Applied Behavior Analysis is pretty much the best thing going for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It’s got this rep as the top-notch way to help out, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. It’s all about getting how a kid’s actions tie into what’s happening around them like, why they do what they do. From there, it’s about teaching them cool new stuff they can use, while working on calming down some of the trickier behaviors. In the end, it’s about helping them stand on their own two feet a bit more, find some joy, and live a life that feels good to them.
I’m Chelsea, I’m a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). I work one-on-one with kids, making sure they have a fun time while we tackle their behavior plans. Those plans come from Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), who team up with families to figure out what each kid needs—like better social skills, communication, or cutting back on repetitive stuff that’s holding them back. My job? Take those plans and bring them to life, whether we’re at the clinic, their house, or out in the community. I get to work with all ages, from tiny toddlers to teenagers, which keeps things interesting!
A Day in the Life of a RBT Working as an ABA Therapist
A Day in the Life of an RBT
Each day begins with a check-in with the client’s family. Understanding how their day is going and any key considerations helps me tailor my approach for the session.
A typical session may include:
- Visiting the toy library to pick up reinforcers motivators that help encourage positive behavior.
- Working on a variety of skills, including communication, social interaction, and self-care tasks like toileting and brushing teeth.
- Conducting Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET) to teach cognitive, social, and motor skills.
- Addressing food sensitivities, dietary constraints, or developing gross motor skills through structured play.
While it may seem like play, every activity is thoughtfully designed to help children progress toward their developmental goals.
Overcoming Challenges as an RBT
According to me being an RBT is both rewarding and as well as demanding. Some days are a real challenge. Keeping up with a super energetic kid takes a lot, and when they’re having a rough day, it can turn into my rough day too. We’re often dealing with things like tantrums, running off, aggression, or breaking stuff. As the RBT, I’ve got to keep them safe and everyone around them while staying on my toes the whole time. Wrapping Up the Day
At the end of a session, I usually sit down with the family and my BCBA to go over how it went. We talk about the wins like if they nailed a goal or the hiccups we hit. Since I’m the one with the kid the most, I get to team up with my BCBA to tweak the plan if something’s not clicking. It’s cool to share what’s working and bounce ideas around on how we can make things even better. Why I Love
Working with BCBAs
One of the best parts of this gig is the BCBAs I work with. They’ve got my back, not just with the kids but in helping me grow too. On any day, I might tweak a kid’s plan with them, get feedback on my own goals, or even dive into some research we’re doing together. They’re always pushing me to level up whether it’s through workshops or just chatting about the job. I’ve been lucky to have mentors who’ll stick with me for years, and they’ve even inspired me to go for my BCBA certification.
Chasing My BCBA Dream
Right now, I’m studying for the BCBA exam, and I’m surrounded by awesome people who get it. There’s this whole community of behavior analysts who help me with clients, answer my random questions, and even study with me. Some are grinding through their master’s programs and practicum hours, just like me. It’s tough, but with all this support like at CC Alba you never feel like you’re on your own.
The Rewarding Impact of ABA Therapy
This job can be hard, no doubt, but man, it’s worth it. Those breakthrough moments? Like when a kid finally says what they need, or a family gets to go on vacation together for the first time, or a client “graduates” from ABA ready to take on the world those are everything. That’s when I know being an RBT is making a real difference.
Every day, I am reminded of the power of ABA therapy in transforming lives. It is a field where you can think big, have fun, and make a difference and that’s what makes being an RBT so special.