Reflections of a Behavior Technician in
Benefits of Obtaining Hands-On Experience in the Field
I’ve always had an interest in psychology and behavior. So getting to have real life field experience with those on the autism spectrum, I thought would help broaden my horizons and my knowledge in the field
The Best Part of Training
My favorite part of the training was overlapping. Getting out into the field or at least seeing what field work was like (vs. the behavior technician job description). I really enjoyed immediately getting to see the personalities of our clients, and all of what we do. How a session is run as well as getting to see firsthand, through modeling from our own Behavior Technicians, how our training is brought into the field.
The Favorite Moment
My favorite moment has to do with my first client, because they were really hard to work with at first. They were a very unique case, a pretty hard case. So after two weeks of building a rapport, it was still tough to get them to do independent trials. The moment we got the first independent trial, I was REALLY happy. We were both excited actually and I think that added to the moment. It was our first language building skill and they got a big lift up. It was probably one of my best moments out there. We were working on our vocal imitation skills. Mostly me repeating, ‘Ah’ for instance, and really trying to get that independently. We were working on all of our single syllable language skills. So when we got the first one it just kept on rolling and we got more and more, and that’s what added to that moment so that we could reinforce it. It was like the first time I could reinforce it heavily because he got it by himself.
Key Strength in ABA Therapy
I’d say being adaptable is my biggest strength (doing my job in ABA). Being able to adapt to the situation, just because every client is different, even though we have the same general reaction to behavior. When we praise a client, everyone likes it differently. Some like different reinforcers. Some of them have different problematic behaviors than others. I think being adaptable to the situation, and knowing when to act on certain things has been the most beneficial to me.
Advice for New Behavior Technicians in ABA Therapy
I would tell new Behavior Technicians starting jobs in ABA therapy to be adaptable. I’d say don’t be afraid to praise some things as well. Like some things seem super small. A client will say one new word, and I say not being afraid to praise that is a big motivation for our clients. It will help them to hone smaller skills as well. I think understanding them, especially during problematic behaviors, and understanding that it is neither your fault or their fault. Above all else, to treat these people as any neurotypical person. Establishing that kind of respect will help them build their own personality, and help with their behavior. That’s a big thing as well for new trainees.
Who we are
At ABSI, we are committed to helping children with autism. This is why we provide ABA for toddlers all the way through adulthood. We believe a consistent and specialized therapy plan is key to developing and reinforcing nurturing, positive, functional social skills in the home, school and community settings.
Our certified Behavior Technicians work with families to develop a therapy program specifically designed for clients and their families. It is our goal that what families and their children learn from us, will be the bedrock for a lifetime of learning that they continue to build upon.
In our continued high quality pledge for helping children with Autism, we believe in the highest level of training for our therapists.
All Behavior Technicians at ABSI receive their certification in CPR and as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) to ensure safety and premier therapy for your child with Autism.