ABA
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What to Look for in a Behavior Analyst Applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs have much to offer individuals with autism, if they are delivered by knowledgeable and compassionate behavior analysts. But, how do you know if you have found someone who is ethical, competent and effective? Here are a few ideas to consider when trying to identify and work with behavior analysts. Professionals in this field are responsible for knowing how to successfully implement a wide range of assessment, intervention, and quality assurance methods. To do so requires extensive training including academic course- work, hands-on experience, and supervision. Years ago, parents and professionals had little guidance when trying to determine who was qualified to provide behavior analytic services. Fortunately, since 1999, the Behav- ior Analyst Certification Board TM (BACB) has been administering a voluntary certification program designed to ensure a minimum level of knowledge for those who practice ABA. The BACB offers 3 levels of certification for
those with doctoral, masters, and baccalaureate degrees. • Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral (BCBA-D) • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) • Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) Additionally, the BACB has developed standards for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) designation, which establishes training standards for behavior technicians, the paraprofessionals who implement behavior plans directly with clients. 5 IJT DFSUJGJDBUJPO JT B NBKPS BEWBODFNFOU GPS UIF QSPGFTTJPO BOE DPOTVNFST PG "#" TFSWJDFT BOE IBT CFDPNF JODSFBTJOHMZ JNQPSUBOU JO UIF "#" NBSLFUQMBDF 'PS FYBNQMF NBOZ TUBUF JOTVSBODF NBOEBUFT VTF UIF #"$# DSFEFOUJBMT BT FWJEFODF PG RVBMJGJDBUJPOT UP CF FMJHJCMFGPSJOTVSBODFSFJNCVSTFNFOU)FSFJO/FX+FSTFZ UIF %FQBSUNFOU PG #BOLJOH BOE *OTVSBODF IBT GPMMPXFE TVJU TUBUJOHUIBUB#$#"%PS#$#"NVTUBENJOJTUFSPS TVQFSWJTFSFJNCVSTBCMFTFSWJDFT *O UIF"QQMJFE#FIBWJPS"OBMZTU-JDFOTJOH"DUXBT TJHOFE JOUP MBX *O BEEJUJPO UP FTUBCMJTIJOH UIF #PBSE PG "QQMJFE #FIBWJPS "OBMZTU &YBNJOFST UIJT MBX XJMM TPPO SFRVJSFBMMXIPQSBDUJDFCFIBWJPSBOBMZTJTUPIPMEBMJDFOTF PSGBMMJOUPBOFYFNQUDBUFHPSZ"TPGUIJTXSJUJOH UIJT SFRVJSFNFOUJTOPUZFUJOFGGFDU BOEUIF#PBSEJTESBGUJOH SFHVMBUJPOT UIBU XJMM HPWFSO UIF QSPGFTTJPO BOE UIF BQQMJDBUJPOQSPDFTT
The criteria for this certification offer guidelines for consumers when choosing a behavior analyst. Here is a brief list of items to look for in a behavior analyst. (The term, “learner,” is used as an umbrella term for child, adult, student, client, etc.) A behavior analyst should: Spend time with the learner and those who play a role in his programming (parents, teachers, staff, etc.) to directly observe and gain an appreciation of the learner’s preferences and skills as well as the team’s values and goals.
Observe the learner on multiple occasions to become familiar with what the learner can do with and without intervention.
Conduct objective assessments that capture a true picture of the learner’s behavior.
Implement (or train others to implement) an intervention that: • Makes a meaningful difference in the learner’s life while minimizing risks • Is individualized • Is a good fit for the team implementing the procedures Collect and analyze data to describe the learner’s progress and ensure service accountability. 0WFSBMM BDUJOBDDPSEBODFXJUIUIF#"$#T1SPGFTTJPOBMBOE &UIJDBM$PNQMJBODF$PEFGPS#FIBWJPS"OBMZTUT XXXCBDCDPNXQDPOUFOUCBDCDPNQMJBODFDPEF
Resources Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) www.bacb.com . Website includes JOGPSNBUJPO for consumers and professionals regarding eligibility requirements, examination content, and professional FUIJDTDPEF 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO WJTJU UIF MJDFOTVSF CPBSET XFCQBHF IUUQTXXXOKDPOTVNFSBGGBJSTHPWBCBF1BHFTEFGBVMUBTQY PS DPOUBDU UIFN BU PS FNBJM BQQMJFECFIBWJPS!EDBOKPBHHPW
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