there is no cure for autism, ABA therapy has proven effective in improving the lives of those with autism. ABA therapy promotes socially significant behavior through positive reinforcement and, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), has gained widespread acceptance among healthcare professionals as a therapy option for autism. This acceptance derives from decades of research by programs dedicated to autism care and various organizations.
The primary goal of ABA therapy is to equip clients with autism with the necessary skills to navigate everyday social situations and effectively communicate with others. ABA therapy can benefit interactions in school, home, and professional settings, empowering folks with autism to thrive.
ABA therapy also helps identify the underlying causes of behaviors. Individuals with autism may struggle to express their emotions appropriately, impacting communication. ABA therapy provides tools to improve communication and manage emotions through alternative behaviors.
What Does Collaboration Between RBTs and ABA Therapy Look Like?
RBTs and BCBAs work with clients and caregivers to develop personalized therapy plans that address the unique needs and challenges of individuals with autism. Over time, as clients make progress, these professionals adjust the treatment plans accordingly. RBTs support clients in adapting to these new expectations.
RBTs closely collaborate with families to ensure that clients can effectively apply these skills learned during therapy in everyday life. This collaboration fosters improved communication within the family, strengthening relationships and reducing frustrations related to communication barriers.
What Makes an Effective RBT?
Effective communication skills are essential for RBTs to convey clients’ progress to parents, caregivers, clients, BCBAs, and other individuals involved in the client’s care. Organizational skills are crucial for RBTs to fulfill their responsibilities successfully. They may need to prepare materials for clients and observe and record the client’s behavior during ABA sessions.
Adaptability is another important quality for RBTs. Each client with autism is unique, and what works well for one may not work for another. RBTs must be flexible and adjust their approaches to suit each client’s needs. To do this, RBTs must get to know their clients, learn their unique traits and characteristics, bond with them socially, and be conscious of any specific challenges the client may face during therapy.
How Does Someone Become an RBT?
To become an RBT, individuals must complete at least 40 hours of training in the Registered Behavior Technician training program. Once they complete the program, the prospective individual becomes eligible to take the Registered Behavior Technician certification exam. Many BCBAs choose to become RBTs first, as it allows them to gain practical experience and work closely with individuals with autism and BCBAs while pursuing further studies.
Get Started with ABA Therapy at ABA Centers of New Jersey
When seeking ABA therapy options for your child, it is important to find a clinic that caters to the entire family’s needs with engaged and caring RBTs and BCBAs who will address your child’s specific needs and help them develop necessary skills.
ABA Centers of New Jersey provides comprehensive ABA therapy with a plan tailored to your child. Since effective ABA therapy prioritizes early intervention in children with ASD, there is no better time to start your ABA therapy journey than now. Contact us at (855) 613-0888 or visit our website to learn more about our services and to schedule a free consultation.