You may encounter many different therapists when on the road to seeking behavioral therapy or ABA therapy. Board-Certified Behavior Analyst’s (BCBA) are qualified practitioners in the field of behavior analysis. Suppose you’re new to ABA therapy and beginning to research services? In that case, you may be wondering about the role a BCBA plays in ABA therapy and how they differ from other therapists.
This guide will help you understand what a BCBA is, from their qualifications to ABA therapy’s importance. With a solid understanding of the qualifications and requirements of BCBAs and ABA therapists, you can then learn more about ABA therapy to see if the program is right for you or your child. Let’s start by defining what it means to be a BCBA.
What is a BCBA?
A BCBA is a board-certified behavior analyst in the healthcare profession who specializes in human behavior. The extensive training of BCBAs allows them to properly observe, supervise, and support behavioral issues by creating a specific care plan for each patient. BCBAs work to improve children and adults’ behavioral issues, ranging from social development, emotional issues, developmental disabilities such as autism disorder, and more.
Board Certification is a requirement to practice behavior analysis and is provided through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Certification displays a commitment to their practice and skill level. Let’s learn more about the specific qualifications necessary to become a board-certified behavior analyst.
BCBA Qualifications
BCBA psychologists make up a small percentage of practitioners of psychology. Specific qualifications are needed before they are qualified as a BCBA. An ABA therapist’s primary qualification to become a BCBA is an advanced degree such as a graduate degree in a behavior analysis-specified or education discipline. BCBA applicants can also complete a range of relevant board-specified courses. BCBA therapists abide by a professional code of ethics as determined by the American Board of Professional Psychology.
These guidelines teach practitioners several necessary skills when working in behavior therapy:
- How to design treatment programs
- How to provide consultation
- How to collaborate with other analysts and therapists
- How to accept clients
All in all, BCBAs have undergone advanced professional and educational training that allows them to provide a high-level of behavior expertise. These practitioners must recertify their BCBA status every two years. To learn more about the BCBAs at Blossom Wellness Behavioral Center, meet our team.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy focuses on applied behavior analysis to help patients breakthrough behavioral disorders and issues. By using simple actions, ABA therapy introduces a foundation for correct and appropriate behaviors. This specialized treatment can have a flexible plan that caters to each patient’s specific needs. ABA therapy uses these significant components to improve behavior:
- Positive reinforcement
- Antecedent, behavior, and consequence
- Planning and assessment
ABA therapists study the stimulus and responses of each patient’s behaviors. ABA therapy is a standard therapy used for patients with autism disorder. Under the ABA therapy umbrella exist many techniques in improving the behaviors of children and adults. Check out the generalization of applied behavior analysis to learn more about this type of therapy.
The Role of ABA Therapists
An ABA therapist’s role focuses on applied behavior analysis and principles, mainly related to children and adults with autism disorder. The basis of ABA therapy caters to the individual needs of each patient. ABA therapists offer psychological techniques and education to equip patients with autism or other behavioral disorders with the tools they need to function.
An ABA therapist works to refocus patients away from negative behaviors and focus on the positive outcomes of therapy, such as more vital social skills and improved communication. ABA therapists work under overarching programs that are designed by other behavior analysts, like BCBAs. Let’s learn more about how BCBAs play a role in ABA therapy.
The Role of BCBAs in ABA Therapy
In ABA therapy, your day-to-day ABA therapist acts under the supervision of a BCBA. The BCBAs have the task of designing the overall program design for ABA therapy. This team of ABA therapy experts works to provide an ideal program and environment to help your child thrive. An ABA therapist works under a BCBA’s guidance, who designs overarching programs for staff and students or clients.
Practitioners with board certification may work in various therapeutic settings and help many different types of patients. With their extensive education and experience, BCBAs play an essential role in helping patients in ABA therapy. BCBAs set the standards for ABA therapy practices. Learn more about how BCBAs contribute to ABA therapy here.
Common ABA Therapy Approaches
Your BCBA and ABA therapist may take several different therapeutic approaches, depending on each patient’s specific behavior needs.
Here are a few examples of common therapeutic approaches you might expect in ABA therapy:
- Functional Communication Skills
- Social Skills
- Independent Daily Living Skills
These approaches represent a fraction of the programs and techniques for behavioral analysis. If you are interested in learning more about other therapy services provided by the Blossom Wellness Behavioral Center read more about our multidisciplinary approach.
When is the Right Time to Seek ABA Therapy?
Early intervention is critical when it comes to changing and influencing behaviors. If you are noticing early symptoms of developmental disorders, seek the counsel of a professional psychologist. A psychologist or medical doctor can refer your child to ABA therapy, where they will work under the care of ABA therapists, BCBAs, and other behavior experts.
ABA therapy helps patients with behavior disorders to grow socially, emotionally, and mentally stronger. If you’re interested in starting therapy for yourself or your child, you can get started with an online consultation form. After reviewing your form, we can determine the next steps in seeing if ABA therapy is the right approach for your needs.
When it comes to ABA therapy, let Blossom Children’s Center qualified specialists offer our support and expertise.
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